Microface systems are in use throughout the world automating specialised Dynamometers and test rigs for the friction industry. Microface is the world leader in testing friction surfaces such as brakes and tyres. The dynamometer automation system for brake testing covers every different test procedure throughout the world so when customers come to Microface they can be confident that the automation system will do everything they want it to do. Microface offers the user total security that the automation system is capable of running the required test and also that the graphics package will easily present the results in a format acceptable to any client. This guarantee is unique in the industry because Microface are the only company with the experience to know what is required. If a customer finds a new way of testing, Microface will automate it free of charge under the warranty so that even then the customer has no cost to worry about. This service is offered free so that Microface can still say it automates every requirement. This policy has been applied by Microface for 10 years so by now we can confidently say the system is definitely the best in the world.
Microface has 2 product lines, a PC based system and a multiple processor system. The multiple processor system is purchased by major friction material manufacturers as it has impressive real time graphics and real time furrier analysis. The PC system is lower in cost and has these features available off line only. This allows Microface to compete on price as well as technical sophistication. The PC system has many features undertaken in software which others achieve with complete external hardware so the PC system is particularly cost effective.
The automation system can be used to :-
The quality of a dynamometer system is measured by the accuracy of measurement and the ability to simulate real world effects such as wind resistance. The dynamometer itself introduces errors because it is not perfect, usually due to frictional losses of its own. In 1992 Microface introduced real time software to compensate for these losses. In 1996 because of the introduction of the Intel Pentium Pro, Microface have been able to introduce this software into even the lower cost products.
Systems incorporating thyristor DC drives or hydraulics can now be equipped with the facility to simulate the following :-
Inertia simulation and rig loss compensation has been particularly effective in improving the performance of inertia dynamometers for testing friction materials.
These features can be used on new machines to simply flywheel design or on existing machines to improve the accuracy of machines with older and less accurate bearings and drives.
Dynamometers often need to exactly simulate the conditions from real world testing. To allow this Microface has developed the vehicle data logging equipment to allow data to be recorded in a format suitable to the test rigs. This has ment that the graphics capability developed for test rigs use is also available for in-vehicle use. The in- vehicle logger provides feedback to the operator to allow consistent testing. For example, it provides a drivers display dedicated to informing the driver of how far from the correct speed or deceleration he is achieving in real time.
ABS ( Anti Lock Braking System ) is now a standard fitting and mandatory on some vehicles. Microface provide test rigs for production line and research. These test rigs are unique in the industry as they fully exercise the ABS system and simulate ice and split surfaces on various wheels.
For example, end of line testing usually consists of testing the ABS parts separately. Fitting the ABS computer after the test and assuming that if all the parts work separately the system must be OK. This is considered totally unacceptable by many manufacturers of vehicles, particularly as the ABS system is a safety critical item.
Microface therefore provide a total system test facility which will test all components including the ABS computer. The system will also test Anti Slip systems in the same way.
The more complex rolling roads can include operator graphics, load control and automated features such as vehicle wheel base correction. In particularly demanding cases it is possible to justify Microface's multiprocessor computer and software which handles these test rigs with ease.
The Microface computer and software applies load to the dyno in a smooth controlled manner and is capable of bumpless transfers between modes ( Constant torque, speed, current / position ). This smooth switch reduces the annual maintenance cost on the rigs significantly.
Click here for an example picture.
Microface developed its multiprocessor architecture in 1981. Based on the Intel architecture which has allowed the use of the latest Intel processors without the usual limitations of speed of response or memory size difficulties. There are many applications for real time control which need this above average capability.
If you are having a problem with speed of response or excessive cost in developing a real time control system why not talk to us.
We are re-writing our real time operating system to use the Intel MMP standard at present as we consider this architecture is a perfect solution to some of the most demanding real time control and acquisition problems.
Microface specialise in the more demanding control and acquisition problems from submersible vehicles to outer space problems. If you are experiencing any difficulties or worries about your present solution why not contact us. We have been supplying automation systems for 15 years and have never been late, underachieved or increased the costs to any customer on any project.
If you would like to enjoy this type of project speak to Microface.
Specialised test rigs have been designed for :-
