Pickering fault-insertion modules aid automotive test
-- Test & Measurement World, 4/25/2008 7:56:00 AM
Joining Pickering Interfaces' family of PXI-based fault-insertion modules are two units that provide a compact solution for simulating both high-current and low-current faults when testing control systems. The 40-193 and 40-194 fault-insertion switch modules are especially useful for hardware-in-the-loop automotive testing applications.
Each 3U PXI module provides seven channels. Each channel can be opened (to simulate an open circuit) or shorted to one or two fault connections (such as ground or battery supply). Channels can also be shorted together to simulate other types of wiring faults.
The 40-193 and 40-194 employ electromechanical relays with current ratings of 20 A at 16 VDC. The 40-194 has additional circuitry that enables it to not only switch high-current loads, but also low-current loads, overcoming the problem of high-current relays that require a minimum current to wet the contacts after prolonged hot-switching events.
Modules are built to ensure robust operation over many test cycles, and each allows faults to be hot-switched into the system while tests are running—useful for finding controller system response to intermittent fault occurrences. Both units include software support for LabView RT and the QNX real-time operating system.
Pickering Interfaces, www.pickeringtest.com.
