Simulation Modules for Sensor Simulation
Pickering’s simulation modules are available in the industry-standard PXI platform. Our products can be used to test and validate controllers that rely on sensor inputs for correct operation—such as thermocouple sensors, temperature sensing, and measuring angular rotation, to name a few.
Does your test strategy require simulating environmental sensors, including temperature, pressure, altitude, movement, PLC/instrument communications and strain gauges?
As electronic devices get more intelligent, they require many sensors to provide data for decision-making and initiating the appropriate actions. When it comes to New Product Introduction (NPI) and manufacturing test, it can be challenging to use the actual sensors used with the device. So, these inputs are better simulated in test, making the test system smaller, faster, and potentially more accurate.
Simulating sensors allows test engineers to emulate changes in the physical environment without changing the environment itself. Sensor simulation is a highly efficient method for use in validating control algorithms. However, there needs to be a specific simulation capability for each sensor type.
For this reason, we offer an extensive range of PXI sensor simulation solutions, including:
- Programmable Resistors — ideal for the simulation of resistive sensors in medical, aerospace & automotive applications
- PT 100 and PT 1000 RTD Simulators – for simulation of resistance-based temperature sensors such as positive or negative temperature coefficient thermistors.
- Load Resistors – provide programmable resistive external loads of up to 15 watts that can be used in a PXI chassis
- Strain Gauge Simulators – used in mechanical systems to measure the tension or compression of structural components
- Thermocouple Simulators – provide multiple low-voltage sources ideal for simulating the operation of a thermocouple
- VDT Simulators – simulate the linear and rotational motion of LVDTs, RVDTs and Resolvers
- Analog Output/Current Loop Simulators – simulate the 4 to 20mA Current Loop communication used in industrial automation
summary
Why Use Pickering's Sensor Simulation Solutions
- Efficient design validation of control systems requires the ability to simulate real-world operating environments efficiently.
- It is often necessary to simulate fault conditions, such as wire breaks or shorts, to ensure that the control system behaves as expected.
- Simulating sensor outputs that feed the control system is much more effective than building models and changing the environmental settings.
- We have developed a broad and deep range of sensor simulation products that help design and validation engineers optimize their control algorithms.
- The range of products can fit into systems with many control options such as PXI, PXI Express, Ethernet/LXI and USB with Windows, Linux and Real-time application options.
