Quick Reference Guide | TestDrive Introduction

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What is TestDrive?

Automotive controller development is a complex process requiring several phases of verification and integration. TestDrive encloses hardware, software, and methods that are involved in an innovative simulator to be used on laboratory benches for the development of controllers for automotive applications.

TestDrive allows the development of controllers such as the engine, transmission, and chassis controllers. When connected to a controller, TestDrive mimics transducers or analyzes signals that are generated by the controller. As TestDrive is designed to accommodate several operating voltage ranges for input and output signals, it can accommodate any controller development project. Below is an illustration of TestDrive in its working environment.

TestDrive enables the operators to insert different modules in the simulator's chassis. Additionally, the Tactile Interface Module, which is the front part of the simulator's chassis, is equipped with a tablet PC running the TestDrive Interface allowing the operators to configure the different modules composing the system with ease. The TestDrive Interface provides the flexibility to display user-customizable panels. TestDrive can be accessed from remote PC stations allowing the users to control the simulator at a distance. The simulator is a PC running on QNX operating system to permit real-time simulation.

TestDrive provides all the features and functions that are supplied by the current static simulators and incorporates the new features and functions that are desired by the user community. These features include, among others, scalability, and flexibility to allow automotive companies to test all their new controllers.

The system exhibits the following capabilities and benefits:

Highly automated, flexible, and autonomous
Modular, as the electronic board has been designed by function type
Scalable, as several modules of the same type can be inserted into the system
Distributed, referring to its architecture
Extensive, as to its test menus
Highly diagnosable, using optional Data Acquisition Module
Remotely controllable
Easily configurable
Simple of use and maintenance
Efficient, as it improves operator’s productivity
Shareable between multi-teams

The TestDrive Interface

The TestDrive Interface is the application software used to operate the simulator. It is divided into three parts: the toolbox, the application panes, and the customization pane. The toolbox, the left-most portion of the TestDrive Interface contains toolbars and controls. The application panes: the top pane, right pane, and bottom pane contain indicators and controls to interact with the simulator.

The customization pane which is enclosed by the toolbox and the application panes, displays various user-designed TestDrive sub-panels, depending on the current task being performed. Next is a TestDrive Interface picture with a sub-panel example.

The TestDrive Interface allows users to perform any of their tasks. The tools used to run the simulator, via scripts and manual control, are all part of this interface. Configuration tools are easily accessed from TestDrive Interface menus. The next picture shows the modular relationship between the different TestDrive tools