VI-grade has launched the COMPACT Full Spectrum Simulator (FSS) that combines the functionalities of the company’s line of small automotive mockup systems into a single unit. “The COMPACT FSS Simulator…is a new product that addresses what had been a gap among simulators, namely the ability to address ride motion, vibration and sound in a single compact simulator,” the German-based driving simulation company tells engineering.com. This will enable engineers and test drivers to model, test, iterate and optimize designs early in development while only taking up the equivalent of a small office or meeting room corner.
Features of the COMPACT FSS include:
- Full spectrum, multi-attribute simulations in the range of 0.5 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Simultaneous primary and secondary driving motion, vibration and sounds.
- The ability to assess noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), vehicle dynamics, ride comfort, seat evaluation, motorsport designs and overall vehicle refinement and characterization.
Previously, engineers could test-ride motion and NVH within a single simulator, but in a space of up to 10 by 15 meters (33 by 49 feet), which doesn’t include the viewing area or support systems needed to operate the simulator. Meanwhile, the COMPACT line of simulators can fit everything, including a viewing area and support tools, in 15 percent of the square footage.
While there are driving simulators comparable in size to the COMPACT line, they would typically only assess a single attribute of a car’s design—be it sound, vibration or motion. To test all three, an engineering team would need to purchase or rent multiple simulators, which could have a major impact on budgets.
“The new COMPACT FSS Simulator is the ideal tool for in-depth and accurate virtual prototype evaluations, allowing engineers to make vehicle design decisions with greater confidence”, said Dave Bogema, senior director of product management at VI-grade, in a press release. “Powered by a VI-grade AutoHawk real-time computer, the COMPACT FSS Simulator will help engineers experience multiple attributes of a vehicle and genuinely assess and understand how the car will feel and sound, without the need for physical prototypes.”
It should be noted that VI-grade offers a driving simulator rental service for its COMPACT line. Currently, there is no mention of this service extending to COMPACT FSS. However, this would be a good option to keep an eye out for, and a good business model for VI-grade, as it would enable engineers to use this technology for short periods of time without large capital expenditures or the costs of maintaining idle systems.