Scalable and Modular Systems for Efficient HIL Testing
VT System
To test ECUs thoroughly, it is not only necessary to connect the communication networks to the test system, it is also necessary to connect the I/O interfaces.
This task is handled by the Vector VT System. It simplifies the setup of test benches and HIL test systems immensely, because it integrates all circuit components needed to connect an I/O channel in one module.
Examples of I/O channels are an ECU's output for controlling a headlamp or input for connecting a brightness sensor.
Advantages
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All relevant test components are integrated into a single device:
- Measurement hardware with signal conditioning
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Relays e.g. for switching short-circuits
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Electronic load for actuator simulation
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Resistance decade for simulation of a sensor
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Minimal wiring effort for test setups
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Voltage range adapted to automotive applications
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Seamless integration into CANoe
Application Areas
With the VT system test systems for the function test of ECUs and vehicle networks can be assembled. CANoe is the associated test automation software.
The modular design of the VT System allows to build test solutions ranging from simple test setups to complex test systems:
- Dedicated test systems for individual ECUs
- Universal function testers for ECUs and subsystems
- Flexible test hardware for the developer's work station
VT System Concept
When performing functional testing the ECU has to be tested in an environment in which it can see no difference between the real vehicle environment and the testing environment.
The I/O lines of the ECU are connected to the modular VT System and when necessary original sensors and actuators too. The PC with the CANoe is connected via a fast, Ethernet-based real-time network port. This makes it easy to build flexible test systems with little integration or wiring effort.
ECU environment in the vehicle
Testing with original loads and sensors
Testing with simulated actuators and sensors
Now Available
Current Measurement Module
VT2808
Measuring currents using shunt resistors and voltages.
Smart Charging Communication Module
VT7970
Qualcomm-based module for the test of the smart charging communication between electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment.
Smart Charging Communication Module
VT7971
Vertexcom-based module for the test of the smart charging communication between electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment.
Power Supply Module
VTC8920B
12 V power supply as slide-in module for supplying the VT System.
Modular Test Racks
Housing
The VT System is highly scalable. It can be used to set up test systems that range widely in complexity and functionality: from small auxiliary test tools at developer workstations to comprehensive functional testers and HIL test stations in the test laboratory.
Since the modules are universal in design, the test systems can be used for different test objects and test tasks without much effort.
Backplane
The backplane takes up the lower quarter of the housing height. In the space above, the plug-in modules of the VT System are directly accessible from the back.
The backplane provides the Ethernet connection for the CANoe PC and supplies the VT System modules with 12V operating voltage. Each installed VT System module is also connected to the EtherCat® bus through the backplane. With the second Ethernet connector, several VT System racks can be connected to bigger test systems. Vector also provides completely assembled test racks on a project basis.
VT8006A
Using the VT8006A backplane, up to six VT System modules can be installed in a 9.5-inch desktop housing.
VT8012A
The VT8012A backplane is the bigger variant of the VT8006A. Mounted in a 19-inch desktop case or in a 19-inch rack frame (4 U), up to 12 VT modules can be installed.
VT8006A, VT8012A | |
|---|---|
No. of slots | 6 (VT8006A), 12 (VT8012A), |
Supply voltage | 12 V ±10 % |
Input current | Max. 16 A, depending on type and number of plugged-in VT System modules |
Power consumption (backplane only) | Approx. 3.8 W |
Temperature range | 0 … 55 °C |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 210 x 46 x 35 mm (VT8006A), 427 x 46 x 35 mm (VT8012A) |
Module Overview
The VT System is a high-performance modular test system for comprehensive ECU testing. It consists of different hardware modules and together with CANoe it offers a powerful and flexible solution for testing ECU functions and important errors cases.
| Measurement + Simulation Modules | Stimulation Modules | |
| Load and Measurement Modules (40 V) | Stimulation Modules | |
| ► VT1104 Load and Measurement Module (60 V) | ► VT2516A | VT2516A FPGA Digital Modules | |
| ► VT2808 Current Measurement Module | ► VT7820 Rotation Sensor Module | |
| ► VT2816 | VT2816 FPGA General-Purpose Analog I/O Modules | ► VT2816 | VT2816 FPGA General-Purpose Analog I/O Modules | |
| ► VT2848 | VT2848 FPGA General-Purpose Digital I/O Modules | ► VT2848 | VT2848 FPGA General-Purpose Digital I/O Modules | |
| Network Interface Modules | Power Control Modules | |
| ► VT2710 Serial Interface Module | ► VT7001A Power Supply Module (40V) | |
| ► VT6104A Network Interface Module | ► VT7101 Power Supply Module (60V) | |
| ► VT6204 Network Interface Module (FlexRay) | ► VTC8920B Power Supply Modules for VT System | |
| ► VT6306 Ethernet Network Module | ||
| Smart Charging Modules | Infrastructure Modules | |
| ► VT7970 Smart Charging Communication Test Module (Qualcom PLC Chip) | ► VT7900A | VT7900A FPGA Extension Module | |
| ► VT7971 Smart Charging Communication Test Module (Vertexcom PLC Chip) | ||
| Real-time Modules | Fault Injection + Switching Modules | |
| ► VT6020 Real-time Module | ► VT2820 General-Purpose Relay Module | |
| ► VT6060 Real-time Module | ► VT2832 Switch Matrix Module |
User Programmable FPGA
Some VT System modules are available as FPGA variant with a processor board which includes a second, user programmable FPGA. This FPGA has access to the I/O hardware on the VT System modules and communicates with CANoe and therefore allows the implementation of customer specific functionality.
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Measurement data conditioning or signal generation, which cannot be covered with the standard VT System modules functionality
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Time critical functions can be sourced out to the FPGA hardware instead of executing them software-based with CANoe
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Description of FPGA functionality with VHDL or via graphical schematic entry with Simulink®
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Easy development and management of FPGA projects by support of VT System FPGA Manager
User Programmable FPGA | |
|---|---|
Supported modules | VT1004A, VT2004A, VT2516A, VT2816, VT2848, VT7009A |
FPGA series | Altera® Cyclone IV E |
FPGA type | EP4CE75 |
FPGA size (logic elements) | 75000 LE |
Usable clock frequencies | 10, 40 and 80 Mhz |
Calibration
Standard: ISO/IEC 17025:2017
An accredited calibration service is offered for individual VT System modules. This service can be used as a pre-calibration or re-calibration (recommended every 12 months). Furthermore, the service is also available for modules that are already in the field and not only for new modules.
The service, where available, is offered in cooperation with Keysight Technologies Inc. and complies with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. This makes it possible to perform a calibration in different, globally distributed laboratories (China, Germany, India, Japan & United States of America). This calibration service also includes an adjustment if any module is out of specification. A detailed report with all explanations, results and measurements is included with the calibration.
Product Descriptions
- Fact Sheet: Most important facts at a glance (PDF)
- Product Information: Detailed information about the VT System (PDF)
- Module Overview: Rough overview about modules and accessories (PDF)
- User Manual: All essential information to make full use of the VT System (PDF)
- User Manual: Specific information about the VT7820 (PDF)
Do you have technical questions and are you looking for suitable answers? Our knowledge base provides the most important FAQs for you.
Videos
Don't feel like reading? Then take a look at the videos.
Training
VT System Workshops
The VT System offers a great potential to assemble test systems for the function test of ECUs and vehicle networks. But only those, who know all the options, can make the most of this modular test system's potential and save time and money.
Benefit from our training and advanced training offers in order to use the VT System even more efficiently in your daily work!
