Wineman Technology Adds Dynamometer Apps, Upgrades To Rapid Controller
SAGINAW -- Wineman Technology Inc. last week announced the release of DynEdge and ServoEdge integrated, multi-loop data acquisition controllers.
Wineman also announced upgrades to Rapid, an integrated, multi-loop control and data acquisition system for test cell applications that demand quick development and low-cost deployment.
DynEdge is an off-the-shelf solution for dynamometer applications, including system modernizations, new installations, turnkey systems, and complete test cell control and data acquisition systems, while ServoEdge brings the same functionality to hydraulic and servo-hydraulic applications. The solutions are built on NI VeriStand software and the Wineman Technology Inertia add-on, embedded on a multi-core NI PXI real-time controller.
"DynEdge and ServoEdge, at their cores, are real-time digital controllers that use the power of a multi-core embedded NI PXI real-time controller," said Jim Wineman, CEO of Wineman Technology. "With them, engineers get a powerful, off-the-shelf solution for dynamometer, hydraulic, and servo-hydraulic applications that maximize performance, flexibility, and reliability."
The systems are designed and pre-configured using both NI PXI hardware and Wineman Technology's integrated connector blocks and power module, which minimize cost and simplify connectivity and integration. DynEdge provides a wide range of input/output capabilities for typical dynamometer applications, including pumps, engine test cells, electric motor test stands, axle test systems, steering components, and transmissions, while ServoEdge provides a wide range of input/output capabilities for typical hydraulic applications, including motor test stands, valve test systems, hydrostatic drives, gearboxes, actuators, and other hydraulic components and systems. Inertia software for real-time control provides each controller with a complete test profile editor with system configuration for defining I/O channels, shutdown procedures, PID control loop, and alarms.
The I/O for each system fits in a single, 8-slot PXI chassis and leaves two slots available for future hardware expansion. All I/O connectivity from the PXI hardware is routed with standard cables to Wineman Technology's connector blocks and power module. These modules provide the necessary signal conditioning, linear and switching power supplies, network hub and e-stop circuitry, and breakout all available I/O to standard screw terminals for easy connectivity to system sensors and control hardware. The system includes a standard PC, LCD monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and is housed in a single, full-height, 19-inch rack-mount enclosure. The enclosure comes complete with 4-inch castors, pullout keyboard tray, filtered ventilation port, and a monitor viewing and access panel.
DynEdge and ServoEdge provide numerous feature enhancements specifically for dynamometer control and configuration, and hydraulic control and configuration respectively, including:
• Simplified profile generation with custom procedure commands
• PIDF tuning
• Custom control templates
• Integrated closed loop PID control with model execution
• Multi-client support
In addition, other add-ons can be provided to further customize the system, including high-speed data acquisition, integrated support for sub-systems, or adding Dynacar, a vehicle model simulation application. Features include:
• Expandable 4-axis test cell controller with up to 4 kHz digital PID loop closure
• Real-time, deterministic control and data acquisition for dynamometers
• Wide variety of I/O, including frequency, encoder, strain gauge, thermocouple inputs, and numerous TTL and 24 VDC digital I/O
• 19-inch rack-mount enclosure with NI VeriStand and the INERTIA add-on preloaded and all channels configured
• Preloaded operator PC with NI VeriStand and INERTIA control software with custom procedure commands for simplified mode control and setup
• Easy connectivity to connector blocks for wiring sensors
• Integrated network hub and e-stop circuitry
For more information on DynEdge, readers can visit www.winemantech.com/examples/47/4/dynedge-controller-.html, and for more information on ServoEdge, readers can visit www.winemantech.com/examples/119/2/servoedge.html.
As for Rapid, it provides engineers with high-speed, 4 kHz, digital PID loop closure with spare analog and digital inputs to provide extensive data-logging capabilities.
The 19-inch, 3U, rack-mount controller provides real-time control and data acquisition for dynamometers and servo-hydraulics test cell applications, with the flexibility for a wide assortment of custom test applications. It is ideal for motion control and data acquisition applications, including dynamometers, hydraulics test systems, and other test cell applications including materials load frame testing, small engine test cells, tire lab testing, engine and transmission remanufacturing, and contract lab testing.
Released last summer, Rapid helps customers to stay ahead of market needs to deliver the best end-products possible. The recent Rapid upgrades include:
• Watch Dog Timer -- Produces a 2 kHz square wave output, allowing addition of external hardware for monitoring any laps in the hardware functionality or communication with the host computer
• Configuration of Encoder/Frequency -- Allows the four frequency inputs to be configured to accept a combination of frequency and encoder signals
• Data Acquisition Decimation -- Allows up to third order polynomial scaling on the first 8 analog inputs
• Higher Order Scaling on Analog Inputs -- Allows up to third order polynomial scaling on the first 8 analog inputs
• User Variable Functions -- Allows Rapid's standard eight user variables to be used as control mode set-points, feedbacks, and outputs
"The Rapid controller is a real-time, digital controller that uses the power of an FPGA for maximum determinism and performance," Wineman said. "We are constantly looking for ways to increase the flexibility, performance, and integration of Rapid so that our clients continue to have a competitive advantage."
The controller offers easy-to-use, out-of-the-box functionality with quick installation, simple configuration, and user-friendly connectivity and wiring, while providing deterministic performance and reliability with the power of an FPGA. The Rapid controllers replace legacy controllers for many engineers, or are used to add functionality to existing systems.
Rapid includes a variety of preconfigured I/O with screw terminal connectors for channel connectivity, and externally accessible switches for configuring voltage or current inputs. The analog I/O channels are configurable between +/- 10 V or 4-20 mA inputs through externally accessible switches. Ribbon cable connectors provide expansion options for signal conditioning backplanes, digital I/O, TTL level I/O, and other connectivity products. The Rapid controller also includes an emergency stop button, and connectivity to safety circuits.
For more information on the Rapid controller, readers can visit www.winemantech.com/products/5/rapid-test-cell-controller.html.
Established in 1991, Wineman Technology specializes in technology for solving a wide range of test applications, including dynamometer systems, servo-hydraulics systems, real-time controllers and data acquisition, hardware-in-the-loop test systems, and custom testing machines. Unlike other companies where test plays a partial role, Wineman Technology's singular focus is the design and development of test equipment for advanced research and development, functional test labs, and manufacturing production. Wineman Technology's focus on test systems with a diverse range of capabilities enables them to deliver superior system reliability, serviceability, and support.
