Handheld computer turns to automotive diagnostics

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 3, 2002

Daimler-Chrysler group is using the latest generation of powerful handheld computers as part of the road-testing programme for its Smart car range.

It comes as no surprise that the automotive manufacturers have been quick to investigate and apply new technology.

And the Daimler-Chrysler group is no exception, having chosen to use the latest generation of powerful handheld computers as part of its R and D, road-testing programme for the Smart car range.

In-car electronics have reached a new level of sophistication with the increasing use of the electronic control unit (ECU).

From its humble beginnings, this is now a device capable of communication with a wide range of vehicle components, ranging from the engine management systems and suspension control, to power window regulators and lighting systems.

To enable this communication to take place, the Smart car uses the latest CANbus network.

This system allows communication between component devices and the ECU, but it also enables the reprogramming of the operational criteria of the intelligent components and, perhaps more importantly, offers the opportunity to interrogate the ECU and modify/replace the current ECU software.

As all the components run from the same wiring network, this is fast becoming the only viable method of diagnosing certain problems in today's vehicle.

Moreover, the ability for an engineer to communicate directly with the "nerve centre" of the vehicle, dramatically speeds up the service process, bringing the benefits of savings in time and money to the customer.

However, the Smart R and D team is taking things a step further.

In an effort to use this new technology, Smart contacted Livingston-based Diagnostic Instruments who developed and produce the Di-225, a robust, simple to use modular handheld computer.

Of crucial importance to the Smart R and D team, the Di-225 can be modified to exactly meet the technical specifications, and withstand the demanding environment, of the automotive industry.

This unit, capable of communicating with ECUs using CANbus communication protocol represents a massive leap forward it is, in effect, a handheld CANbus diagnostic tool.

Ideal for test scenarios, it makes a simple plug-in-and- interrogate tool for diagnostics.

Which explains why 50 of these units are currently being used by as a development tool during road trials for their next generation of Smart cars.

As Jim McNiven, marketing manager of Diagnostic Instruments explains, its compact size, flexibility, rugged construction, simple user interface and user-friendly operation makes it an ideal development tool.

Where PCs and laptops are cumbersome and delicate, this hardy handheld is the ideal tool.

"We identified at an early stage the shortcomings of the PC-based solution", says Hendrik Salomon of Smart, the Project Leader in the development of this groundbreaking instrument.

"Windows CE offered the solution, but we needed a suitable platform.

Following a period of evaluation, we selected the Di-225".

He goes on: "The ability to fully integrate our CANbus hardware into the unit, and to customise the connector panel was ideal.

The size and weight of the unit allows us to connect the diagnostic tool to the ECU from within the car cockpit.

It gives us the flexibility we need, which translates to a valuable reduction in time to market for Smart".

Though presently used as development tool, DI is excited about its potential as a service tool.

"Its capabilities offer extensive benefits to the automotive industry", says McNiven.

"While it is now common practice to regularly interrogate the ECU on a production line, this requires a PC-based local system.

The flexibility and size of the new unit, with the ability to access data from the Internet, makes it the ideal service tool for dealerships and franchises".