SSS2023 - Shanghai-Stuttgart-Symposium on Automotive and Engine Technology

Kistler is the global market leader for dynamic pressure, force, torque and acceleration measurement technology. Cutting-edge technologies provide the basis for Kistler's modular solutions. 

Customers in industry and scientific research benefit from Kistler's experience as a development partner, enabling them to optimize their products and processes so as to secure sustainable competitive edge. Unique sensor technology from this owner-managed Swiss corporation helps to shape future innovations not only in automotive development and industrial automation but also in many newly emerging sectors. Drawing on our extensive application expertise, and always with an absolute commitment to quality, Kistler plays a key part in the ongoing development of the latest megatrends. The focus is on issues such as electrified drive technology, autonomous driving, emission reduction and Industry 4.0.

Some 2,050 employees at more than 60 facilities across the globe are dedicated to the development of new solutions, and they offer application-specific services at the local level. Ever since it was founded in 1959, the Kistler Group has grown hand-in-hand with its customers and in 2020, it posted sales of CHF 361 million. About 9% of this figure is reinvested in research and technology – with the aim of delivering better results for every customer. 

New Modular System Architecture Featuring State-of-the-art Technologies

Modularity is a key advantage of the KiBox2, with both hardware and software designed according to the modular principle. The new solution from Kistler also includes the KiBox Cockpit software: an open ecosystem for parametrization, visualization and analysis that ensures seamless connection to third-party devices. Thanks to the advanced data management functions included, testing efficiency is significantly higher. The user experience is now enhanced by active-intuitive guidance with voice control and audio feedback to guarantee safe and efficient operation while driving. The list of new benefits goes on: an improved signal conditioning for the crank angle sensor, a bidirectional CAN-FD interface, and the option of cascading up to four KiBox2 units including PTP (Precision Time Protocol). 

The Key to Maximum Efficiency in Engine Development

By integrating measurement and analysis capability for both electric and combustion-based powertrains in the KiBox2, Kistler has developed one of the most versatile and comprehensive powertrain diagnostics systems available on today's market. Outstanding usability, advanced data management features and modular expandability make this solution even more attractive. 

And as an added benefit, customers can enhance their engine development capabilities by using metrics for electric machine efficiency characterization, as well as in-cylinder pressure metrics for “normal” and “abnormal” combustion, including new synthetic fuels. Janko Meier, Product Manager Systems at Kistler, concludes: „The new KiBox2 is a paradigm shift for propulsion system measurement, leveraging the competences of the Kistler Group, to provide a complete, efficient powertrain diagnostic and optimization solution.”

Features of the KiBox2 system: 

• Simultaneous or independent time and angle-based data recording concept with flexible definition of acquisition frequency

• Crank-smart technology, “encoder less” operation

• Real-time calculation of standard combustion parameters

• Real-time calculation of user-defined formulas via formula compiler 

• Limit value monitoring with highly configurable triggers and data storage concept

• “Endless Measurements” with complex multi-recorder concept

• Convenient integration with electronic control unit calibration tool chains via XCP and/or CAN

• Full connectivity with all common testbed automation systems via DCOM, Remote Control API, TCP/IP, WLAN

• Bi-direction CAN interface, full support of CAN-FD

• Scale able channel count concept with cascade able acquisition units and freely configurable channel inputs via measuring modules

• Wide range DC power supply options, optimized for in-vehicle measurement application

• “Headless” standalone operation without a host PC, with automated data synchronization

• KID (Knock Intensity Detection) according to Bosch method and workflow, for gasoline engine calibration