From the Field | Solution for Decoupling the Device Under Test and Test Bench Automation

Softing offers customer-specific solutions for decoupling DUTs and test bench automation on the hardware and software side. The OEM-specific know-how about the DUT therefore no longer has to be shared in full with the manufacturers of the automation systems.

A test bench interface, which is connected between the automation and the test object, makes this feasible and also enables the testing of several test objects with a corresponding front end.

A customer-specific test bench interface connects the automation via the EtherCAT® protocol with the DUTs, which communicate via CAN or CAN/FD. The interface consists of a test object-fixed front end for the connection of all sensors and actuators and a test bench-fixed part with a real-time PLC (programmable logic controller) on an industrial PC, on which residual bus simulations and modeled ECU models can also run. 

Communication takes place via an application-specific real-time protocol, whereby the test specimens are decoupled from the automation and the actual and target values are standardized in the PLC. This architecture decouples the DUT from the automation and preserves the OEM's specific know-how. Softing is already carrying out the first successful projects of this kind with a major German commercial vehicle manufacturer in the field of electric powertrains and fuel cells.

For further information, please contact us at [email protected].

Your contact person is Dr. Tobias Kolb.