Munich, October 2021: Version 8.1 of the test bench automation system PAtools TX by KRATZER AUTOMATION
features a modern facelift and a novel approach that focuses on the device under test. The intuitive, user-oriented
interface makes test creation even more efficient, improving test design time by 50%.
Uwe Krummenoehler, COO of KRATZER AUTOMATION AG: “With the new functions of our test bench automation
system PAtools TX, we actively support our customers in the realization of their future-oriented, sustainable drive
concepts. The timing factor plays a decisive role in the development. To remain marketable, tests must be carried
out quickly, accurately, and under realistic conditions. To achieve this, our customers worldwide have been relying
on our turnkey test bench solutions for 40 years.”
A representative case study shows that the new user interface of PAtools TX enables the creation of a test run with
only half the number of clicks. The focus is not only on saving time during test creation but also on avoiding errors
at an early stage. This means that test creation, including validation, can be carried out offline and without
interrupting test operations. Working with the software is now much more intuitive and can be executed without an
intensive training program And, the focus on the device under test considerably simplifies the creation and
management of tests, DUTs, and test sequences. By using pre-built modules, tests can be created or supplemented
in a matter of seconds.
The test bench automation system is based on the latest technology standards. It is open and can be extended
flexibly offering a future-proof application. The newly-developed module management in version 8.1 enables the
immediate embedding of numerous available plug & use modules for the integration of additional devices or
interfaces. This way, the optimized UDS “Unified Diagnostic Service” module embeds a diagnostic connection to
the DUT into automated test sequences, and moreover expands the user interface for manual mode operation. In
addition, the PAtools TX programming language PAscript enables the development of further customer or projectspecific device drivers. A broad and constantly growing PAscript API simplifies the creation of adapters to integrated
test benches into the existing IT landscape. This open approach allows evolution at any time, and the test bench
solutions can be adapted to new requirements and interfaces over many years of operation.
As an additional feature, PAtools TX 8.1 offers broad support for residual bus simulations and thus for a realistic
test situation. The customer, therefore, does not have to resort to external additional software and hardware. Further
costs and system transitions are eliminated.
With the seamlessly integrated EtherCAT HotConfig, which is exclusively available in PAtools TX, EtherCAT slaves
can be configured station-related and thus independently from each other. This can be achieved with a single click
and without test bench downtime. In addition to the automatic import of conversion formulas and a wide range of
2/ 2
setting options via CoE, HotConfig also supports oversampling slaves, allowing signals to be stored at up to 100Khz.
This means that they can be recorded and stored up to 100 times faster.
About KRATZER AUTOMATION AG
For more than 40 years, KRATZER AUTOMATION AG has been providing process-oriented software solutions for
the international automotive industry and the transport sector in Europe. With around 500 employees, the company
supports its customers worldwide: at 8 German locations, with local engineers directly in the test fields and with its
own companies in France, Great Britain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the USA, Singapore, and China.
In the division Test Systems, KRATZER AUTOMATION plans, implements and modernizes test systems for the
mobility of tomorrow. Since 2004, a special focus has been on turnkey test systems for energy-saving and
environmentally-friendly drive concepts such as hybrid or electric drives, battery and fuel cell technology.
Press contact:
KRATZER AUTOMATION AG
Stefanie Crucius
Marketing Communications Specialist
Gutenbergstr. 5
D-85716 Unterschleissheim
Tel.: +49-(0)89-32152-584
E-Mail: press(at)kratzer-automation.com
Munich, October 2021: Version 8.1 of the test bench automation system PAtools TX by KRATZER AUTOMATION
features a modern facelift and a novel approach that focuses on the device under test. The intuitive, user-oriented
interface makes test creation even more efficient, improving test design time by 50%.
Uwe Krummenoehler, COO of KRATZER AUTOMATION AG: “With the new functions of our test bench automation
system PAtools TX, we actively support our customers in the realization of their future-oriented, sustainable drive
concepts. The timing factor plays a decisive role in the development. To remain marketable, tests must be carried
out quickly, accurately, and under realistic conditions. To achieve this, our customers worldwide have been relying
on our turnkey test bench solutions for 40 years.”
A representative case study shows that the new user interface of PAtools TX enables the creation of a test run with
only half the number of clicks. The focus is not only on saving time during test creation but also on avoiding errors
at an early stage. This means that test creation, including validation, can be carried out offline and without
interrupting test operations. Working with the software is now much more intuitive and can be executed without an
intensive training program And, the focus on the device under test considerably simplifies the creation and
management of tests, DUTs, and test sequences. By using pre-built modules, tests can be created or supplemented
in a matter of seconds.
The test bench automation system is based on the latest technology standards. It is open and can be extended
flexibly offering a future-proof application. The newly-developed module management in version 8.1 enables the
immediate embedding of numerous available plug & use modules for the integration of additional devices or
interfaces. This way, the optimized UDS “Unified Diagnostic Service” module embeds a diagnostic connection to
the DUT into automated test sequences, and moreover expands the user interface for manual mode operation. In
addition, the PAtools TX programming language PAscript enables the development of further customer or projectspecific device drivers. A broad and constantly growing PAscript API simplifies the creation of adapters to integrated
test benches into the existing IT landscape. This open approach allows evolution at any time, and the test bench
solutions can be adapted to new requirements and interfaces over many years of operation.
As an additional feature, PAtools TX 8.1 offers broad support for residual bus simulations and thus for a realistic
test situation. The customer, therefore, does not have to resort to external additional software and hardware. Further
costs and system transitions are eliminated.
With the seamlessly integrated EtherCAT HotConfig, which is exclusively available in PAtools TX, EtherCAT slaves
can be configured station-related and thus independently from each other. This can be achieved with a single click
and without test bench downtime. In addition to the automatic import of conversion formulas and a wide range of
2/ 2
setting options via CoE, HotConfig also supports oversampling slaves, allowing signals to be stored at up to 100Khz.
This means that they can be recorded and stored up to 100 times faster.
About KRATZER AUTOMATION AG
For more than 40 years, KRATZER AUTOMATION AG has been providing process-oriented software solutions for
the international automotive industry and the transport sector in Europe. With around 500 employees, the company
supports its customers worldwide: at 8 German locations, with local engineers directly in the test fields and with its
own companies in France, Great Britain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the USA, Singapore, and China.
In the division Test Systems, KRATZER AUTOMATION plans, implements and modernizes test systems for the
mobility of tomorrow. Since 2004, a special focus has been on turnkey test systems for energy-saving and
environmentally-friendly drive concepts such as hybrid or electric drives, battery and fuel cell technology.
Press contact:
KRATZER AUTOMATION AG
Stefanie Crucius
Marketing Communications Specialist
Gutenbergstr. 5
D-85716 Unterschleissheim
Tel.: +49-(0)89-32152-584
E-Mail: press(at)kratzer-automation.com