Microinterruption Test for Switches in the Auto Industry


Classification of Transient Duration on Contacts and Relays



CHESTERLAND OH —



ADwin data acquisition and control systems are commonly used for automotive test applications for ECUs and other CANbus devices, actuators, sensors, combustion engines, field bus systems, and many more. In our latest Apps Note, CAS DataLoggers outlines a typical automotive test application for documenting that components are up to specification.



An automotive manufacturer has a switch/relay (the DUT or Device Under Test) which is mounted on a shaker test stand. Over time users run a given frequency and establish a frequency profile in the kHz range. Users stimulate the DUT by giving a frequency profile to the shaker to see if the switch's contact opens over a short period of time (transient). Users are examining Resistance over Time (R over T) and peaks in the data representing durations of interest.



Real-Time Signal/Waveform Generation:



First users connect the ADwin test system to a lab PC. Then, using its analog outputs, ADwin stimulates the DUT with precise timing, measures the responses via analog inputs, and accurately calculates the DUT's dynamic values online. This stimulation can be performed over a wide frequency range from a few hundred Hertz to several hundred kilohertz.



ADwin applications always run in real time. This is due to the system design which incorporates a local CPU, additional analog and digital interfaces, and flexible expansion options. ADwin's local CPU is a 32-bit floating-point DSP allowing fast, deterministic program execution with a guaranteed reaction time of less than 1 μs (microsecond). ADwin also features internal memory for executing real-time code and the ADbasic development tool.



Users can supply their own values or calculate them based on measured inputs and/or other variables. Frequency, phase, amplitude, periodical or non-periodical signals, offset, timing and more are all adjustable online.



ADwin Models:



There are three ADwin series: ADwin-light-16, ADwinGold and ADwin-Pro.



The ADwin-light-16 and ADwin-Gold systems are low-cost solutions for applications with few I/O channels and limited expansion or configuration requirements. In contrast the modular, expandable ADwin-Pro system is recommended for applications with many channels and flexible configurations.



Classing of Transients



In many test applications users apply an analog and/or digital stimulus to the DUT, using single or multiple channels of actuators or amplifiers. In addition to providing the stimulation, the ADwin system acquires the response of the components by reading its own input channels and evaluating the response in real time. Thus, the system can immediately calculate how well the DUT matches the required specifications.



ADwin systems perform all the necessary tests and also perform post-test data analysis. Here the ADwin measures and categorizes time in classes. Classes are time period ranges (i.e. the time resolution, for example 100 microseconds to 1 millisecond). In this relay test application, every sample over 7 ohm is classed as an interrupt. Users are specifically looking for all instances of this category. ADwin's time range here is 500ns resolution to 2 milliseconds.



During acquisition the ADwin test system checks to see if the signal is above the set level and if so, it then measures the duration and the value's threshold. Online evaluation of measurement data is performed immediately after each sample is taken. The ADwin automatically classes the transient according to Time over Resistance (T/R)--for example, a Class 1 result indicates that the switch contact is continuously open. ADwin also manages the distribution of classes.



Test information and measurement data is transferred to a control system and displayed on the PC through a graphical user interface (GUI). This is done via Ethernet or a Fieldbus interface. On production lines, a programmable controller is typically connected via Profibus, Interbus, CAN, serial interfaces etc. The ADwin automatically generates a table of the data and this information can then be stored as quality records in the production database.



System Setup



Here users have a +10V stabilized regular voltage source with a resistor of 100 ohm. The test is typically performed at 100mA (milliampere).



The ADwin-PRO-COMP16 card is custom-built with a single-ended input. The classification is performed in this card itself. The card has a 10-bit ADC converter on it and 8 channels per card. The voltage range of the card can be adapted, for example from -2 to 18V.



Meanwhile the ADwin's T-11 processor has a counter which increments for every class. Each class can be set by software before starting the test so values don't have to be fixed.



Test Results:



ADwin's external SDRAM stores the data. The recorded post-test data has significant value to:



  • The switch/relay manufacturer


  • Systems integrators


  • 3rd-party Testers


ADwin benefits:



  • Fast enough to measure transients


  • Easy to use


  • Quick development time


  • ADwin systems can be configured individually in order to meet all test specifications.


For more information on ADwin Real-Time DAQ Control Systems, or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS Data Logger Applications Specialist at 800-956-4437 or visit the website at www.DataLoggerInc.com.



Contact Information:

CAS DataLoggers, Inc.

12628 Chillicothe Road

Chesterland, Ohio 44026

440-729-2570

800-956-4437

sales@dataloggerinc.com

www.dataloggerinc.com

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