The MTS 4100 is an NVH Analyzer combining all of the tools required to diagnose the most challenging vehicle NVH problems.
The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer allows technicians to find the root cause of vibrations without having to replace part after part, and without the need for additional computer software calculations. The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer can also perform system driveline balance without technicians having to remove a single part from the vehicle being tested.
The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer employs a 320 x 240 LCD graphic display and 22 function keys to monitor and control its various functions. A Freescale 68331 main CPU is coupled with a separate Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processing, collection of analog and serial vehicle data, display processing and general I/O control.
The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer accepts inputs from multiple accelerometers, a microphone, vehicle serial data (via the J1962 connector) and can output data to a printer or a PC via an RS232 port. The MTS 4100 also interfaces to a strobe and a photo tachometer for rotational speed measurements and a remote trigger switch.
The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer is designed for use by both engineers and service technicians. Operation is simplified by multiple menus and automated data collection. For a service technician, the intent is for the MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer to specifically identify the vehicle subsystem that is causing the excess noise or vibration and in many cases, the actual component within that subsystem.
Additional functionality includes dynamic drive line balancing while the drive shaft remains in the vehicle. This is a unique feature and functions independently of other built-in functionality.
The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer provides four main operating modes:
- Vibration Diagnostics
- Noise Diagnostics
- Driveshaft Balancing
- Strobe Light Capability
Vibration Diagnostics
The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer measures data from a single accelerometer or simultaneously from two accelerometers, and obtains OBD II operations data from the vehicle's ECU network. It then performs a frequency analysis on the accelerometer data, and compares the vibration frequencies with the frequencies associated with various rotating components within the vehicle (driveshaft, engine RPM or wheels/tires) obtained from the ECUs. After the MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer has correlated the vibration data with the vehicle's OBD II data, it provides recommendations regarding possible causes of the vibration.
Noise Diagnostics
The noise diagnostics function is similar to the vibration diagnostics function but the MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer measures noise from one or two microphones instead of accelerometers that measure vibration.
Driveshaft Balancing
Support for either one-plane or two-plane driveshaft balancing is provided by one or two accelerometers and a photo tachometer connected to the MTS 4100. The accelerometers measure the vibrations at both ends of the driveshaft, while the Photo Tachometer measures the rotational speed of the driveshaft and provides a position reference.
The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer directs the technician through a step-by-step balancing procedure, and then provides a graphical indication of where to mount the balancing weight. A final step verifies that the driveshaft has been adequately balanced.
Strobe light capability
The MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer can control an output to a strobe light, such as a standard timing light. The strobe light provides a strobe synchronous with vibration in order to help isolate the source of the vibration. The technician can select the frequency of the strobe output. A technician can also have the analyzer output a frequency that is related to the frequencies of the rotating components of the vehicle. For example, a strobe can be generated that is half the frequency of the engine RPM (i.e., rotation rate of the camshaft).