More 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Moving-belt road simulation

In March 2001, FKFS will conduct its first customer tests with a new road simulation system in both of its automotive wind tunnels. The firm will use narrow moving-belt systems between the wheels, with four single-wheel rotation units and four restraint struts attached to the car rocker panels. For the local floor movement of up to 250 km/h (155 mph) in the 22.5-m2 (240-ft2) full-scale wind tunnel, the company selected two roller SST-belt systems from MTS with air bearing belt supports. The centerbelt is 6 m (20 ft) long with variable width and is integrated into a new turntable. The small wheel rotation units permit the determination of rolling resistance of the vehicle, which is also free to move on its spring, via the integrated gauges. Measurements are suitable for different vehicle and tire sizes. A road simulation close to that of a wide-belt system is achieved using distributed boundary-layer suction around the vehicle, with tangential blowing at particular locations.

Intelligent interface

CANview GSM/GPS from the RM Company uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine its position worldwide. Using CAN bus technology, this information can be transmitted to the device to which the CANview GSM/GPS is connected. A user can also track the device's position via GSM telecommunication services (data transmission, SMS, e-mail). Access to CANview is realized by standardized instruction sets that allow CAN bus, GPS, and GSM device-specific commands to be concealed from each other. The technology makes it possible to establish a connection between a mobile device with SMS, an e-mail PC, a fax machine, or a PC with modem and the CANopen network, which can be located in any country with GSM Net. This link can be used to receive or request error messages of a CAN bus device or determine its position.

Diesel particulate monitor

The TEOM Series 1105 Diesel Particulate Monitor from Rupprecht & Patashnick helps engine manufacturers meet the new diesel particulate emissions requirements. The monitor provides a view of the combustion process to identify the conditions that create unacceptable particulate levels through real-time measurements of mass concentration, mass rate, and total mass. Measurement outputs are provided in spreadsheet-compatible files, analog voltage outputs, bidirectional RS-232 configurations supporting the AK protocol, parallel printers, or video displays. The monitor's TEOM platform never requires mass calibration, and the monitor easily intregrates with test-cell computers for central data logging and remote operation.

Signal conditioner and display

S. Himmelstein & Co.'s new 700 Series multichannel signal conditioner, display, and controller handles one or two transducers plus real-time calculations. It accepts inputs from strain gauge transducers (torque, rotary-transformer-coupled, and slip-ring), load cells, and pressure transducers as well as pulse inputs from speed pickups, encoders, and flow meters. Features include a 16-character alphanumeric display, automatic calibration, engineering unit scaling, 2000 Hz sample rate per channel including max/min update, 16 bit A/D, 0.01% resolution, selectable low pass filters per channel, 18 acquisition and control functions, RS 232/RS 485 serial communications, and settings stored to EEPROM.

Crankshaft starter generator

Sachs' DynaStart crankshaft starter generator (CSG) is based on a special synchronous motor with permanent magnet excitation and represents a power source for 42-V vehicle electrical systems. Design features of the CSG include an external rotor, a large air gap of 1 to 1.5 mm (0.04 to 0.06 in), field excitation by NdFeB magnets, a high number of pole pairs, and a simple single-tooth winding. The motor meets the specific requirements for CSG applications including a good field-weakening range up to approximately 1:40, a low battery current of 100-300 A for starting, a high level of electrical power available at the combustion engine's idling speed, efficiency of over 85%, and small electronic control unit with phase currents between 300 and 600 A.

Multimedia platform

In the field of vehicle communications, SAGEM relies on its body electronic control unit developments and those made by its communications activity for voice and data transmission by radio links using GSM/GPRS. The firm is presenting its multimedia platform, which brings those fields together, opening the door to a large number of services currently in the vehicle deployment phases. Equipped with the latest technologies, the platform fits into an ISO volume on the dashboard of any vehicle. For the driver interface, it combines a display screen with audio devices (microphone and loudspeakers). It is built around a high-performance control unit and is equipped with a GSM/GPRS communication modem, a GPS, and a voice interface for both synthesis and recognition. The platform opens the door to a host of functions and services, including an Internet link, driver assistance, and navigation distributed via the Internet.

Flexible circuitry

Sheldahl produces an array of flexible circuitry and material solutions for automotive applications. Featured solutions include optically clear, over-molded, and hidden antennas; indium tin oxide materials for heaters and touch screens; high-density packaging for telematics applications; PEN circuitry for use with surface-mount technology light-emitting diodes; and Density Patch hybrid flex circuitry.

Integrated starter generator

Siemens Automotive claims that its Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) technology will provide significant fuel economy gains in future vehicles, as has already been demonstrated with ISG-equipped test vehicles in real-world driving conditions. The ISG system, which will be the first of its kind to reach production, will be a supplemental power plant application on a European small car platform in the next model year. It replaces the conventional starter, generator, and flywheel of the engine, its compact dimensions allowing it to be placed directly on the crankshaft between the engine and transmission. It provides an auxiliary function as a convenient automatic vehicle start/stop system for further improved fuel efficiency. The components of the system are not subject to wear and tear and are maintenance-free because of the system's brushless stator and rotor design. The system also will assist the transition from 14- to 42-V vehicle electrical systems by increasing the power supply to drive the ever-increasing content of electronics technologies in vehicles. The ISG reaches a peak generator output of 8 kW (11 hp) with an efficiency of more than 80% across the entire speed range compared to an output of 1.5 kW (2 hp) with a maximum efficiency of 70% for conventional generators.

More 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10