Project Details
[Return to Previous Page]Development of a universal test bench for DC-2020 Digital Controller
Company: Technical Manufacturing Corp.
Major(s):
Primary: EE
Secondary: ME
Optional: CMPEN
Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES
Intellectual Property: YES
Project Overview: TMC designs advanced vibration control systems that integrate pneumatic and electrical actuators, sensors, and external diagnostic and tuning platforms, all managed by the DC-2020 digital controller. This project focuses on developing a common test platform to improve the efficiency and reliability of testing the DC-2020 across our manufacturing, quality assurance, and customer support processes. Current State: In-house testing methodology, while effective in identifying defects, requires manual set up and a physical isolation system and manual recording of data. Also, test protocol may be inconsistent between TMC, our suppliers, our products, and our customers. Project Scope: The project seeks to develop a practical, implementable test bench to characterize and record specific characteristics such as proportional electronic valve balance, communication integrity, and input/output functionality. The intent is to develop a common DC-2020 interface for all related TMC products, eliminating the need for separate isolation systems for each product application and to ensure testing consistency across multiple products. The test bench should incorporate data logging and reporting to enable clear communication of test results, supporting troubleshooting, quality assurance, and service support activities. The test bench will require mechanical, electrical, and software design expertise. Students will gain hands-on experience with the interdependence of multiple subsystems within a functional unit and learn how these systems interact with human operators. Equipment: Students will be provided with a representative, functional DC-2020 and any required equipment not available through PSU, such as air isolators, pressure sensors and flow meters. Software tools such as LabVIEW may also be required. The DC-2020 will require facility air and standard AC power. Deliverables: A functional prototype, design documentation, and validation results
