Italian pro-audio technologist Powersoft has joined forces with VI-grade, a provider of real-time simulation and professional driving simulator solutions.
The companies will integrate Powersoft’s haptic transducer, Mover, into VI’s Compact FSS simulator. Designed specifically for automotive OEMs, the Compact FSS replicates real-life car behavior and offers a full-spectrum simulator experience from 0.5Hz to 20kHz to assess ride comfort and vehicle refinement.
Powersoft says that Mover provides realistic haptic feedback, and that its compact size and power-to-size ratio enable easy integration into limited spaces without orientation limits. VI-grade’s internal technical team, responsible for designing, testing and certifying the simulators, initially tested the Mover on a static version of the simulator. The positive results of this test confirmed the decision to integrate Mover into the new simulator model.
Powersoft has provided support to address challenges such as space constraints when integrating Mover into Compact FSS. Additionally, the simulator now benefits from two new energy-efficient Powersoft Mezzo amplifiers, replacing an old eight-channel amplifier.
“The haptic feedback element provided by Mover is fundamental to completing the simulation experience, blending its vibrational contributions with those of the other shakers to cover the full range of frequencies, in all depths of field, at which the vehicle is moving,” explained Gabriele Ferrarotti, marketing director at VI-grade.
“We are thrilled with the finished product, and the feedback from users during our demos has been overwhelmingly positive,” added Ferrarotti. “The integration of Mover into our Compact FSS simulator allows evaluation of the entire frequency spectrum on a single simulator, from handling to noise.
“The Compact FSS excels in assessing ride comfort by combining motion, vibration and sound to create an overall driver and passenger experience. It is also suitable for seat evaluations, as any seat can be placed on the Compact FSS, with motion and vibration delivered to the seat’s rail attachment points.”
“We are particularly thrilled about this collaboration with VI-grade,” said Francesca Cenni, key account professional leader at Powersoft.
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