Airbus test rig uses Ethernet Powerlink

Austrian automation specialist B and R has delivered control components for a measurement test rig for the largest passenger aircraft in the world - the A380.

Austrian automation specialist B and R has delivered control components for a measurement test rig for the largest passenger aircraft in the world - the A380.

A key factor in the completion of the project was the use of the real-time Ethernet Powerlink standard network developed by B and R, which allowed existing control components to be integrated without problems.

This made it possible for Airbus Industries to use standard control solutions and reduce costs.

For the project, Airbus Industries required ultra-high-speed transfer (less than 1ms) of large amounts of data using a standard Ethernet system as well as the integration of existing test systems and connection to the available IT structures.

B and R developed a PC-based solution with remote I/O stations.

The use of standard control solutions results in a significant cost reduction for Airbus Industries, and would not have been possible without the open system from B and R.

Because of the high level of performance and the standard network, B and R was also able to implement temperature evaluation and climate control technology, eg for the seats and side covers as well as measurement recording and processing for the heating/cooling systems used for in-flight catering.

"With this application, we have proven that it is not only possible to automate machines using standard control technology from B and R and Ethernet Powerlink, but solutions for complex measurement and testing tasks can also be created easily and efficiently", states Thomas Hollasch, Sales Technician, from B and R's Hanover office.

Follow-up projects with Airbus Industries are already being planned.

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