Brochure Hardware Interface Insert

Accutest has developed a flexible hardware-in-the-loop testing system. This follows a wealth of experience in relation to successful installations of bespoke hardware and software test solutions for major Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.

validATE offers a solution to all those engineers looking to test the functionality of an ECU, or to exercise multiple ECUs simultaneously. Flexible and easy to use by the implementation of drag and drop components, validate allows the engineer to develop a test program without having to write the code. Once the test steps have been selected and specified, the code is auto generated by the indigenous Accutest software package – ATLAS. The generated code runs on CANoe software which in turn drives the validATE hardware.

The integral use of the CANoe software allows the user to simulate the rest of the vehicle (or appropriate network system) and builds on the client’s existing software investment.

Ideal for most development and production test situations, validATE is a cost effective, modular system, using a combination of powerful software tools and flexible hardware interfaces to develop, sequence and execute testing, providing a scaleable solution to all environmental, production testing and validation needs and in turn contributing to the improvement in meeting deadlines.

With simple test step resequencing, validate can change its program functionality from software validation to hardware-in-the-loop testing.

validATE incorporates Accutest ATLAS software to provide a user-friendly test development environment. This, together with Vector’s CANoe software, allows test engineers to rapidly develop and maintain test programs for products communicating over CAN, LIN, MOST and FlexRay bus networks.

Main Features Of

• Up to 32 CAN/LIN/MOST/FlexRay channels
• Configurable analogue and digital I/Os
• Diagnostics on CAN (ISO 15765)
• KWP2000 diagnostics (ISO 14230)
• PWM outputs and inputs
• Controllable relay driver boards
• Controllable resistor ladder boards
• Easy to use front end control package
• Remote test activation and external control for start and test sequences
• Utilises Vector’s CANoe software
• Optional National Instrument’s hardware
• Powerful integrated PC (optional)
• Programmable power supplies (optional)
• Interchangeable input and output interfaces

The system is available as a total software and hardware package or individual elements are available as required. An example of a customer installation of validATE

Uses Of

• Black box testing
• Hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Software validation
• Software and hardware testing
• Environmental testing
• EMC chamber testing
• Production line testing
• Adaptable for all pre-production and end of line testing
• Diagnostics validation testing
• Life cycle testing

Hardware Interface for validATE

Validation in an Automated Test Environment

Accutest has developed a scaleable hardware interface for signal conditioning within validATE - a flexible hardware-in-the-loop system which improves testing accuracy and reduces testing time and costs.

The interface includes:

• validATE Low Power Relay Card
• validATE Resistor Ladder Card
• validATE Digital Input Card
• validATE High Power Relay Card

validATE Low Power Relay Card

This board provides 16 channels of digital outputs. Each channel has opto-isolation to isolate the TTL signals from the higher current signals. The relays are SPDT and have three connections brought to the front connector.

validATE Resistor Ladder Card

This board provides a resistance level that is controlled via 16 digital output lines. There are three different configurations available, i.e. 4-bit ladder, 8-bit ladder or a 16-bit ladder. This allows combinations to be produced of 4x4-bit ladders, 2x8-bit ladders or 1x16-bit ladder. Also it is possible to have 2x4-bit ladder and 1x8-bit ladder, etc. Each ladder is capable of having a single fixed resistance in addition to the switch-able resistances. All the resistors that make up the ladder are mounted in DIL carriers so that they can be changed easily. The board can have 4x12Way carriers or 2x24Way carriers.

validATE Digital Input Card

This board allows 8 channels of opto-isolated digital inputs. The card is intended to be plugged into the two 8 bit channels on the backplane, but can be used in the 16 bit channels if required. This card also has the capability to include a pull-up or a pull-down resistor mounted on the board. Feedback can also be provided to the user in the form of 8 LEDs that are front mounted.

validATE High Power Relay Card

This board offers 8 channels of digital outputs. Each channel has opto-isolation to isolate the TTL signals from the high current signals. The relays are SPDT and have all three connections brought to the front connector. This is considered an 8-bit digital card and as such can be used in either slot 1 or 2 on the backplanes of either system although it is also possible to connect in into any 8 or 16-bit digital slot.

Additional card types can be supplied in accordance to customer specification.