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

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.