The JSAE conference is a showcase of innovation and collaboration for the Japanese automotive industry. With sustainability and efficiency at the forefront, the event provides a platform for Japanese engineers, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and insights into the future of mobility.

From cutting-edge advancements in electric vehicles to breakthroughs in autonomous driving technology, the JSAE show demonstrates the industry's relentless pursuit of excellence and its commitment to shaping a greener, safer, and more connected automotive landscape.

The ATI Japan team will show its commitment to cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to address the industry's most pressing challenges with demonstration highlights at the event, offering attendees a firsthand glimpse into the company's transformative offerings:

Explore the intricate interplay of LIN and CAN messages, seamlessly interfaced with a PC using Kvaser Hybrid, exemplifying ATI's commitment to connectivity and interoperability.

Delve into the future of automotive connectivity as ATI demonstrates the conversion of LIN messages to Automotive Ethernet messages using VCG and AE-100, paving the way for enhanced data transmission and communication protocols.

Gain insights into system performance and diagnostics as live CAN messages are displayed on the DAS4ATI, while all messages across multiple automotive networks are meticulously monitored and logged in VISION 7.0 ECU Calibration and Data Acquisition software, underscoring ATI's commitment to data-driven decision-making and optimization.

Discover more about the JSAE show at: https://aee.expo-info.jsae.or.jp/en/yokohama/

Booth number: 182

The file extensions Measurement Data Format version 4 (MDF4), or in short, MF4 are used interchangeably in the context of data files. Principally MDF4 is an ASAM standard file format specifically designed for the automotive industry to handle a diverse range of data efficiently. As a compact binary format, MDF offers efficient and high-performance storage of huge amounts of measurement data.

The MDF file format allows storage of raw measurement values and corresponding conversion formulas; therefore, raw data can still be interpreted correctly and evaluated by post-processing tools, while the compressed file sizes facilitate easy sharing and collaboration.

MF4 is simply a file that follows the MDF4 standard, containing measurement data stored in accordance with the structure and conventions defined by the MDF4 format. This makes it fully compatible with software and tools that support this standard.

In the realm of data analysis and visualization, the ability to seamlessly convert various file formats into a standardized, easily accessible format is paramount. ATI’s VISION Data Analyzer (VDA) software, - part of the firm’s renowned VISION ecosystem - comprehensively supports MF4 files, plus offers a streamlined process for converting non-MDF files into the universally compatible MF4 format.

VDA easily facilitates the conversion or import of file types into the MF4 file format, enabling users to harness the power of their data without being constrained by incompatible files. This is accomplished by the ASCII Import Wizard which automatically starts when opening a TXT, CSV, or TSV file via the VDA "Open" command. The wizard initially displays data differently based on the file type. File types use different delimiters to separate fields, text, columns, etc.... The ASCII Import Wizard walks the user through setting the rows and columns to distinguish what data is the trace name, measurement units, timestamp, and recorded data points. Each step in the wizard asks for a specific row or column to be selected except for the first step of the import process.

For example, opening a 'TXT' file displays all information in the first column (below image). 

Defining a separator in the "Field Separator" drop-down separates data based on the defined separator character. The "<space>" separator is used in this example to yield an idea of how the wizard works (below image).

Files (MF4, REC, TXT, CSV, and TSV) may be extremely large and can be loaded into the VDA via multiple methods. MF4 files import directly, REC files import and convert to MF4, with TXT, CSV, and TSV files starting the ASCII Wizard in any of the following methods.

· Go to "File -> Open" and within the "Open" browser, locate and select a file.

· Double-click on a file in a browser window.

· Drag and drop a file from a browser window onto a VDA tab.

The process remains intuitive and accessible.

For VISION recorder (REC) files, VDA Software employs a sophisticated approach. Upon opening a REC file, VDA initiates a background process utilizing VISION to export the REC file into an MDF4 format. The resulting file is named according to the original REC file, ensuring seamless continuity in data management. For instance, opening a file named "Test.rec" would result in an MDF4 file named "Test-rec.mf4".

In scenarios where a related MDF file already exists for a REC file, VDA Software offers a seamless reimport process. Users are prompted for confirmation, enabling them to effortlessly overwrite existing MDF files or proceed with opening the existing MDF file, depending on their preferences.

In the area of automotive technology, connectivity is key. As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, the need for seamless communication between various systems has never been more crucial. Enter the AE-1000 USB 3.0 Type C Automotive Ethernet Adapter—an innovative solution that bridges the gap between USB and Automotive Ethernet, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and communication in the automotive industry.

The AE-1000 USB is a bi-directional physical layer media converter that facilitates seamless communication between USB and Automotive Ethernet (OPEN Alliance BroadR-Reach). With its plug-and-play functionality, users can enjoy hassle-free connectivity without the need for any additional configuration software. Simply plug the AE-1000 USB into a USB port, and you're ready to go.

Powered via USB, the AE-1000 USB seamlessly integrates with standard NIC (Network Interface Card) drivers, installing as an Ethernet port on the PC. This means that users can leverage existing infrastructure and protocols, eliminating the need for specialized drivers or software. Whether you're a seasoned automotive engineer or a tech-savvy enthusiast, the AE-1000 USB offers a user-friendly solution for enhancing connectivity and communication in automotive applications.

Equipped with support for 100/1000Mbps data rates, the AE-1000 USB 3.0 transfers data up to 10 times faster compared to USB 2.0, ensuring smooth and efficient data transfer between systems. Whether you're transferring large datasets, streaming multimedia content, or conducting real-time diagnostics, the AE-1000 USB is up to the task, providing reliable connectivity when it matters most.

The AE-1000 USB offers customizable configuration options, allowing users to tailor the adapter to their specific needs. With configuration switches for Commander/Responder mode, data rate selection (1000Mbps or 100Mbps), auto-negotiation, and Gigabit-A0 (Legacy) or Gigabit-A2 (IEEE) compatibility, users have the flexibility to optimize performance based on their unique requirements. Whether you're looking for maximum speed or legacy compatibility, the AE-1000 USB puts the power in your hands.

In its quest to continually push the boundaries of innovation, ATI has forged a strategic partnership with Methodica Technologies, an emerging technology consulting company. At the heart of this collaboration lies Methodica's iTAP platform, a revolutionary tool for Hardware-In-Loop (HIL) testing of application and diagnostic software on electronic control units (ECUs). By integrating ATI's expertise in hardware and software solutions with Methodica's cutting-edge iTAP platform, the two companies are poised to deliver advanced solutions that meet the evolving needs of the MCD sector.

At the core of the partnership between ATI and Methodica Technologies is the iTAP platform, which offers a seamless solution for writing scripts for bench tools used in HIL testing. With various HIL test bench tools integrated into iTAP's clean tool abstraction layer, users can switch between tools smoothly and integrate solutions to satisfy their software testing needs. This emphasis on flexibility and interoperability ensures that clients can tailor their testing workflows to suit their specific requirements, driving efficiency and productivity.

As part of the partnership, ATI and Methodica Technologies are placing a strong emphasis on key features including open API, flashing, and scripting functionality with VISION. These capabilities are essential for enabling seamless integration with existing workflows and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware and software platforms. By prioritizing these features, ATI and Methodica Technologies are ensuring that their integrated solutions deliver maximum value and versatility to clients in the MCD sector.

The Automotive Testing Expo stands as the pinnacle of automotive testing, development, and validation technologies worldwide, drawing industry leaders and enthusiasts alike to its annual showcases in Detroit, Shanghai, and Stuttgart. Among these, the European leg in Stuttgart reigns supreme, offering a glimpse into the forefront of automotive innovation. This year, ATI will be present, demonstrating its commitment to excellence and advancement in the field.

As visitors walk through the halls of the Automotive Testing Expo, they will see an array of cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Among the over 400 exhibitors, ATI will be showcasing its latest products and services tailored to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry. From measurement, calibration, and diagnostics (MCD), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle testing to electric and hybrid powertrain testing, ATI's offerings span the entire spectrum of automotive powertrain testing requirements.

ATI’s booth will feature demonstrations of its Vehicle Communications Gateway (VCG-1,) the latest 64-bit version of its VISION ECU Calibration and Data Acquisition software which now includes custom screen controls and a GPS visualizer, plus PICOTURN turbo speed sensors and a wide variety of CANbus interfaces and loggers from both ATI and Kvaser.

For ATI, participation in the Automotive Testing Expo is not just about showcasing its products—it's about reaffirming its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. With a dedicated team of experts on hand to provide insights and guidance, visitors can expect unparalleled support and service as they explore ATI's offerings.

With its cutting-edge technologies, dedicated team, and visionary leadership, ATI is poised to lead the charge in shaping the future of automotive testing. As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, ATI remains steadfast in its mission to provide the tools and technologies needed to drive progress and unlock new possibilities in automotive testing and development.

Learn more and register here:

https://www.testing-expo.com/europe/en/

In today's fast-paced world, technology continues to revolutionize the automotive industry, with Global Positioning System (GPS) emerging as a game-changer in vehicle calibrations. This information is crucial for various calibration processes from navigation to safety features. GPS integration in vehicles has become indispensable, offering benefits that optimize performance and efficiency. Moreover, with the usage of ATI’s VISION 7.0 Calibration and Diagnostics software, the capabilities of GPS are further enhanced, providing automotive professionals with advanced tools to precisely tune and optimize vehicle systems based on GPS data.

A primary advantage of GPS in vehicle calibrations is its ability to provide highly accurate positioning information. GPS enables vehicles, utilizing satellite signals, to pinpoint their exact location on the Earth's surface. This accuracy is crucial for calibration processes, particularly those related to navigation, mapping, and route planning. Whether it's guiding drivers to their destination or assisting autonomous vehicles in navigating complex roadways, GPS lays the foundation for reliable and efficient travel.

Vehicles equipped with GPS can be used to dynamically calibrate various systems based on their real-time location and movement. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and collision avoidance systems utilize GPS data to adjust parameters according to factors such as speed limits, road conditions, and traffic patterns. This dynamic calibration ensures that vehicles can adapt to changing environments, enhancing both safety and performance on the road.

Safety in the automotive industry, and GPS-enabled vehicle calibrations play a crucial role in enhancing safety on the road. By providing real-time information about the vehicle's surroundings, GPS data enables the implementation of features such as predictive braking, collision warnings, and emergency response systems. These safety enhancements help prevent accidents which ultimately saves lives and reduce road incidents.

GPS-based calibrations also optimize vehicle performance and efficiency. For example, Fleet management systems leverage GPS data to monitor vehicle locations, track routes, and optimize delivery schedules. By identifying the most efficient paths and reducing fuel consumption, they contribute to cost savings and environmental sustainability while streamlining operations for businesses.

GPS integration in vehicles facilitates communication with other technologies and infrastructure elements, such as traffic lights, road signs, and smart city systems. This integration enables more advanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, allowing vehicles to interact with their surroundings in real time. Whether it's receiving traffic updates, communicating with roadside assistance services, or accessing data from smart infrastructure, connectivity expands the capabilities of modern vehicles.

The integration of GPS functionality into VISION 7.0 onwards enables seamless calibration adjustments for safety critical control systems, ensuring vehicles operate at their peak performance while maximizing safety and efficiency on the road. For example, VISION 7.0’s new GPS Location Recording and Visualizer features virtual location data items that can be mapped to various location sources, including Windows Location Services, GPS units, CAN GPS units, and vehicle network GPS information. Users can effortlessly map GPS coordinates post-recording and leverage the Map Visualizer with trigger and cursor markers for precise analysis. 

As technology continues to evolve, the importance of GPS in vehicle calibrations will only continue to grow, shaping the way we travel and interact with the world around us, with ATI’s VISION software playing an integral part in this significant technological change.

In the realm of accessibility and user experience, the latest version of ATI's VISION data acquisition and calibration software stands out with its innovative Custom Screen Control (CSC) Objects. Released with VISION 7.0 on February 29^th, 2024, CSC unleashes the ability to craft accessible interfaces via scripts. These scripts facilitate interaction and data retrieval within the VISION environment, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience. This feature empowers users to tailor interfaces according to their specific needs and preferences, fostering seamless interaction and data retrieval within the VISION environment.

The CSC Objects operate in two distinct modes: "Designer Mode" (a.k.a. “Power Users”, “Unlocked Mode”) and "User Mode" (“Locked Mode”). While Unlocked, Power Users gain access to a context menu hosting a selection of controllers, enabling them to create and configure CSC Objects within a dedicated screen. Conversely, when locked, the context menu becomes inaccessible, ensuring that all users can run the controls without modifying or configuring CSC Objects. Toggling between locked and unlocked states is straightforward; users simply need to right-click on the CSC's title bar and select the respective action from the context menu. This grants users flexibility and control over their CSC configurations within the VISION environment. Enabling Designer Mode is equally simple; users can unlock the CSC by right-clicking on its title bar and selecting "Unlock" from the context menu.

User Mode provides accessibility to all users, allowing them to utilize CSCs crafted by Power Users effortlessly. These controls encompass various action items such as Buttons, Check Boxes, Output Lists, etc. facilitating interaction with scripts and data retrieval. Features like Edit Fields and Selection List controls retain user inputs or selections between sessions, further enhancing user experience and productivity. Conversely, the Designer Mode’s advanced context menu offers additional configuration options yielding a selection of "Controllers" to further customize their CSC’s. There is a specific controller that allows for script configuration, enabling users to set up actions and display results seamlessly. By right-clicking inside a Button controller, users can access the script configuration menu and generate Callback IDs associated with callback functions or event handlers, ensuring a tailored and responsive user experience.

CSC Objects can be easily distributed to other users, fostering collaboration, and sharing customized interfaces within and across teams. Users can package projects which organize the files required by CSC into folders with the same name as the VISION “Screen Name” they’re utilized in. Within each screen’s folder hosting CSC Objects, users will find directories for Background Images, Help Files, and Scripts, ensuring a comprehensive and organized distribution of CSC components.

As automotive technology continues to evolve, ATI remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive excellence in control system calibration.

As such, ATI's Enhanced Diagnostic Tool (EDT) is a game-changer in the realm of diagnostic calibration and acquisition, which propels the capabilities of its renowned VISION platform to new heights. EDT introduces a host of features that augment VISION's diagnostic prowess, most notably incorporating ISO-14229 services.

Unveiling the Power of EDT:

EDT enhances VISION's capabilities by seamlessly integrating support for legislated OBD functionality and advanced features found in the World-Wide Harmonized On-Board Diagnostics (WWH-OBD) standard, including full control of DTCs, PIDs and DIDs.

The Interconnection of Diagnostic Components:

To explain further, vehicle diagnostics hinge on several key components: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Parameter Identifiers (PIDs), and Data Identifiers (DIDs). Each plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and monitoring vehicle systems.

The Diagnostic Process Unveiled:

The diagnostic process unfolds with UDS, furnishing a standardized protocol for diagnostic communication. Each service, delineated by a unique numerical or hexadecimal code, serves a distinct purpose in diagnosing, testing, configuring, or maintaining vehicle systems.

For instance, service 0x2A within the UDS protocol corresponds to reading DTCs stored in the ECU's memory—a critical step in identifying potential issues within the vehicle.

Understanding the Core Function of EDT:

At its core EDT comprises a set of functions accessible via an API, facilitating the exchange and calibration of diagnostic data with electronic control unit (ECU) nodes through the diagnostic port. The device operates using ISO 15765 as its Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, enabling seamless access to OBD-II and WWH-OBD services via Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS). This realizes three key benefits:

In Detail - How does EDT boost VISION’s Diagnostics Capabilities?

EDT’s great advantage is that it combines measurement, calibration AND diagnostics data into a single time-aligned recording and offers full integration with VISION’s Data Item Manager, screen controls, and recorders. Furthermore, these recordings can be triggered based on diagnostics data.

The EDT platform offers a user-friendly set up of UDS data collection via CAN from a production ECU, while enabling the auto-detection of multiple ECU nodes. The toolkit also offers user configurable manual overrides for non-standard Req/Resp ID pairings, plus the ability to read live PIDs, INFOTYPEs, Monitors, and request freeze-frame data.

EDT users can request and clear DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) with trigger event expressions and generate ‘all-modes’ snapshot reports. In addition, EDT easily enables the access of OEM/user defined UDS DIDs (service 0x22) from ODX and MDX files and supports UDS Periodic Transmission (service 0x2A) recording DIDs.

Via VISION’s COM API, EDT offers extensive service and sub-function access through XML-based Diagnostics, backed with scripting capabilities that enable powerful customize workflows – for example UDS fault insertion.

Finally, EDT includes rapid packet 0x2A Periodic Transmission service support that enhances VISION’s potential use as an end of line / field service diagnostics tool.

Conclusion:

In the realm of data acquisition, two primary methodologies reign supreme: polling and tracing. These approaches serve as the backbone for capturing crucial data from sensors or measurement devices, each offering distinct advantages and tailored use cases. The decision between polling and tracing hinges upon the unique demands of the application at hand. Leveraging ATI’s VISION software in conjunction with high-speed ECU serial interfaces, significant strides can be made in obtaining large data item counts efficiently and effectively.

Polling involves actively requesting data from a sensor or measurement device at predetermined intervals. The data acquisition system sends requests to the sensors, asking for the current readings. The system then waits for a response before making the next request. Some advantages are - control over data acquisition frequency: you can precisely control when data is collected; lower data volume: data is only collected when needed, which can be beneficial for applications with limited storage or bandwidth and real-time responsiveness. There is immediate access to the latest data, ensuring timely adjustments.

Tracing, also known as streaming or continuous acquisition, takes a different approach. Instead of actively seeking out data, tracing involves continuously recording information from sensors, creating an unbroken flow of measurements without activity requesting it at every instance. As such, tracing is well-suited for applications where continuous, real-time data is essential. It enables a higher data throughput which is beneficial for applications requiring a high sample rate. Finally, it requires a simplified control logic because it eliminates the need for frequent polling requests, streamlining operations.

Choosing between polling and tracing can depend on several factors. Firstly, specific needs of your application. If you need real-time responsiveness and control over data acquisition frequency, polling might be more suitable. If continuous monitoring is crucial, and you require a high sample rate, tracing may be the better choice.

Secondly, available resources, such as storage capacity and bandwidth. Polling can be more efficient in terms of data volume, making it suitable for applications with limited resources.

Lastly, latency considerations. If low latency is crucial, polling can provide immediate access to the latest data. Tracing might introduce some latency, depending on the buffering and transmission mechanisms.

In practice, the choice between polling and tracing depends on the specific requirements of the application. Let’s breakdown some potential real-world user-cases in detail:

Polling:

a.  Scenario: Heating and cooling - temperature sensors used for battery systems to monitor temperatures at various points.

b.  Reason for Polling: Polling can be effective when users require periodic updates on temperature changes. It allows users to control the frequency of temperature data collection, conserving resources and ensuring real-time responsiveness when adjustments are needed.

a.  Scenario: In battery-operated devices, monitoring the battery voltage is critical to prevent unexpected system shutdowns.

b.  Reason for Polling: Polling allows the system to periodically check the battery voltage without continuously draining the battery. This helps manage power consumption effectively.

Tracing:

a.  Scenario: Analyzing high-frequency signals, such as those in signal processing applications.

b.  Reason for Tracing: Tracing is suitable when users require a continuous stream of data to capture rapid changes in signals. It ensures that users don’t miss critical data points and allows for high sample rates.

a.  Scenario: In automotive testing, monitoring various parameters (speed, acceleration, etc.) during a test drive.

b.  Reasons for Tracing: Tracing is beneficial when a constant flow of data is required to analyze the vehicle’s performance throughout the entire testing process. It provides a comprehensive data set for in-depth analysis.