Automotive & motorsport


driving forward hmi design in the automotive testing industry


sector to accurately measure the torque and rotational speed of an engine, therefore calculating the engine’s power. The company provides dynamometers to many users - from large-scale


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engine manufacturers, right through to small manufacturers and niche projects, such as engines for aerospace and classic formula race series. Dynamometers must be accurate. But more importantly,


dynamometers must accurately relay their measurements back to an end user in and understandable manner. This is typically visualised through a human machine interface (HMI). As the name suggests, HMIs should seamlessly connect human and


machine. In this case, the operator and the dynamometer. DSG sought an upgrade to its existing 28 HMI screens to improve user friendliness, usability, and general aesthetics and turned to zenon by COPA-DATA and its Professional Services offering for help. COPA-DATA’s Professional Services provides customers with


complete project management, from concept development through to coding support and workshops. For DSG, this offering was an ideal opportunity to update its group of 28 HMI screens, while also tailoring zenon for the project’s unique requirements. zenon is an open-design software platform that can be used for


complex process visualisation. It can offer classic HMI tasks, like operating and observing processes, through to more complex actions typically associated with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), like archiving data and analysing trends. As an HMI for DSG, zenon has used to modernise the way the


company communicates measurements of its dynamometers. Before the project, DSG used a variety of different HMIs, some of which were outdated compared to the company’s engineering expertise in the sector. Standardising the platform used across these HMIs provided a much- needed upgrade, both visually and ergonomically. Simple improvements, such as aesthetic design made a big


difference. By using a standard application of colour pallets across the HMIs, zenon helped to keep projects look and feel consistent throughout the HMI. For the end user, this reaffirms trust in the dynamometer and therefore, trust in DSG.


The use of the colour pallet functionality also allows the customisation


of HMIs to specific colour specifications. Blue and white branding? Blue and white interface. This is particularly beneficial for DSG’s sales process. zenon also ensures consistent styles. In the original version of the


project, the HMIs used several different styles in different parts of the projects. While this may sound minor, it is ultimately very distracting and confusing for the user. The new style consistency makes it easier for a user to perform tasks without confusion. Overhauling a previously cluttered interface with zenon allowed DSG


to reduce engineering time for operators by enabling much better usability. For instance, symbols were created for the significant components of the project which could reduce the number of customer changes in the future. Symbols were also used to improve the otherwise cluttered navigation of the HMI, creating consistent navigation options across multiple screens. Drop down lists were also minimised. Removal of some of these outdated and difficult-to-use lists allowed DSG to replace them with more efficient buttons and pop-ups. Because users are more familiar with these visual displays, the user experience is improved. The HMI overhaul has also allowed DSG to future proof the


technology for its end users. For instance, the application of Layers in the zenon Editor can reduce the volume of engineering time with future project adaptions. Combined with better data display, the machines become much


easier to read and therefore, far more valuable. COPA-DATA


www.copadata.com testing the vehicles of today and tomorrow


reinforces the Emitech Group’s testing capabilities, in particular for the validation of all vehicle technologies and more specifically its powertrain. With its development experts, its three


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engine test benches, its climate chamber and its emission chassis dyno for measuring regulated pollutants up to Euro 6d Full, this new site reinforces and completes the group’s expertise in powertrains, whether thermal, hybrid or electric. This acquisition is only a starting point, as


the Emitech Group is investing to ensure the development of test facilities for testing batteries, electric motors and their electronics, as well as hydrogen fuel technologies. Lastly, the vehicle chassis dyno will be upgraded to enable it to measure


Instrumentation Monthly February 2021


he Emitech Group has acquired Vitesco Technologies’ technical centre in Osny. This new test centre


vehicles that are compatible with the Euro 7 standard, in advance of the regulations that will be coming into force by 2025. With an electrical power


of 2x800kVA, a technical centre of more than 1,000m² and a 6,000m² ground, the Osny site is an ideal base for the development of the batteries and electric motorisation activities within the Group. Supporting customers in their mobility


solutions that respect the energy transition is a strategic area of investment for the Emitech Group. This is translated by skills increasingly linked to vehicle synthesis. Thus, the Emitech Group has four complementary roller test benches: climatic roller bench, acoustic roller


ith 25 years of experience supplying to the industry, DSG is an expert in dynamometers and automotive testing equipment. The technology is used by the automotive


bench, electromagnetic compatibility roller bench, emission roller bench – the latter being located on the Osny site. These skills and expertise are initially aimed


at the automotive industry, but extend to all road vehicles, as well as the railway, marine, energy and aeronautics sectors.


Emitech Group www.emitech.fr/en 31


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