Kistler is simultaneously launching two new products to handle complex measuring tasks in the vehicle safety segment: the KiDAU with an exchangeable SD panel, and the 375.XX Crash recorder. The KiDAU data acquisition unit offers customers added flexibility because the SD panel can be exchanged quickly, and the Crash Recorder ensures data reliability thanks to the new Start-Record function. Both products share the same space-saving, user-friendly design.
Automotive manufacturing corporations are launching vehicles on the market that are increasingly complex and compact – but development cycles are becoming shorter and shorter. The percentage of electronic equipment in cars has increased over the years, and the same is also true for safety standards. In this context, crash tests using dummies play a key part in making vehicular road traffic safer, and in reducing the risk of injury to occupants. Automotive manufacturers, suppliers and test laboratories therefore need reliable measurement technologies for their crash tests.
Exchangeable Panel Unit for Maximum Flexibility
Criteria for crash tests differ from country to country, depending on legal requirements and consumer protection regulations. Tests often use a wide variety of different connector types on the sensors installed in the dummies. Different adapter cables naturally increase the risk of deterioration in data quality – or even data loss – due to cable damage or inadequate connections. The KiDAU (Kistler Data Acquisition Unit) features an exchangeable SD (Sensor Distribution) panel – so for the first time ever, the entire connection panel can be removed and replaced with another panel: no additional adapter cables are needed. This user- friendly feature saves time, enhances flexibility, and minimizes the space required in the vehicle.
As well as a compact design (231x64x70.5 mm) and low weight (1,7 kg), this on-board data acquisition system offers more than 32 analog standard measuring channels, with 16 additional digital channels. A built-in battery can supply each device autonomously for up to 25 minutes. Maximum data storage at a sampling rate of 100 kHz is 100 s per channel. The KiDAU's WLAN functionality also offers cable- free communication for configuration, control and data readout before, during and after tests, with Kistler's CrashDesigner" crash test control software.
Each panel is assigned a unique ID number for precise documentation and quality control. The benefit: customers always know exactly where each panel is in use. Another plus: multiple KiDAUs can be connected flexibly together in series.
Crash Recorder with Start-Record Function
The trend for crash tests is moving towards direct integration of measurement technology in dummies, so as to utilize the available onboard systems for the sensor equipment installed in the vehicle. Kistler's new compact 375.XX Crash Recorder with an integrated flash data memory measures only 43x56 mm, so it can easily be mounted in a dummy – and for the first time ever, it now offers an integrated Start-Record function.
The worst-case scenario for any crash test is if the trigger (TZero event) is not activated, so no measurement data can be saved as the test is performed. Data recording in the recorder can be started at the same time as all the data acquisition systems used in the test. The captured measurement data is stored in a central memory and transmitted via system cables. The use of a flash memory guarantees non-volatile storage of crash Text Box: 960-335d-01.16 information. The 375.XX Crash Recorder is available in 4-, 8- and 12-port versions for connection with 48, 96 or 144 channels, and is compatible with the commonly used "DTI Control" and "CrashDesigner" software packages.
For more information, visit http://www.kistler.com/vehicle-safety