Test Cell Applications

Automotive mechanical components require a rigorous testing throughout the development process. These components must be tested for durability and performance independently and as part of a complete vehicle. Two widely used tools for the testing of automotive components include the dynamometer and a servo-hydraulic system. With a dynamometer, a rotating component is subjected to a controlled load to determine how that piece of equipment will handle different working conditions. A servo system allows you to apply spatial movements and strains in order to simulate the real world environment in which a component will be placed. Other tests such as durability and noise, vibration, and harshness are also required. The NI Automotive Test Platform provides a flexible and scaleable test architecture that accommodates this range of technical requirements in a cost-effective manner, throughout the product lifecycle, from design validation through manufacturing to service.

Benefits of NI's Automotive Test Platform for Test Cell applications

• Reduced cost
• Increased flexibility and scalability
• Reduced size
• Improved performance
• Improved productivity
• Reduced time-to-market
• Global service and support

Let National Instruments help you improve your testing process. We have multiple options to ensure that you will be successful in implementing your test system.

• Build a system
• Find an integrator
• Buy a system

Build a System with NI Tools

See how you can use NI products to configure Test Cell Applications.

Application Configurations and Downloads

• Achieve Flexibility in Your Automotive Dynamometer Applications -- This white paper describes a flexible platform for dynamometer tests that you can build using National Instruments products.
• Gearing with ValueMotion Servo

Customer Solutions and Case Studies

Engine

• Developing a Dual-Dynamometer Road Load Simulator for Heavy-Duty Tracked Vehicles
• Inertia Research Develops Cost-Effective LabVIEW Real-Time Engine Dynamometer Controller
• Developing a Low-Cost Engine Testing System Using LabVIEW and FieldPoint
• Redesigning and Implementing an Engine Exhaust Simulator with National Instruments LabVIEW and PXI
• NI Products Enable Rapid Development of Cam and Crank Timing Test Cart
• Emissions Testing Fuel Handling System
• Engine Knock Analyzer
• Automotive ATF Test and Analysis Systems Use LabVIEW and DAQ
• Measuring Internal Combustion Engine In-Cylinder Pressure with LabVIEW
• Diesel Engine Fuel-Injection Measurement System
• Team Torsional Vibration Damper System

Transmissions

• Automated Test System for Remanufactured Truck Transmissions
• Vehicle Transmission Error Measurement System

Components

• Implementing State-of-the-Art Test Systems for Toyoda TRW Automotive Pumps
• LabVIEW RT manages an endurance test bench for Renault engine components
• Development of a Glow Plug Endurance Test System
• Actuator Performance and Reliability Test System
• Automated Test Stand for Otto- and Diesel Engine Waterpumps
• Machine Control and Data Acquisition of a Torque Converter Test Stand Using LabVIEW™
• Automotive ATF Test and Analysis Systems Use LabVIEW and DAQ
• Automating Torsional Compliance Testing of Steering Column Linkages
• Testing Automotive Body Hardware with Virtual Instrumentation
• Automating Functionality Tests on Car Doors at Saab Automobile

Find a System Integrator

If you have time constraints and limited internal resources, we have the answer for you! Our Alliance program has many integrators that have developed systems for test cell applications.

USA

• VI Engineering
• Wineman Technology
• Link Engineering

Europe

• SEA Datentechnik

Buy a Turnkey System

Speed your time-to-market by purchasing a complete, pre-built system from a National Instruments partner.

• Mapro Test Systems
  The Mapro CM400 Servo-hydraulic controller based on LabVIEW RT and PXI can be used in a variety of servo applications.
  
  
• Inertia Research
  The Inertia software utility based on LabVIEW RT is designed for a variety of test cell applications such as dynamometers and servo-hydraulics.
  
  
• Sakor
  SAKOR has developed a LabVIEW-based test cell control system, DynoLab PT, which is used in conjunction with NI hardware such as PXI and FieldPoint.
  
  
• Advanced Measurements
  The Engine Accessory & Drive System Tester from Advanced Measurements based on LabVIEW Real-time and PXI can be used for such applications as component durability, component performance, pump testing, and transmission testing.
  
  
• OPTIMUM Power Technology
  OPTIMUM Power Technology offers multiple cost-effective solutions for in-cylinder pressure measurement and combustion analysis based on NI LabVIEW and either USB, PXI- or PCI-based DAQ hardware.