Why tablets have become an increasingly popular tool for ADAS diagnostics

Today, an automobile can easily have 80 to 100 ECU covering different systems ranging from the powertrain, Body electronics like airbags, ventilation, ADAS, and many more. These ECUs – Electronic control units improve the safety of automobiles and make them more efficient and comfortable for passengers. With an increase in ECUs and the development of artificial intelligence, road accidents are declining.

What is ADAS?

Advanced Driver Assistance System – ADAS ensures driver safety using sensors such as radar, collision avoidance, cruise control and enhances safety by avoiding accidents. Sensors and cameras that are part of ADAS systems need calibration to operate correctly. These calibrations are carried out before the delivery of the new vehicle and also on the after-sales market in the event of an accident, causing damage to parts involving the ADAS system. The calibration of the sensor and the alignment of the wheels must be carried out as part of the vehicle diagnosis to ensure that it operates appropriately before turning the vehicle over to the user.

Benefits of using a Tablet for ADAS

There are two main types of ADAS calibration, static and dynamic calibration, that benefit from adopting a Tablet. Static calibration is performed at the workshop, while dynamic calibration is performed on a well-marked road with appropriate lane markings. In both cases, a robust tablet can render the calibration process effective by demonstrating mobility and connectivity.

• Using a desktop or stationary laptop, the technician must travel back and forth to access the diagnostic screen. But with the tablets placed right next to a technician, calibration settings can be adjusted effortlessly, providing excellent mobility and multitasking.
• Wireless connectivity and the rugged form factor of tablets improve workability no matter where the task takes the technicians.
• With a built-in camera, it’s easier to upload the repair images directly into the diagnostics software.
• Tablets can remain connected to the Internet using 4G connectivity when a connection to the OEM server or remote diagnostic software is required when the vehicle is outside the shop.
• Tablets come with a wide range of useful vehicle mounting options for vehicle-based diagnostic applications.

What Tablet features should you look for?

The Tablet you select should provide enough processing power to meet the application's demand and run a Windows operating system. Windows tablets are easy to integrate into the existing IT environment, especially when most OEM diagnostic hardware and software run only on a Windows platform. Rugged form factor in withstanding drops with handles or stands to place on the Tablet. Screens more than 10 inches with the multi-touch screen are ideal for viewing charts from repair manuals. Also, make sure the touchscreens operate smoothly in wet weather and while wearing gloves.

Long battery life and wireless connectivity are essential for improved mobility. Tablets with removable batteries are perfect so that a spare battery can be on standby for the technician on the next shift. External connectivity ports such as USB, LAN, and wireless connectivity options such as WLAN, 4G, BT are critical in preparing the device for any workshop application.

Winmate Rugged and ultra-rugged tablets were designed with these insights from our key automotive diagnostic customers. Overall, tablets provide a better ROI than a consumer tablet or desktop laptop—That's why most auto diagnostic toolkits recommend tablets in their toolbox.

Learn more: Enterprise Mobility