Implementation of a Real-Time Multi-Processing Infrastructure for Automated Testing 1999-01-0952

Increasing levels of automation have driven changes in the modern test site architecture. While newer test sites are already highly integrated and can easily coordinate and time-align data from multiple sources, older designs have much lower levels of inter-process communication. To address test automation needs across both new and legacy test platforms, Ford has now developed a deterministic, data-driven communications infrastructure. Multiple computers of different design are made to function as a single, multi-processing unit. Immediate application of this technology includes automated testing and powertrain calibration. This paper reviews the design requirements and hardware/software implementation of the multi-processing environment.