News announcements from SAE

Mercedes-Benz Technology (MBtech Group) has agreed to provide simulation, modeling, and testing services to Chrysler Group. With extensive automotive simulation and modeling experience, MBtech will implement hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) for Chrysler. Activities will include multi-site support for HIL labs, creation of models to support future software and hardware features, development of test strategies for automated testing, and consultation on development of next-generation HIL testing systems. www.mbtech-group.com.

IPG Laser claims to have installed the world's first 17-kW fiber laser at the new Test Center for Aluminum Alloy Welding (Centr-Al) at BIAS in Bremen, Germany. The test center will use the YLR-17000 fiber laser for deep penetration and high-speed welding of different materials for aircraft, aerospace, automotive, transportation, and shipbuilding applications. www.ipgphotonics.com.

Intertek ETL Entela has unveiled plans for a new automotive component and systems test lab in Shanghai. Located in the Pudong region of Shanghai, the 40,000-ft² facility will provide a range of automotive performance tests for electronics, audio, and interior components. Test will include vibration (sine, random, shock), thermal aging (walk-in chambers, drive-in chambers), thermal cycling, programmable chamber exposures, temperature, humidity, and BSR (buzz, squeak, rattle). In the future, Intertek hopes to add EMC testing and multi-axis vibration/accelerated stress testing. www.entela.com.

Applied Dynamics International released the PCI-RTA line of I/O boards for real-time sensor emulation, development testing, and acceptance testing of electronic control modules (ECMs). Used with the company's rtX real-time simulation computer, the boards emulate analog output devices such as strain-gauge sensors, high-voltage ratiometric devices, thermistor sensors, low-voltage analog sensors such as oxygen sensors, and very-low-voltage sensors such as thermocouples. www.adi.com.