SMART HarnessHub creates structured test environments for zone controllers and other devices
by Silke Thole |
Zone controllers are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicle architectures. Whilst these reduce the amount of cabling required in the vehicle, they lead to increasing complexity in the laboratory. This is because a zone controller has significantly more inputs and outputs than a conventional control unit, as a much larger number of sensors and actuators are connected to it. Added to this are various bus systems such as CAN, LIN and Ethernet.
In the test laboratory, this quickly leads to makeshift set-ups with tangled cabling and individually improvised solutions for each new zone controller. The result: a high workload, limited overview and potential risks in day-to-day work.
SMART HarnessHub keeps the test laboratory well organized
To address this issue, we have developed the SMART HarnessHub concept. This is a modular interface which is part of an engineering service. It is individually designed and implemented for each customer’s development workstation, where it ensures a tidy working environment. Each Hub is tailored precisely to the customer’s requirements. It features interfaces to specific zone controllers and components and integrates bespoke test equipment with the existing laboratory environment. This clear organisation of test equipment and cabling fundamentally reorganises the workstation:
• defined connection points instead of individual cabling,
• a clear layout instead of haphazard, ad-hoc structures,
• quick and easy adaptability of the cabling,
• modular expandability instead of rigid solutions.
The image is AI-generated.
The concept allows for flexible adjustments
The complexity in the laboratory, which is constantly increasing due to modern vehicle architectures, is becoming easier to manage, and developers’ work is becoming more efficient. At the same time, the SMART HarnessHub concept allows for flexible adaptation to customer-specific requirements: new control units or additional functions can be easily integrated without having to redesign the entire setup.
Different zone controllers and other test objects, along with the associated changing test set-ups, lead to an increasing amount of cabling work, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. With a SMART HarnessHub, however, developers can concentrate on the essentials rather than on setting up their test environment.
A SMART HarnessHub can be implemented in various configurations and sizes – ranging from a rack-mounted unit for individual workstations to a tower for more extensive test and laboratory infrastructures. We have just implemented the latter variant for a major client in the automotive sector.
Benefits of the SMART HarnessHub for developer workstations
Picture: SMART TESTSOLUTIONS GmbH
- Ensuring reproducible test set-ups, test procedures and test results.
- Avoiding time-consuming fault-finding through structured cabling.
- Greater clarity and transparency during testing.
- Simpler and faster adaptation to new test specimens and requirements.
- Preventing corrupted bus communication through defined cable routing and high-quality connections.
- Preventing incorrect current and voltage measurements caused by makeshift plug connections.
- Ensuring a stable earth connection.
- Protection against unwanted EMC interference.
- Improving workplace safety by preventing the risks of short circuits, fire and tripping hazards.
We would be happy to discuss with you how this concept can be applied to your existing test environments as part of our SMART Productizing offer. Simply send an email to info@smart-ts.de.
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