Introducing Bobcat
A new generation test automation and control system from Digalog.
If you’re looking to bring power and affordability to a wide range of testing applications, look no further than bobcat. Small in size, yet big on value, bobcat is the ideal solution to a variety of testing challenges. Created with the end-user in mind, bobcat offers a number of unique features, including:
- A modular “Qube” design housing the system I/O
- Fully expandable and scalable configurations
- Innovative GUI graphical user interface based on Microsoft® Office 2007
- Includes 24-month warranty and online support
System Architecture
Cost-effective and user-friendly, bobcat is a test system that is very easy and quick to install in a test cell. By using remote I/O, bobcat allows the signal connections to be as close to the test article as possible with a minimum amount of test-cell wiring
Cell Box
Technical Description
The bobcat Cell Box is a compact, wall-mounted enclosure for dyno and throttle control as well as connecting the bobcat PC to the Qubes in the test cell. It contains the dyno control with space for a current amplifier for eddy current dynos or water valve controllers for water brake dynos, as well as the throttle actuator amplifier for throttle actuator control. The bobcat system uses Ethernet for I/O communication and 24 VDC for power, and the Cell Box contains the Ethernet switches and power supplies connecting everything together. The optional bobcat pendant can also be connected to the Cell Box for remote control of the test cell for troubleshooting or calibration. Removable side, top, and bottom gland plates are used for cable penetration with internal terminal strips for electrical connection in the box.
Scope of Supply
- Cell Box enclosure
- cRIO Rack
- 24 VDC power supplies and distribution module
- E-stop system
- Ethernet switches
- Throttle and dyno control
- (2) 60’ ethernet cables
Included I/O
- (8) 6 to 36V @ 250 mA digital output channels
- (8) 24V sinking channels of fast digital inputs suitable for counters
- (4) 0-10V analog outputs, 16 bit
- (16) differential, 16 bit, +/-10, 5, 1, or 0.2 V analog inputs
Part Number
Cell Box: TNADIBC201.01
I/O Qube
Technical Description
The bobcat I/O Qube is a versatile I/O module with a wide range of I/O. It allows a variety of testing with just a single cube. An available Hub option contains the required items for connection to other Qubes in the test cell. The only connection required is to the Cell Box via an Ethernet cable and a power cable, or to another Qube that has a built-in Hub option. The thermocouple jacks accept either standard or miniature plugs. The AI, AO, DI, and DO all use a common, 6 conductor self-locking connector, and the mating connectors are included with the Qube. A small removable blank panel can be modified for custom connectors.
Scope of Supply
- Qube enclosure
- cRIO Rack
- 24 VDC distribution module
- Panel mount I/O connectors and wiring
- (36) Male connectors for AI, AO, DI or DO
- (1) 60’ Ethernet cable
- (1) 60’ power cable
Included I/O
- (8) 6 to 36V @ 250 mA digital output channels
- (8) 24V sinking channels of fast digital inputs suitable for counters
- (4) +/-10V analog outputs, 16 bit, 1 ma per channel
- (16) differential, 16 bit, +/-10, 5, 1, or 0.2 V analog inputs
- (16) K-Type thermocouple w/internal cold-junction sensors
Part Number
I/O Qube: TNADIBC202.01
PC & Software
Technical Description
The bobcat software resides on a conventional PC which has two operating systems:
- Windows XP™ - used by bobcat for the typical file management, connection to the building LAN, printing, and other basic functions that Windows offers
- INtime® by tenAsys - used for the realtime system for measurement and control of the test cell. The PC, monitors, mouse, and keyboard all reside in the control room area and connect to the test cell via two Ethernet cables to the Cell Box.
Operation
The bobcat software has an innovative graphical user interface (GUI) which is based on the Microsoft Office 2007 guidelines. This allows an inherent familarity and ease of use for both new and experienced test cell engineers and operators. Testcell, engine, and test setup is straightforward, allowing your testing to be up and running rapidly. Use the Data Browser to see your test results in tabular and graphical form.
Scope of Supply
- PC, Mouse, and Keyboard
- (2) 19” Flat Panel Monitors
- bobcat software
Part Numbers
PC: TNADIBC207.01
Software: TNADIBC100.01
Thermocouple Qube
Technical Description
The bobcat Thermocouple Qube has a higher proportion of thermocouple connectors measuring temperatures of a system. It includes 16 differential analog inputs for connection to analog devices or to a Pressure Transducer Box. The 27 thermocouple channels are suited for testing that requires more temperature measurement. An available Hub option contains the required items for connection to other Qubes in the test cell. The only connection required is to the Cell Box via an Ethernet cable and a power cable, or to another Qube that has a built-in Hub option. The thermocouple jacks accept either standard or miniature plugs. The analog input connectors use a 6 conductor self-locking connector, and the mating connectors are included with the Qube. A small removable blank panel can be modified for custom connectors.
Scope of Supply
- Qube enclosure
- cRIO Rack
- 24 VDC distribution module
- Panel mount I/O connectors and wiring
- (16) Male connectors for analog inputs
- (1) 60' Ethernet cables
- (1) 60' power cable
Included I/O
- (16) differential, 16 bit, +/-10, 5, 1, or 0.2 V analog inputs
- (27) K-Type thermocouple w/internal cold-junction sensors
Part Number
- Thermocouple Qube: TNADIBC203.01
Pressure Transducer Box
Technical Description
The Pressure Transducer Box is designed as an add-on module to the I/O Qube or Thermocouple Qube. It connects to the analog inputs on the I/O Qube or Thermocouple Qube with discrete cables. The Pressure Transducer box has input locations for eight pressure transducers with a -4AN to NPT stainless steel bulkhead fitting installed in each location. The circular connectors used for connection to the I/O Qube or Thermocouple Qube are pre-mounted in the front panel, with the connecting cable for the transducer pre-terminated to the connectors in the panel.
Basic installation steps:
- Install the mating transducer electrical connector
- Mount the transducer to one of the eight bulkhead fittings
- Install the required lines from the engine to the -4AN side of the fitting
- Make the electrical connection from the connector on the front panel to the I/O Qube or Thermocouple Qube
The Pressure Transducer Box can either be mounted on the side of a Qube, or mounted remotely with the analog cables run to a Qube for connection.
Scope of Supply
- Pressure Transducer Box enclosure
- (8) NPT to -4AN bulkhead Stainless Steel fittings
- (8) 6 pin panel mount circular connectors with attached cable for connection to transducers
- (8) 1' analog input connection cables with connectors
Part Number
- Pressure Transducer Box: TNADIBC204.01
Pendant
Technical Description
The bobcat Pendant provides manual control of the test cell when not running an automatic test routine. Although not required, the Pendant provides control through various methods of interface. Two rotary encoders for control of the dyno and engine allow precise changing of the dyno and engine setpoints. Eight physical buttons tied to traditional functions like Start, Stop, Idle, etc., allow the operator easy, manual digital control with the Pendant.
The color touch screen provides the user control and visual feedback of important control parameters like speed, torque, and throttle setpoints and mode switching. Programmable buttons in the display can also call preprogrammed test sequences.
Additionally, the bobcat Pendant can be used inside the test cell by plugging the Ethernet cable into the Cell Box for limited manual control of the test cell.
Scope of Supply
Pendant, which includes:
- Two rotary encoders for control of the dyno and engine
- Eight physical push-buttons
- Color touch screen display
- 120 VAC to 24 VDC wall transformer power supply
- 6' Ethernet cable for connection to bobcat PC
Part Number
- Cell Box: NADIBC206.01
Desk & Tower
Technical Description
For new test cells or test cells that need a complete renovation, a bobcat desk is available. This desk matches the cell hardware and is a cost-effective solution for the control room. It includes an under-desk PC housing to keep the bobcat PC off the surface of the desk, giving the user more work space. Two heights are available: a 30" high version for sit down height applications and a 36" high version for higher walk-up applications. The desk surface is 30" deep and 60" wide.
If you require a location for installing rack mount equipment, color matching rack towers are also available. These are available either 12 HU (shown) or 35HU tall. The towers include blank front panels (not shown here), removable side panels, and a rear door for access.
Both the desk and towers arrive unassembled. Assembly labor is available.
Part Numbers
- Desk 30" High: TNADIBC208.01
- Desk 36" High: TNADIBC291.01
- Tower 12HU: TNADIBC295.01
- Tower 35HU: TNADIBC295.02