Description

The RapidPro hardware works as an extension to dSPACE prototyping systems (MicroAutoBox/modular DS1005-based system) With their compact and robust mechanical design, the units are ideally suited for in-vehicle use, and can also be used on test benches and in laboratories. The enclosure is designed so that you can use the units separately or connect several of them to build a stack for use as one physical unit.

Signal Conditioning and Power Stages for dSPACE Prototyping Systems

The wide variety of sensors and actuators used in the automotive field, especially during the rapid prototyping phase, means that each sensor or actuator often requires its own signal conditioning and power stage circuits. Ideally, only a minimum of hardware development, or none at all, should be necessary to connect sensors and actuators to the prototyping system. In reality, the design and implementation of such circuits can be an expensive and time-consuming task. Configuring the signal conditioning and power stage hardware later on during the course of a project also usually involves a lot of work. The flexibility and intelligent assistance provided by the RapidPro hardware and the corresponding software from dSPACE will help you achieve challenging tasks for signal conditioning and power stages with high efficiency.

Intelligent I/O Subsystems for dSPACE Prototyping Systems

The functions being developed and integrated into cars are growing in complexity and volume. The acquisition and generation of I/O signals is also growing in complexity, for example, in engine management applications. Moreover, sophisticated algorithms usually need to be processed in a minimum of time. All these demanding tasks need to be performed within a standard prototyping environment and require intelligent tools for assistance. With RapidPro and further dSPACE hardware and software, you can build an intelligent I/O subsystem based on an MPC565 microcontroller.
For details, see Use Scenario B.

Key Benefits

Off-the-shelf hardware- and software-configurable signal conditioning (SC) and power stage (PS) modules can be installed in the RapidPro units to set up individual systems that optimally fit the needs of a particular application. Customer-specific modules are available on request. The modular concept, using modules that are hardware- and software-configurable, means that all components can be reused, reconfigured, or extended, for example in later projects or if requirements change, with a minimum of effort. In either case, the RapidPro hardware fits perfectly into your dSPACE tool chain.

RapidPro SC Unit: Flexible Signal Conditioning Unit Signal conditioning for dSPACE prototyping systems Easily adaptable to different sensor types via configurable modules Slots for up to 8 signal conditioning modules Wide supply range (6 V to 60 V), reverse- and overvoltage-protected
RapidPro Power Unit: Flexible Power Stage Unit Power stages for dSPACE prototyping systems Easily adapted to different actuators via configurable modules Slots for up to 6 power stage modules Wide supply range (6 V to 60 V), reverse and overvoltage-protected
RapidPro Control Unit with MPC565: Intelligent I/O Subsystem for dSPACE Prototyping Systems MPC565 microcontroller module Complex I/O signal generation and acquisition Up to 6 signal conditioning modules USB configuration interface LVDS slave communication interface
RapidPro SC/PS Modules: Mountable Signal Conditioning and Power Stage Modules Hardware- and software-configurable standard modules Easy to mount on RapidPro units Safe locking of modules on RapidPro units Signal conditioning and power stage functionality
RapidPro Break-Out Boxes Fast and flexible sensor and actuator connection Checking and reconnecting signals without changing an existing cable harness

ConfigurationDesk is a stand-alone Windows application that allows intuitive and efficient configuration of the RapidPro hardware. It also supports you in wiring the RapidPro hardware to sensors and actuators, and enables you to monitor the hardware states during operation.

 

Use Scenario A: Signal Conditioning and Power Stages for dSPACE Prototyping Systems

The RapidPro SC Unit and the RapidPro Power Unit (equipped with the relevant SC and PS modules) can be used as separate units in conjunction with prototyping systems (MicroAutoBox, modular hardware including DS1005 plus I/O boards, single-board hardware).The RapidPro SC Unit supports your prototyping system wherever demanding signal conditioning tasks such as signal protection, amplification, attenuation, filtering, and electrical isolation have to be performed. In turn, actuators like drives, valves, injectors, lamps, and relays require high current and/or high voltage output drivers. The RapidPro Power Unit provides your prototyping system with the necessary power stages. Automotive protection and extensive diagnostic capabilities are especially important for power stages, for example, in safety-critical applications.

Use Scenario B: Intelligent I/O Subsystems for dSPACE Prototyping Systems

Applications such as engine management need to acquire complex I/O signals, for example, for crankshaft and camshaft positions, and to generate complex signals for ignition and injection independently of the RCP system’s main processor and the model’s simulation step size. Offloading specific, time-critical tasks like these to a dedicated microcontroller decisively reduces the main processor’s load. The RapidPro Control Unit variant with MPC565 is used in this scenario as a slave microcontroller to extend existing prototyping systems with additional I/O functionality. An integrated Unit Connection Bus (UCB) allows you to connect several RapidPro SC or Power Units directly to the Control Unit without external wiring. Communication between the RapidPro Control Unit and the prototyping system is performed via a high-speed link. In this use scenario, the RapidPro hardware can be used for developing control applications in fields such as engine, transmissions, chassis, body, and drives control.