LATEST NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
A&D ENJOYS A SUCCESSFUL FALL TRADE SHOW SEASON.
A&D Technology recently completed a successful fall trade show season, with impressive attendance numbers at the Automotive Testing Expos in Shanghai, China September 14-16 and October 25-27 in Novi, Michigan. This was the seventh consecutive year for A&D at both shows. The Testing Expos are the largest trade shows at which we exhibit, and because of their popularity, they provide an excellent opportunity to both reconnect with existing customers around the globe, and to introduce new contacts to our products and test system expertise. The products highlighted this year included Phoenix RT, the newest member of our combustion analysis family, our BcTS Battery Cell Test System, and our complete family of simulation and control platforms.

A&D TECHNOLOGY COOPERATES WITH GRAIL IN INNOVATIVE ENGINE DEVELOPMENT.
A&D Technology, Inc. is pleased to announce its participation in the development of the innovative Grail Engine. A&D is supplying dynamometer-based testing services for the first prototype single-cylinder Grail engine in one of its state-of-the-art development test cells. Utilizing our automated test system, iTest, and Phoenix real-time combustion analysis system, A&D will provide an initial non-fueled performance evaluation, followed by gasoline-fueled testing and development with A&D’s Flexible Engine Management prototyping system. A&D and Grail are confident that the tools and services supplied by A&D will accelerate Grail’s time-to-market for this pioneering two-stroke engine.
UAES, A BOSCH JOINT VENTURE, SELECTS A&D TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR STAND PROJECT.
A&D Technology is pleased to announce that we have been selected by UAES (United Automotive Electronic Systems Co., Ltd.), one of the largest gasoline engine management system suppliers in China, to provide two complete electric motor test stands for HEV/EV applications. The turnkey test systems will each consist of a low-inertia dynamometer and drive with integrated battery simulation, test bed mechanics and power analyzer, as well as a powerful safety control feature. The core of the system is iTest, A&D's flexible, high-performance data acquisition and control product. A&D will also provide the project execution services, as well as complete systems integration.
LEADING AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH & TESTING FACILITY SELECTS A&D TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPLY HYBRID TRANSMISSION TEST STAND.
A&D Technology has been selected by a leading automotive research and testing facility to supply a hybrid transmission dynamometer test stand. The A&D system, which consists of an integrated 480HP AC dynamometer/drive and a 600V/600A battery simulator, provides the ability to simulate true dynamic vehicle loading, as well as standard torque and speed testing capabilities. The AC dynamometer has an operating range that not only allows it to serve as a backup for the test facility’s existing dynamometer installations, but also provides the higher speed and torque capabilities necessary to meet a variety of new testing requirements, including TCU development, checking and setting shift points, downshift inhibitor testing, NVH and stall testing.
The original customer specification included an AC dynamometer coupled with a gear box and a stand-alone programmable power supply, resulting in a fairly complex system. A&D proposed a more robust, alternate design based upon a direct coupled dynamometer solution with an integrated AC drive and battery simulator utilizing a common bus in a single drive cabinet. Integrating these components into a more efficient system resulted in a solution that provides added advantages including lower torque ripple, reduced latency, improved repeatability and increased accuracy. Eliminating the need for the gear box and stand-alone power supply also significantly reduced the total system cost and enhanced the overall performance, repeatability and accuracy.
A&D was selected for this project based upon the ability to provide cost effective yet advanced technological solutions that not only meet customer specifications, but exceed them.
We continue to prove our leadership in the field of electrified drivetrain test systems by supplying highly flexible, cost-effective, and efficient solutions specifically designed for each unique application. A&D Technology’s philosophy of reacting quickly to fluid customer specifications typically results in a solution that exceeds the original requirements. The award of this dynamometer system is a direct result of open communication and a transparent sales process, resulting in a solution containing the highest level of technology available in the world today.
A&D TECHNOLOGY OPENS NEW EV/BATTERY TESTING CENTER AND PARTNERS WITH STATE OF MICHIGAN IN GREEN JOBS STRATEGY; GRANT AWARD ANNOUNCED ON JANUARY 20, 2010.
A&D Technology is pleased to announce the opening of our new Advanced Vehicle Electrification Technology Center (AVETC) at our headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The new facility provides a functional display of A&D's advanced propulsion testing capabilities, including battery and HEV, for both suppliers and customers, and also provides a hands-on environment for accelerated learning.
In response to the rapid growth of the renewable energy industry, A&D over the past year has partnered with Wayne State University and The University of Michigan to provide their students a rich laboratory experience aligned with their specialized engineering courses in advanced energy storage.
As announced on January 20 by Secretary Solis of the US Department of Labor, A&D is proud to be the industry partner for the "Southeast Michigan (SEM) Advanced Energy Storage (AES) Training Project”, funded by Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Growth through the USDOL State Energy Sector Partnership Grant. In support of this activity, beginning in March A&D will be offering a series of two- and three-day advanced technology workshops/short courses to incumbent and displaced workers covering battery and HEV testing methodologies, supported by the new laboratory. The intention of the program is to provide educational content and hands-on laboratory experience demanded by employers in this industry, leading to placement, retention and advancement of new hires and incumbent workers for green jobs. “These workers have excellent skills within the automotive industry”, says Kevin Kemp, Director of Global Sales and Marketing, ”but now need to come up to speed quickly with these new technologies and testing methodologies. We are proud to be a part of the State of Michigan’s strategy on retraining Michigan’s workforce for employment in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. With this new facility, combined with our vast experience in advanced vehicle testing, A&D is uniquely qualified to support these efforts.
“A&D’s facility incorporates best-in-class equipment and automation technology that accelerates internal development and proof-of-concept initiatives.” says Bob Galyen, Chairman, SAE Battery Standards Committee. “The center provides an excellent platform to evaluate potential technology prior to making final decisions and investments. I plan to take full advantage of the development opportunities and training resources available here. Accelerated hands-on learning will be critical for our current engineers and technicians entering the workforce.”
A&D will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony (to be announced in the coming days) in the Ann Arbor, MI facility. Attendees will include members of government, academia, as well as A&D Technology industry partners and customers, and will include a variety of presentations, a demonstration and a tour of the facility.
KOREAN AUTOMOTIVE OEM SELECTS A&D TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR TEST STAND PROJECT
A&D Technology is pleased to announce that we have been selected by a major Korean automotive OEM to provide three complete electric motor test stands. The turn-key test systems will each consist of a low-inertia dynamometer system and drive, test bed mechanics, battery simulation and power analyzer. The core of the system is iTest, A&D's flexible, high-performance data acquisition and control system. A&D will also provide the project execution services as well as complete systems integration.
"This represents another important project for us" says Kevin Kemp, Director of Global Sales and Marketing. "With multiple major wins over the past six months for electric motor systems in Korea, this further strengthens A&D's position as a leading global supplier of advanced testing solutions."
