Automotive piezoelectric sensors supplier, Kistler, has launched KiNOVA, a noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) data acquisition and analysis system. The system is designed to provide a consistent level of precision throughout the measuring chain from sensor to analysis, as well as a fully integrated and supported capability that extends from a wide range of sensors and data acquisition hardware and analysis software, to on-site engineering support.
As legislation pushes for more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation, and customer expectations regarding comfort increase, recent automotive developments have focused strongly on more efficient propulsion systems such as hybrid and electric motors. The resulting challenge for vehicle and powertrain manufacturers is not only to measure NVH with high accuracy, but also to analyse and interpret data in the most efficient way. Thus the KiNOVA system has been specifically to assist NVH engineers in the key phases of powertrain development and refinement, whether conventional, hybrid or electrical propulsion systems.
Starting from the sensor, KiNOVA covers the complete workflow, from measuring to analysing, by means of an advanced application-specific software. Using application modules, the user can perform specific NVH testing on the powertrain. KiNOVA is compatible with a range of Kistler sensors and accelerometers and other third-party sensors with IEPE / Voltage signals.
KiNOVA comes in two formats:
KiNOVA Lite is a pocket-sized, lightweight USB-powered unit with four channels of voltage or IEPE inputs and analogue inputs configurable for dynamic analysis or tachometers. The unit offers signal conditioning with 24-bit resolution and 100kHz sampling frequency combined with USB control and power. KiNOVA Capture software package provides data acquisition and signal processing tools as standard.
KiNOVA Pro is a more rugged and solid stackable unit, with 16 channels of voltage or IEPE inputs that can be expanded to 32 channels per unit with 24-bit resolution and 100kHz sampling frequency, plus two dedicated tachometer channels. Further features include USB and Ethernet communications, a programmable standalone function, built-in solid-state storage and an internal battery. The standard KiNOVA Acquisition software package provides data acquisition and signal processing tools.
Both formats may be augmented with a range of specific solutions including KiSUITE HITS, a hammer impact testing software for the KiNOVA Lite that guides the user through all necessary steps to perform hammer impact tests. KiSUITE NVH for powertrain NVH engineering performs a range of functions to measure, analyse and process NVH. KiSUITE SCA source contribution analysis allows identification and isolation of the sources that contribute most to the response without the need for multiple intermediate FRF measurement.
