MTS and dSPACE Unveil Test Bench for Smarter, Faster Mechatronics Development

NOVI, Mich., Aug. 15, 2006 -- MTS Systems Corporation and dSPACE have co-developed a Mechatronic Development and Validation (MDV) proof-of-concept bench that bridges the gap between virtual and real-world testing to deliver the most accurate and comprehensive data available for mechatronic development and validation.

The MDV proof-of-concept bench acts as an integrated lab system, uniting real-time simulation and mathematical models with mechanical testing equipment. In combination, this testing environment produces precise data for rapid evaluation of control designs and validation.

"The integrated lab environment greatly reduces the expense and limitations of a traditional test track," said dSPACE Sales Director Vivek Moudgal. "More experiments can be performed with a wider range of testing parameters under realistic conditions and the data that is produced is very accurate."

  Demonstrations of the MDV test bench can be viewed at:
  *  SAE Convergence 2006, Oct. 16-18, Cobo Center, Detroit (Booth 1107)
  *  Automotive Testing Expo 2006, Oct. 25-27, Rock Financial Showplace,
     Novi, Mich. (Booth 10000).

The MDV bench integrates a real, variable rate damper and quarter- suspension with a hardware-in-the-loop simulation model. This testing environment creates realistic and repeatable maneuvers to effectively evaluate vehicle dynamics. Varying forces, mass loads and road conditions are applied to analyze fault handling and performance and identify potential issues early in the product development and validation processes.

"We can perform realistic event simulations at any stage of the development process," said Dan Barsness, senior market development manager at MTS Systems. "Our customers tell us they can't continue to rely on track testing and prototypes late in the development process. The MDV testing environment clearly identifies performance issues, and reduces development times and warranty exposure."

About dSPACE

dSPACE is a leading producer of engineering tools for the design, control and calibration of electronic and mechatronic systems. dSPACE offers a complete tool chain of products to enhance development, testing and validation of real-time embedded controllers.

dSPACE tools support model-based control design, rapid control prototyping, automatic code generation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation and calibration. Founded in 1988, dSPACE has its headquarters in Paderborn, Germany, and engineering project centers in Munich and Stuttgart, Germany. In addition to its North American subsidiary in Novi, Mich., the company has subsidiaries in France, Japan and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives worldwide.

About MTS Systems Corporation

MTS Systems Corporation is a leading global supplier of test systems and industrial position sensors. The company's testing hardware and software solutions help customers accelerate and improve their design, development, and manufacturing processes and are used for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products and structures. MTS' high-performance position sensors provide controls for a variety of industrial and vehicular applications. MTS had 1,549 employees and revenue of $374 million for the fiscal year ending October 1, 2005.

Additional information on dSPACE and MTS can be found on the Internet at http://www.dspaceinc.com/ and http://www.mts.com/ .

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution photo of the MDV test bench is available.