Vehicle calibration better digital

Test passed with flying colors

Test passed with flying colors

Is something better simply because it’s digital? Does “digital” really bring advantages? Naturally, we asked ourselves these questions during the development of our digital calibration system TechPRO® Digital ADAS. The test results confirm it: yes, digital is better. But we already knew that!!

MAHLE’s commitment remains the same: our system for calibration of driver assistance systems must be easy, fast, and viable for workshops. We believe that TechPRO® Digital ADAS with its digital calibration panel fulfills these criteria exactly. However, new approaches always throw up questions: Is an individual digital calibration panel reliable and does it deliver the same results as physical targets? Can the digital calibration tool really be positioned precisely in front of the car using the software? Can the car’s front axle really be used for positioning the calibration tool? Time to test this…!

TechPRP® Digital ADAS on the test bench

At the Automotive Safety Centre in Vairano/Italy, the performance and reliability of TechPRO® Digital ADAS was empirically tested under the supervision of TÜV Süd as an independent body. The test subject was a brand-new Audi A4 with the original calibration of the driver assistance systems. It was driven around the test track for a week, covering more than 2,000 kilometers. The test engineers initially checked how the vehicle’s ADAS system behaved with the original calibration for various driving maneuvers and situations.

The test scenarios

In order to reconstruct the tests precisely, five scenarios were defined using the driver assistance systems:

  • Pedestrian detection with emergency braking function
  • Automatic braking if an obstruction is detected in front of the vehicle
  • Automatic braking and avoidance if an obstruction is detected in front of the vehicle
  • Automatic braking when approaching a slower vehicle
  • Staying on track while driving straight and taking corners (Line Assist)

For these scenarios, the tests measured at what point the driver assistance system detected a situation and when and with what intensity the emergency braking system was deployed.

Recalibration with TechPRO® Digital ADAS

During the maneuvers, every movement and response of the Audi was monitored via GPS, and the results documented and analyzed. The engineers then recalibrated the vehicle’s front camera and front radar with TechPRO® Digital ADAS—first on the front axle, then on the rear axle. After both calibrations, the Audi underwent the same driving tests again. The engineers then made another change by misaligning the vehicle’s rear axle (worst driving condition) before recalibrating it and performing new tests.

Result

Calibration with TechPRO® Digital ADAS always ensures the correct functioning of the ADAS systems in line with OE equipment regulations. While the calibration on the rear axle is correct, it is more complicated and requires more time. The calibration on the front axle (possible with TechPRO® Digital ADAS) improves the performance of the driver assistance systems, and the whole calibration process is simpler and faster, even in the event of a misaligned vehicle axle.

Summary

MAHLE’s digital calibration system gives you absolutely reliable calibration results.* What’s more, you can even improve the performance of the driver assistance system. The calibration process itself is also faster. With TechPRO® Digital ADAS, you definitely have a powerful calibration tool that offers you a clear competitive advantage.

* Available in the MAHLE (TechPRO®) and BRAIN BEE® (CONNEX) brands

Your direct contact: sales-workshop-equipment@mahle.com