![\"DMC](\"https:\/\/cdn.dmcinfo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/27165822\/DMC-Test-Stand-Image.png\")
DMC\u2019s solution is built on the National Instruments platform, leveraging LabVIEW to control the electromechanical system and COTS hardware from NI and other vendors to establish the required data acquisition and instrumentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDMC\u2019s solution is built on the National Instruments platform, leveraging LabVIEW to control the electromechanical system and COTS hardware from NI and other vendors to establish the required data acquisition and instrumentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We delivered a fully open solution (including all source code and hardware schematics), enabling the client\u2019s in-house engineers and developers to maintain, refine, and expand the system over time to support evolving test requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DMC worked with the customer to translate testing requirements into an abstract system state diagram depicting the connection schema that forms the backbone of the test stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n System State Diagram with Bus Highlights – click for full-size image.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To maximize the number of external (DUT) connections a single piece of instrumentation could utilize, we used a bus architecture in the electrical design. The names and a brief description of the bus function are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n DMC\u2019s employed our Flex Framework, the DMCquencer<\/a>, and additional LabVIEW Object-Oriented Programming (LVOOP) on this test stand. DMC\u2019s Flex Framework is a collection of common tools and standard resources that engineers can draw from while designing an application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Designed in LabVIEW, the application is easily extensible and open source. DMC provided the source code for the project to the customer, enabling them to further customize the test stand and truly \u2018own\u2019 the equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A set of rugged, durable connectors for both high and low power DUT interaction expose the test system’s instrumentation and signal lines. These connections points are routed to the DUT via a connector harness which allows for any future devices to interact with the system for the relatively low cost of creating a new harness. Furthermore, multiple types of measurements can be brought out on each connector enabling the test system to take a variety of measurements without having to change wiring connections manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For each DUT type and model number, the customer can define a unique routine built upon existing test types. This style of DUT-agnostic electromechanical design adds value to the test station as it becomes a flexible testing asset, thus eliminating the need to create a unique tester for each product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MES Database Integration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n DMC worked in parallel with the client\u2019s engineering teams to integrate with an existing Manufacturing Execution System (MES) database. When an operator scans a barcode on the device under test, a query is made to the MES database to obtain a model number and automatically select which set of verification tests to run on the DUT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rest API & TDMS Logging<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n DMC implemented a variety of logging destinations for this test system. Detailed logs of system operation and internal variable changes are logged to a TDMS file<\/a> while the system is operating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, DMC worked with client software architecture teams to develop a database schema which captured the results of an automated test sequence. We utilized REST API calls to push data to this database and tested the functionality from both a simulated test stand and actual test stand environment to verify successful integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DMC delivered two test systems to the client\u2019s new manufacturing facility, and the modern test systems have paved the way for the consistent and reliable end-of-line testing of the client\u2019s products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DMC\u2019s solution is built on the National Instruments platform, leveraging LabVIEW to control the electromechanical system and COTS hardware from NI and other vendors to establish the required data acquisition and instrumentation. We delivered a fully open solution (including all source code and hardware schematics), enabling the client\u2019s in-house engineers and developers to maintain, refine, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":14737,"template":"","meta":{"customer":"Enerys","summary":"DMC delivered an automated production test station to an international manufacturer of large, commercial, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The system performs essential end-of-line functional verification of both battery packs and battery modules.\r\n\r\nThe client provided DMC a high-level test specification, and from this, we were able to rapidly deliver two complete test systems configured to the client’s needs. We achieved this within the client’s fast-moving timeframe driven by start-of-production.\r\n\r\nDMC followed a well-structured project process to design, program, fabricate, and commission the system. We combined strict attention to the client’s production test plan with our deep knowledge\/experience in automated test equipment to yield a reliable design tailored to the client’s needs. The completed system increased the client’s quality control capabilities for their new product to a level well beyond that of prior products.","description":"","customer_benefits":"Open Modular Platform\r\n\r\n \r\n Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) hardware platform\r\n Utilizes industry-standard, high-performance National Instruments devices\r\n \r\n \r\n Customer Ownership and Maintainability\r\n \r\n Full source code delivered, providing the end customer with full ownership and independent maintainability of the system\r\n \r\n \r\n Visibility and Traceability into Product Quality\r\n \r\n MES Database integration provides readily accessible and traceable test results\r\n \r\n \r\n Flexibility\r\n \r\n Provides flexibility through user-defined and customizable test procedures\r\n \r\n \r\n Dual Operating Modes\r\n \r\n Fully automated one-click (production) Manual (diagnostic) and testing modes","components_used":"National Instruments LabVIEW\r\n Windows 10 PC Platform\r\n National Instruments DAQmx, XNET, CAN, Digital Multimeter, Power Supply\r\n High Power Isolation and Continuity (Ground Bond) Test Equipment\r\n GPIB, RS232, CAN Communication\r\n Low Power Relay and High-Power Contactor Multiplexing Topologies\r\n Powerful, Flexible Test Sequencer\r\n Webasto (AeroVironment) Cycler Integration\r\n MES Database Integration","project":"","author":"Jesse Batche and Kyle Mitchell","notes":""},"work_category":[678,693,704,692,685,680,714,684,706],"class_list":["post-14743","our_work","type-our_work","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","work_category-automotive","work_category-battery-pack-test-systems","work_category-energy-and-utilities","work_category-green-technology","work_category-labview","work_category-manufacturing-automation-and-intelligence","work_category-mes","work_category-test-measurement-automation","work_category-test-stand"],"yoast_head":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.dmcinfo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/abstractSS.png.webp\")
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Abstract System State Diagram – click for full-size image.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nElectrical Panel Layout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nTest Stand High Power Panel (Left) and Low Power Panel (Right)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Bus Architecture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Software Architecture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Integration with DUT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An ability to interact with multiple DUTs was a crucial requirement from the customer, so DMC designed the test system to work for a variety of DUTs via a standard interface. In this case, the test system interacts with two primary DUTs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Database Integration & Logging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Project Outcome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Click Here for more information on DMCs latest generation of Battery Production Test systems. <\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"