Flexible Direct Injection

RapidPro has a new module to provide universally configurable control electronics for direct injection diesel and gasoline engines with solenoid injectors

The PS-DINJ 2/1 (DS1664) is a new direct injection module from dSPACE which when used in conjunction with the RapidPro prototyping platform provides universally configurable control electronics for direct injection diesel and gasoline engines with solenoid injectors. Because it is software-configurable, the new DS1664 module can be adapted to a large number of different solenoid injectors. It is therefore reusable, saving time and costs. The RapidPro system’s modular design can handle injection systems with up to 12 cylinders. By employing new combustion chamber processes, and new injection methods and strategies, automobile manufacturers are able to cut fuel consumption, exhaust gas emissions, and noise emission, and at the same time boost engine power.

High-Tech for Developing Better Injection Systems
The DS1664 module provides integrated current control for the peak current Ipeak and the hold current Ihold, and a voltage control for the boost voltage (software-configurable between 6 and 100 V). Safety and fault detection functions such as short circuit and overtemperature detection are also on-board. The control signals for injection start and duration tpeak+thold are generated by the RapidPro Control Unit and can be freely parameterized in real time via a Simulink® blockset. Up to 10 injections per cylinder (pre , post , and main injections) can be implemented at a resolution of 0.1° crankshaft angle within one engine cycle. One module can control up to two injectors (sequentially) depending on the operating mode. The maximum output current is software configurable between 2 A and 30 A, continuously up to 15 A.

Thermocouple Module
Another innovation is the RapidPro DS1638 module, which provides 8 galvanically isolated measurement channels for type-K thermocouples (NiCr-Ni) with a measurement range of -200 to +1370 °C and one 24-bit A/D converter per channel. The sampling rate for each converter is software-settable in the range 0.1 Hz to 50 Hz. This allows numerous application areas, such as engine, transmission, and exhaust tract. The module has its own splitter cable, so the standard Sub-D connector on the RapidPro units does not need modifying. A high-precision cold junction compensation is integrated into the connector, along with a memory that identifies the connected thermocable and thermocouples. Characteristic curve linearization is performed on the module itself, which transfers the measurement values to the RapidPro Control Unit loss-free. Support of further thermocouples such as type J is planned.

Paderborn, October 2006