MTS Multipurpose Elite - Manual (Page 32)

4.1.0 Resources
With the MPE application, you create test designs that cause controller resources to apply desired forces to
your test specimen. Controller resources include control channels, control modes, sensors, digital inputs, and
so on.
For example, suppose you design a test to apply a tensile force to your specimen and receive a digital pulse
when the specimen fails. When you run the test, the controller uses the Axial control channel with the Force
control mode resource to apply the tensile force to the specimen, and a digital input resource to receive the
digital pulse.
Controller resources
A controller resource refers to a hardware resource in the controller as it appears in a station configuration
file. For example, the Axial Force, Axial Displacement, and Axial Velocity control modes in the station
configuration file are controller resources that are available by default with every MTS Acumen system.Your
system may be equipped with additional resources, such as a optional Strain control mode, which is supported
by additional conditioning hardware in your MTS FlexTest controller.
Test resources
A test resource refers to a resource with equivalent functionality as it appears in the test definition. For
example, a control mode in a test definition named “load 1” is a test resource. You can use test resources
for various test elements, such as activities, monitor display devices, and variables.
Resource mapping
A test resource is not required to have the same name as the equivalent controller resource. However, if the
names are different when the MPE connects to the station, you must map the test resource to the equivalent
controller resource.
For example, suppose you design a test offline in which you name a control mode “load 1”. Later, you connect
to a station in which the equivalent resource is named “Axial Force”. This mismatch of resources creates a
resource validation error. To resolve this error, you must map the test resource to the controller resource.
4.2.0 Starting MPE and Connecting to a Controller
Controller resources are available to the MPE application through station configuration files. Before you start
the MPE application, you typically start the MTS Station Manager application and open a station configuration
file first. When you start the MPE application, it automatically connects to the station configuration, which
allows you to design tests with the resources in the station configuration. If you do not already have one, you
can create a desktop shortcut that will open the MTS Station Manager application and then open the MPE
application. For more information about creating that shortcut, see
Creating a Desktop Shortcut That Includes
a Controller on page 18.
32 Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide
4.0 Working with Resources