MCD Smartmodules

MODULAR, COMPACT TEST TECHNOLOGY

Modular design for maximum flexibility

MCD SmartModuleS combines power supply, measurement and control into one modular test system. An integrated industrial PC with Windows and a UPS forms the basis for standalone test stations. Interchangeable plug-in modules add the functions your application needs, from power supplies and multimeters to signal switching, oscilloscopes and audio analysis. Digital inputs and outputs and switchable USB connections extend the options for controlling and monitoring devices under test. Automatic module recognition and self-configuration simplify changeovers to new tasks. Different enclosure sizes allow compact benchtop setups as well as integration into a 19-inch rack; a touchscreen is optional. Gigabit LAN, USB and DisplayPort support system connectivity. The combined use of MCD hardware and software makes it easier to reuse test procedures across development, validation and manufacturing. The test environment can therefore grow with your requirements while existing modules and proven functions continue to be used.
Challenges and concept

Changing products, small production volumes and short development cycles require adaptable test equipment. MCD SmartModuleS combines an integrated PC with interchangeable measurement and control modules. This allows a test station to be tailored to the task and selectively extended later.

mcd_elektronik-2025_SmartModuleS_Module-inklSchatten+Spiegelung

MODULAR, COMPACT TEST TECHNOLOGY

The right measurement equipment in a modular system

Power supplies, multimeters and multiplexers handle power delivery and electrical measurements. Oscilloscopes and the AudioAnalyzer add signal analysis; digital I/Os and a USB hub support control tasks. The module concept also covers mechanical test applications such as force-displacement measurements.

The installed modules are recognised and configured automatically. Combined with the MCD software platform, this creates a reusable test environment. Test procedures developed during engineering can continue to be used for validation and production and adapted to new tasks.

System architecture
Integrated PC with combinable plug-in modules
Adaptation
Recognize, combine & exchange modules
Continuity
Test concepts from development through to manufacturing
Test and functional scope

Modular & reconfigurable

MCD SmartModuleS combines an integrated PC with suitable measurement and control modules. The module configuration depends on the test requirements. Existing functions can be reused and supplemented with additional modules.

SmartModuleS 84TE
SmartModuleS
Various Components
SmartModuleS 7TE
SmartModuleS
View of 3 Modules
Digi8IO module
SmartModuleS
Main module

Power supplies and multimeters power and test the DUT. Signal and measurement multiplexers switch measurement points and extend electrical signal acquisition.

  • Power supply module
  • Multimeter module
  • Signal switching
  • Measurement multiplexer

PicoScope modules capture signal waveforms. The AudioAnalyzer module combines analogue and digital audio measurements with signal generation and FFT analysis.

  • Oscilloscope measurements
  • Analogue and digital audio analysis
  • Signal generation
  • FFT evaluation

Digital I/Os perform control and monitoring tasks. The USB hub module provides six individually switchable connections with current monitoring.

  • Digital inputs
  • Digital outputs
  • Switchable USB ports
  • Current monitoring

Force and displacement are important characteristics in switches and joining processes. The test requirements determine how sensors, control and evaluation work together.

  • Force-displacement measurements
  • Switches and pushbuttons
  • Joining processes
  • Application-specific measurement concepts
Variants and accessories of the MCD SmartModuleS

SmartModuleS can be used as a compact benchtop setup or in a 19-inch version. An optional touchscreen enables direct operation at the test station. Enclosure size and module configuration are selected to suit the application. Suitable cable sets and DUT fixtures complete the setup for development and manufacturing.

Test procedures and concepts used

MCD SmartModuleS combines the measurement and control functions required for a test task in one system. Interchangeable modules, automatic recognition and shared software support adaptation to new products and test concepts.

Electrical control and monitoring
Control digital inputs and outputs
Switch and monitor USB ports
Power DUTs through a power supply module
Select measurement points with multiplexers
Signal and audio analysis
Analogue and digital audio analysis
Capture signal waveforms with an oscilloscope
Measure electrical quantities with a multimeter
Parallel acquisition through measurement multiplexers
Modular system concept
Recognize modules automatically and combine them in new configurations
Reuse test hardware and procedures
Mechanical test concepts
Force-displacement measurements
Switch and pushbutton actuation
Tactile response and detent testing
Application-specific sensors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQS

MCD SmartModuleS is a modular measurement and test system with an integrated PC. Interchangeable plug-in modules handle power supply, measurement, signal analysis and control. The right combination creates a standalone test environment for laboratories, development and manufacturing.
Measurement and control functions can be combined to suit the task. When requirements change, the test setup can be adapted by exchanging or adding modules. Existing hardware and test procedures remain available for further applications.
Typical applications include development validation, incoming goods inspection and small-batch manufacturing. The system can also be used during production ramp-up or as a test station in automated environments. It is particularly suitable for changing products and test requirements.
The module concept includes power supplies, multimeters, signal and measurement multiplexers, PicoScope, AudioAnalyzer, digital I/Os and USB hubs. Haptic and force-displacement test concepts are also included. The configuration depends on the application.
Yes. The module configuration can be changed and extended within the selected form factor. If additional requirements arise, suitable modules and system sizes can be selected. This allows existing test equipment to be reused in adapted setups.
Automatic module recognition and self-configuration simplify setup of the installed modules. Measurement parameters and test procedures are then tailored to the specific task. This supports rapid changeovers at the test station.
Yes. The integrated industrial PC, modular hardware and MCD software platform enable test setups suited to production requirements. Test methods verified during development can be reused for validation and manufacturing.
Yes. MCD tailors the module configuration, software and DUT connectivity to the application. Suitable cable sets and fixtures complete the system. Additional measurement and control functions can also be incorporated into the planning.

KEY FACTS

Modular measurement and test system
Interchangeable plug-in modules for changing test requirements
Integrated industrial PC
With Windows as the basis for standalone test stations
Integrated UPS
To maintain the PC power supply during brief interruptions
Benchtop and rack setups
Compact formats and a 19-inch version
Automatic module recognition
Self-configuration simplifies module setup
Combinable measurement and control functions
Power supply, multimeter, multiplexer, PicoScope, AudioAnalyzer, I/Os, USB and haptic test concepts
Interfaces for system connectivity
Gigabit LAN, USB and DisplayPort; optional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Optional touchscreen
For direct operation at the test station
Versatile applications
For laboratories, development, validation and incoming goods inspection, as well as small-batch manufacturing and production ramp-up
Shared MCD software platform
For reusing test procedures across development and production

Downloads

Detailed Information

Technical Report: SmartModuleS