At Pickering, we understand you folks in the automotive
and
aerospace industries have the most challenging electronic testing requirements. Since 1988, we have designed and manufactured commercial and custom switching and simulation systems and instrumentation for a wide range of diverse functional test and hardware-in-the-loop simulation applications to help in the test and validation of automotive and aerospace electronics. Take a look below to learn about these solutions and take a look at our video:
Video:
Automated Fault Insertion and its Role in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation
Our Switching & Simulation Solutions for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation Applications Include:
PXI Fault Insertion Unit (FIU) Switching for Fault Insertion Testing
These FIU switch products can be used to introduce electrical faults into a system—this test process typically duplicates
various conditions which could occur because of corrosion, short/open circuits and other electrical failure
inherited through age, damage or even faulty installation.
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PXI Programmable Resistors for Sensor Simulation
A Hardware-in-the-Loop system employed to test an ECU needs to simulate the behavior of these sensors as
accurately as possible to ensure the ECU behaves on the test bench exactly as it would in the real-world.
Take a look at our PXI programmable resistor modules developed to help test system designers achieve
these goals.
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PXI Millivolt Thermocouple Simulators for Sensor Simulation
These simulators provide 32, 24, 16 or 8 channels of accurate low sources. They are ideal for the simulation of thermocouples
and can be used for sensor emulation in ECU testing. The channels can be operated with one of three voltage
ranges covering most thermocouple types. We can also supply connection solutions allowing the easy integration
of the Thermocouple Simulator into your test system.
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PXI LVDT, RVDT, Resolver Simulators for Sensor Simulation
Increase test flexibility and reduce cost with this high-performance simulators. More versatile than competing products,
replacing multiple products with just one that fits into a single PXI slot. They can handle up to four
channels of 5/6-Wire LVDT/RVDT or Resolver or eight channels of 4-Wire LVDT/RVDT simulation.
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Modular Breakout Systems
This Modular Breakout System combines a BoB feature set with the added flexibility of an FIU. By mating the
FIU chassis directly to the BoB using our plug-in modules, cabling is minimized, creating a more compact
reliable design and improving signal integrity.
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Whose fault is it when ECU's go wrong?
Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are ever-present in today's automotive and aerospace industries. They are increasingly being
used in safety-critical applications that demand the highest reliability in environments where undesirable behavior cannot
be tolerated - the failure of an ECU to act in an appropriate manner under emergency conditions could pose a threat to
life and/or property. Ensuring these demands are unconditionally met requires significant investment in test procedures
and documentation.
An ECU relies on information from a set of sensors and controls to decide what to do with the device it is managing. These
sensors are themselves often working in extremely hostile environments (e.g. car or jet engines) and predictably failures
can occur in the sensors or their interconnections. The ECU has to respond appropriately to these component failures
as well as to genuine system faults. A jet engine needs to shut down if it catches on fi re, but should not shut down
if it is clear there is a sensor fault.
Another example of an ECU operating in a hostile environment is the automotive Powertrain Control Modules (PCMs). The PCM
is one of the most complex controllers in the modern vehicle and therefore requires rigorous testing of its functionality.
The consequences of PCM failure have greater significance in X-by-Wire applications (a collective term for the addition
of electronic systems into a vehicle to enhance and replace tasks that were previously accomplished via mechanical and
hydraulic systems such as braking or steering), placing increased importance upon these test methods.
In addition to these fault insertion switch and sensor simulation products, we also
offer a comprehensive range of supporting products:
Have a question or need more information?
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