Products
Data Acquisition and Test Event Scheduler (DATES)
The vehicle driver or engine lab operator interfaces with a host computer, which in turn controls the dynamometer, data acquisition system, and digital controls. These laboratory functions are coordinated using the DATES software (Data Acquisition and Test Event Scheduler) which works in conjunction with a distributed I/O system and the ECCS computer (Section 2.17). DATES software is developed by ETC, and is a commercial software product.
DATES is a data acquisition and test sequence controller that is compatible with Clayton RLPC twin roll dynamometers, Burke Porter 48” dynamometers, eddy current engine dynamometers and AC engine dynamometers. DATES commonly interfaces with a dynamometer controller.
DATES functions include:
- Driver’s aid control and display for vehicle testing
- Driver’s pendant control for vehicle testing
- Dynamometer mode control and set-points for vehicle testing
- Dynamometer mode control, throttle and dynamometer set-points for engine testing
- Pre-test conditioning
- Test sequencing (start, stop, hold, abort, soak, crank)
- Digital controls and events
- Data acquisition
- Run-time database, allowing data export and playback
- Real-time displays
System I/O and maintenance:
- Analog channel assignment
- Configuration of analog outputs
- Configuration of digital outputs
- Calibration of analog input channels
- Automated calibration recordkeeping
- 128 control inputs
- 128 transducer inputs
- Sampling rate: 20 Hz
Emissions Cell Control system (ECCS)
Another computer controls the CVS system and emission analyzers. These functions are coordinated using ECCS (Emissions Cell Control System), also a commercial software product developed by ETC that works in conjunction with distributed I/O. ECCS interfaces with the DATES host computer (Section 2.16) to control all aspects of emissions testing. ECCS has numerous manual and automated functions including:
Test event sequencing:
- Bag only tests
- Modal dilute with bags tests
- Modal dilute tests
- Modal raw
Emission bench and analyzer functions:
- Up to 5 configurable benches
- Up to 16 configurable analyzers per bench, 4 ranges per analyzer
- Automated mass flow control
- Analyzer range configuration
- Analyzer calibration
- Zero-span
- Manual and auto range control
- Data sampling at 20 Hz
CVS configuration and control:
- CFV and flow device calibration, supporting up to 10 venturies.
- Calibration standard database
- Bag and particulate matter sampler control
- Manual and automated CFV activation
CVS/Analyzer diagnostics and maintenance:
- Propane injection
- Leak checking
- NOx Efficiency
- CO interference
- Single gas analysis
- Analog/digital troubleshooting
System I/O and maintenance:
- Analog channel assignment
- Configuration of analog outputs
- Configuration of digital outputs
- Calibration of analog input channels
- Automated calibration recordkeeping
- 128 control inputs
- 128 transducer inputs
- Sampling rate: 20 Hz
Data reporting and storage:
- Automated report generation during test sequence
- Run-time database, allowing data export and playback
- ODBC compatible database ( e.g. Microsoft Access )