Design and implementation of an automatic system for testbenches with remote supervision.

Computer aided systems applied to engine, test cells generally consists of a set of microcomputers used as test cell controllers linked to a large mainframe computer or a minicomputer for data processing, analysis and documentation. Nowadays microcomputers with a considerable larger capacity of mass memory are available at very low cost in comparison to conventional minicomputers. Therefore, a computer aided system was conceived based upon two microcomputers linked to a network, allowing data transmission from a test cell station to a remote supervision station placed on the engineering office, and even a certain level of interaction upon the test cell control station. Modularity, flexibility, multi-task capability, as well as easy expansion to other test cells were considered along the system development. For the system modeling, it was used a methodology applied for development of social-technical systems, that is, system modeling allied to the process of message transmission. The mechanical systems linked to the test benches were considered as individual processes to be controlled. A universal and logic language used on process control was used instead of a conventional software with a sequential language, aiming an easier system development and maintenance.