Data acquisition in automotive testing: new DAQ software KiStudio VT consolidates everything

Modern automotive testing  requires a growing number of sensors that generate ever larger quantities of valuable data. Test setups are becoming increasingly complex, and as a result, the requirements for data acquisition and analysis are increasing as well. In order to create more consistency and increase efficiency during development, Kistler is offering new products that complete the measurement chain for vehicle test applications: the DAQ software KiStudio VT and the extended data acquisition system KiDAQ – now also with CAN FD – provide customers with a complete measurement chain for vehicle testing from one single source. Developers benefit from greater efficiency, fewer sources of error and shorter development times thanks to the seamless integration of all test components.

With KiStudio VT, several KiDAQ systems can be connected for over 500 measurement channels in a single test. All connected sensors can be easily and intuitively integrated and configured via software. Data recording can be visualized in real time. Plus, users can also perform calculations, use filters and set triggers. Over 1,000 signals per system are possible when recording via CAN and CAN FD. Data acquisition is synchronized across all devices via precision time protocol (PTP).

On the hardware side, the KiDAQ universal data acquisition system from Kistler has been expanded to include additional modules for vehicle applications: the KiDAQ controllers in the 5552A series have four CAN or CAN FD interfaces and are therefore ideal for data acquisition in vehicle testing. Thanks to KiDAQ’s modular architecture, customers can flexibly adapt test setups for vehicle dynamics testing, long-term load studies or other applications.

Flexible and variable measuring chains from sensor to data analysis

A typical setup for vehicle durability testing could include different sensors for recording force, acceleration, positions and temperatures – for example, wheel force transducers, piezo force sensors, accelerometers, potentiometers, and thermocouples from Kistler. All these sensors, supplemented by customer-specific solutions or third-party products, are seamlessly connected to the universal data acquisition system KiDAQ.

With KiStudio VT, all connected systems can be intuitively configured, monitored and synchronized. The DAQ software also supports the acquisition of CAN and CAN FD signals via the new KiDAQ module 5552A, meaning that even extensive data streams can be processed. Other Kistler systems such as KiRoad Wireless, KiTorq DS and Correvit can also be connected. Analog and digital channels can be visualized, recorded and analyzed in parallel. Post-processing is carried out with the connected analysis software jBEAM from Kistler.

With the help of modular architecture and complete integration, Kistler offers a flexible measuring chain that can be adapted to the specific requirements of any vehicle test  project – from data acquisition to analysis, all from one single source.