The Bench Wizard

Automated Test Controller

"The Bench Wizard™ integrates I/O, communication, data logging, and diagnostics to automate testing over the full range of normal and abnormal conditions."

The Bench Wizard™ features:

The Bench Wizard™ architecture is based on a Subsystem hierarchy. A Subsystem encapsulates any software or hardware system that is composed of Input, Output, Internal, and Parameter Variables. The following Subsystems have been developed for The Bench Wizard™:

	Simulink, CarSim, C/C++ Models: Simulink and CarSim models can be imported into The Bench Wizard™. In addition, users can also import their own models written in C/C++.
	PXIO/Merlin3200: I/O can be reconfigured form The Bench Wizard™. Patterns for output channels can be imported. Digital channels can be reconfigured to support PWM, frequency, pulse, or lookup modes.
	PXComm/CAN: CAN transmit and receive messages can be entered into a database for simulating nodes on a bus. CAN messages can be parsed into engineering data. Transmit messages can be scheduled periodically, based on high/low data change events, or in response to a receive message. Filters can be used to display selected messages.
	PXFault/Excalibur™: Multi-point open circuits, shorts to battery, shorts to ground, shorts to wires, and resistance insertions can be scheduled in real time. Complex fault timing can be generated with the real time scheduler.

The following functionally is implemented across all Subsystems.

	Running: A simulation can run in looping or single mode. When in one of these modes, a simulation can be stopped, paused, or stepped. In addition, a simulation can run multiple iterations with delays or pauses.
	Data Generation: Input data can be controlled with Interactive gauges, complex Waveforms, or from other Inputs, Outputs, or Internal variables. The Waveform Generator supports Sine, Square, Triangle, Step, Ramp, On/Off, Table Lookup, Import Buffer, and Noise.
	Calibration: The Bench Wizard™ provides easy access to all Subsystem parameters.
	Data Logging: Input, Output, and Internal variables can be logged into various data formats. Logging can be trigger manually, at a specified time, or via other variables. In addition, data can be captured before a log trigger.
	Visualization: All variables can be displayed with Scopes, Decimal, Hex, Binary, Scientific, Knobs, Dials, Sliders, Combo Boxes, Radio Groups, LED's, Buttons, Toggle Switches, Parameter Grids, and Text.
	Task Scheduler: Various tasks can be injected into a simulation with the Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler can be used to inject faulty data or invalid communication messages. It can also be used to inject noise as well as various waveforms. Every Task can be triggered based on a time or data event
	Scripting: All internal functionality is exposed with an ActiveX interface. The scripting interface allows tests to be configured, executed, and analyzed automatically. MATLAB^® and Python interface libraries are provided with the Bench Wizard™.
	Error/Exception Logger: In order to provide the best support possible, The Bench Wizard™ incorporates an integrated error and exception handler.

While automotive diagnostics consumes a large portion of development time and resources, current tools provide little or no support for automated fault insertion. The Bench Wizard™ is a highly integrated development tool that incorporates I/O, communication, data logging, calibration, and fault insertion to automate testing over the full range of normal and abnormal conditions. By providing a simple virtual instrument interface with graphical buttons and scopes, the Bench Wizard™ hides the details involved in running complex simulations. Its simple drag and drop interface gives engineers and technicians a powerful environment for testing automotive control systems.

The Bench Wizard's open architect incorporates a CAN communication message scheduler and interpreter. The CAN scheduler and interpreter can be used to simulate multiple nodes within a vehicle network. All CAN message data can be accessed from the Bench Wizard's user interface.

The value of The Bench Wizard™ can be further extended with MatLab^® and other scripting environments such as Python. The scripting interface allows access to all The Bench Wizard's core functionality.