Mechatronic Test Bench Brings Test Track into the Lab

June 7th, 2006

dSPACE and MTS Systems Corp. have co-developed a vehicle test bench that is capable of significantly reducing development time for electrical and electromechanical systems, including chassis and powertrain, while improving vehicle performance and safety characteristics.

The Mechatronic Development and Validation (MDV) Bench uses a real-time, vehicle dynamics simulation model with active vehicle suspension to create realistic and repeatable maneuvers that can be used for performance validation. The MDV Bench, which was demonstrated for the first time at the recent Automotive Testing Expo 2006 Europe in Stuttgart, Germany, is used to analyze a vehicle’s dynamic behavior under varying environmental and road conditions.

By relying less on the proving ground and more on the test lab, system engineers can achieve the time and cost savings necessary to support a greater volume and variety of test scenarios. The MDV Bench also enables vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to have greater insight into potential issues early in the product development and validation process.

MDV Benches can be used throughout the development and validation phases of the vehicle product development cycle to support system identification, algorithm development and calibration.

A more repeatable and productive alternative to track testing, MDV Benches introduce precise force and motion to the development and validation processes of electronics, software or physical components of mechatronic systems. This capability enables OEMs and suppliers to reduce warranty risks, while improving vehicle performance and safety characteristics.

Additional information on dSPACE and MTS can be found on the Internet at http://www.dspaceinc.com and http://www.mts.com .

Entry Filed under: Simulation