Control & Data Acquisition Systems
Since Froude introduced the first digital control system in the late 1980s, the control system range has evolved into a range of three products, each with its own strengths.
For basic automotive testing or to interface to our dynamometers with other data acquisition systems the Texcel V4 provides high quality control of the dynamometer and/or engine, on test.
For automated control of the test process, data acquisition and post test analysis Texcel V12 provides the ideal solution combining a powerful software system with an easy to use, intuitive Graphical User Interface. It has been designed for use in R&D, Quality Audit and other loaded test applications.
In the Aerospace, Gas Turbine and Industrial Diesel industries we have developed a specific control system, the Texcel VX100, that includes unique control and safety features required for testing these engines.
| Model | Vehicle Type |  Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Texcel VX100 | Aerospace, Gas Turbine & Industrial Diesel | N/A |
| Texcel V12 | Engine / Vehicle | Texcel V12 Product Brochure Sheet |
| Texcel V4 | Engine | N/A |
The fully integrated Texcel V12 features precise digital control and a sophisticated data acquisition system. The engine and dynamometer can be controlled manually using either an on screen virtual control panel or the manual control console. Automatic tests are defined using the test sequence editor which has been designed to allow the user to configure simple or sophisticated tests with ease. The data acquisition system can be used with all standard test bed instrumentation and provides fast and accurate measurements. Test bed data is displayed on fully user configurable pages and all measured data can be 4 level alarm checked and logged as required. The test results can be presents in ExcelTM or in TexAn, Froude Hofmann's test report generation system that can be used to produce multi-axes graphical plots, maps and tabular results automatically.
The standard function can be expanded by the addition of specific Emission Test application software for passenger car, truck and off-road regulatory exhaust emission tests. These include FTP75, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V. In combination with an AC dynamometer, Texcel enables the vehicle characteristics such as gearbox, clutch and road load model to be simulated reducing engine development time and providing correlation with data produced by a vehicle tested on a chassis dynamometer.
Texcel V12 has the option to include direct ECU communications via K-line and CAN as well as an interface to dedicated calibration tools via the industry standard ASAM-MCD-3MC link. For fully automatic ECU calibration requirements the Texcel V12 can be supplied with an ASAM-ACI interface.
The Froude Hofmann Texcel V12 control and data acquisition system is specifically designed for both steady state and transient test applications, such as Research and Development Quality Assurance, Performance - Evaluation and post overhaul testing. It provides the latest generation of WindowsTM based test equipment for a new facility or as a highly capable upgrade to an existing test cell. It can be used with AC, eddy current and hydraulic dynamometers.
- Windows TM Graphical User Interface with two monitors
- Manual control console (option)
- Latest high speed digital control algorithms
- Independent control mode tuning for open loop, speed, torque and power law
- Bumpless mode transfer
- Multi-stage test sequence and profile editors
- User defined real-time calculations
- Four level alarm annunciation on all measured and calculated channels
- Comprehensive logging capability:
> Set point logs
> Rolling store/post mortem log
> Alarm log
> Comment log
- Interfaces to standard fuel measurement systems, smoke meters and emission analysers
- ECU interface options:
> ASAM-MCD-3MC
> CAN
> K-Line
- Signal conditioning DX100 multifunction I/O module. Each module provides:
> 16 analogue inputs and 4 analogue outputs (16 Bit)
> 16 digital inputs and 12 digital outputs
> 4 pulse inputs and direct CAN pressure transducers
- Multi-language options
- Programmable control functions for engine specific applications including flight simulation for turboprop and turboshaft engines, such as the T56, AE2100, Dart, Tyne and T700.
- Tandem dynamometer control
- Facilities planning and installation services
- Comprehensive in-house and/or on-site training courses
- Tailored preventative maintenance contracts
- On-line diagnostics and support via modem or VPN
- Technical Helpline Support
