Smiths Interconnect connectors drive revolution in automotive testing

To achieve both the necessary certifications and customer confidence for sales success, new models must endure an even more stressful, rigorous and aggressive testing and validation regime than has been previously required.

Today, automotive testing subjects whole vehicles, components and systems to an intensive series of laboratory, virtual and real-world assessments – from emissions analysis, crash simulations and extensive electronics testing, to a wide range of ‘buzz, squeak and rattle’ investigations.

But it’s not just the cars that must withstand such harsh conditions. The testing equipment itself must be highly sophisticated and sensitive. Yet, at the same time, it must be exceptionally robust, so that it can keep putting the vehicles and components through their paces – time and again.

What’s more, this equipment is often automated, and the interfacing connectors will suffer from particularly rough treatment, as slight but repetitive misalignments add to the stress continually imposed on them.

Throughout the years, testing companies have had to wear a very high cost of replacement and custom arrangements to support their customers’ ever-changing models.

One leading European automotive testing and validation company turned to Smiths Interconnect for a solution. 

Read the full article in DPA's October issue