2^nd Advanced Powertrain Control Symposium, 14th September 2006

A&D Instruments Ltd (UK) has entered a partnership agreement with the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), Birmingham, in the rapidly advancing field of automotive technology.

Founded by the University of Central England (UCE) in 2000, TIC provides a unique platform to integrate the needs of industry and academia by offering a range of courses and research programmes from computer technology, film making and multimedia to mechanical engineering and biofuel development (http://www.tic.ac.uk/aboutus/index.asp).


The agreement sets a framework of cooperation between TIC and A&D in the area of powertrain management, including maintenance and upgrade of TIC's engine test cell equipped with A&D's products, joint research projects of mutual interest and the support of postgraduate and industrial seminars and events.


As part of the agreement, A&D supported the 2^nd Advanced Powertrain Control Symposium on 14^th September, 2006.


The event, organised by Prof Adrian Cole of TIC, was attended by various automotive businesses including A&D, ATI, ETAS, Ford, Jaguar, Landrover, Mathworks, MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association), Nanjing Automotive, Ricardo and Visteon.

The aim of the event was to examine advancement of integrated real-time vehicle control along with methods which aid calibration and development of both software and systems. As a provider of the engine test facility at TIC, the event was an excellent opportunity for A&D to demonstrate to current and potential new customers our existing products whilst also introducing the company’s newest products.


A&D staff members, Takeo Goto (Managing Director, A&D Instruments) and Tim Smith (Technical Manager), attended the symposium, whilst Simon Lawler, Rob Kemp (Application/Service Engineers) and George Shaw (iTest, iConnect, Atlas and iCentral Product Marketing Manager from USA) carried out the following demonstrations on the company’s exhibition stand:

• Redline CAS II unit and CAS software for combustion analysis
• iTest software for test automation
• AD-5435 (universal high speed controller) running a MATLAB model to control a DC motor rig

George was also invited to make a presentation on Engine Calibration with Vehicle Model in Dynamometer Test Bed, further demonstrating the excellent functionality of A&D’s latest powertrain products.


In addition, several attendees were given the opportunity to view the company’s engine test facility at TIC, and positive feedback was received.