Success in motorsport begins far away from the racetrack. From early design concepts and prototypes, car components need extensive validation before they are rolled out into production for track testing and competition. Our electronics technology plays a fundamental role in this process, as part of a long-standing partnership with Swiss aerospace specialists RUAG.

For many years our ESG16 precision data acquisition modules have been used in F1, Indy and NASCAR wind tunnels together with the renowned RUAG multi-axis balances. There is a mutual respect between our two companies as the partnership has grown over the years.

In the mid 90’s, we pioneered in-model data acquisition systems with our compact Mistral Intelligent Junction Boxes (IJB), initially using CAN and then Ethernet for communications.

The IJB system included precise, accurate and high-resolution balance and strain gauge data acquisition modules, widely used in F1 and top-level motorsports in conjunction with third party aerodynamic balances. These modules were behind all F1 constructors’ championships for over a decade from the turn of the millennium. Their unrivalled repeatability and stability enabled our customers to find even minute incremental improvements.

In 2013, we started developing the next generation of robust in-model instrumentation modules, using the standard EtherCAT real-time communications protocol for interoperability and optimal time synchronisation.

At the same time, a multiple championship-winning F1 team had selected RUAG balances for aerodynamic development. Of course, they needed equally outstanding data acquisition hardware to deliver a complete solution, and that’s where we came in.

Our ESG16 EtherCAT Strain Gauge module (01M-606078) was developed in 2015 to be the ideal complement for RUAG’s World class 6 component / 7 strain gauge balances, digitising the analogue signals generated by the balances.

The combination of RUAG’s balances and our data acquisition modules allows exceedingly precise, repeatable and accurate measurements. These enable customers to detect minute differences between aero set-ups, allowing incremental aerodynamic development, which is vital in any heavily regulated racing series.

The original development was driven by an F1 team’s adoption of RUAG’s balance. Subsequently, the high-performance combination of our ESG16 and RUAG windtunnel balances was recognised and adopted far more widely in Formula 1 and other leading motorsport championships.

From the early successes, this has been a collaboration based on mutual respect.

Technical and Account Manager Maximiliano Lotto said: “When two world class companies work together successfully for almost a decade delivering great results for customers, the news tends to spread by word of mouth. That is exactly how Cosworth and RUAG have become the preferred choice for so many teams.”

Claus Zimmermann, Teamleader Measurement & Computing, RUAG added: “While RUAG and Cosworth provide best-in-class solutions for customers, it’s clear to all of us it’s not only the sensor itself but the entire measurement chain which has to be optimised in order to achieve the best results. That’s why RUAG and Cosworth have been working together for all these years”.

For further insight into our products and solutions in partnership with RUAG, click HERE for our latest case study.