Product category:
Monitoring and sensor equipment and systems
News Release from: Diagnostic Instruments | Subject: DiI-225 handheld computer
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 April 2002
Hand-held computers play increasing R
and D role
DaimlerChrysler has chosen the latest generation of powerful handheld computers as part of its R and D, road-testing programme for the next generation of SMART car ranges.
It comes as no surprise that the automotive manufacturers have been quick to investigate and apply new technology And the Daimler-Chrysler group are no exception, having chosen to use the new family of latest generation of powerful handheld computers as part of its R and D, road-testing programme for the next generation of SMART car ranges
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 9 Apr 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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This system allows communication between component devices and the ECU, but it also enables the re-programming of the operational criteria of the intelligent components and, perhaps more importantly, offers the opportunity to download and execute diagnostics.interrogate the ECU and modify / replace the current ECU software.
In the increasingly complex world of auto electronics, since all of the components run from the same wiring network, this is fast becoming the only viable method of diagnosing certain problems in today's vehicle.
Moreover, the ability for an engineer to communicate directly with the "nerve centre" of the vehicle dramatically speeds up the service process, bringing the benefits of savings in time and money to the customer.
However, the SMART R and D team is taking things a step further.
In an effort to utilise this new technology, SMART contacted Livingston-based Diagnostic Instruments who developed and produce the DiI-225, a robust, simple to use modular handheld computer.
Of crucial importance to the SMART R and D team, the Di-225 that can be modified to exactly meet the technical specifications, and abilities required by the demanding environment, of the automotive industry.
This unit, capable of communicating with ECU's using CANbus communication protocol represents a massive leap forward - it is, in effect, a handheld CANbus diagnostic tool.
Ideal for test scenarios, it makes a simple plug-in-and- interrogate tool for diagnostics.
Which explains why 50 of these units are presently being used by as a development tool during road trials for their next generation of SMART cars.
As Jim McNiven, marketing manager of Diagnostic Instruments explains, it's compact size, flexibility, rugged construction, simple user interface and user-friendly operation makes it an ideal development tool.
Where PC's and laptops are cumbersome and delicate, this hardy handheld is the ideal tool.
"We identified at an early stage the shortcomings of the PC- based solution," says Hendrik Salomon of SMART, who has been heavily involved is the project leader in the development of this groundbreaking instrument.
"Windows CE offered the solution, but we needed a suitable platform.
Following a period of evaluation, we selected the DI-225." He goes on: "The ability to fully integrate our CANBUSEASAR hardware into the unit, and to customise the connector panel was ideal.
The size and weight of the unit allows us to connect the diagnostic tool to the ECU from within the car cockpit.
It gives us the flexibility we need, which translates to a valuable reduction in time to market for SMART." Though presently used as development tool, DI is excited about its potential as a service tool.
"It's capabilities offer extensive benefits to the automotive industry," says McNiven.
"While it is now common practice to regularly interrogate the ECU on a production line, this requires a PC-based local system.
The flexibility and size of the new unit, with the ability to access and download data from the Internet, makes it the ideal service tool for dealerships and franchises.".
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