VT LAB

Home » NEW VT LAB – Virtual Terminal Laboratory

The Virtual Terminal (VT) is the core of the human-machine interface in ISOBUS systems, enabling the connection between the operator and the implement. It also collects operational data to make it available to the farm management system.

In the context of the IDEAgri Network, the VT LAB is a laboratory that allows for a preliminary connectivity test of implements with Virtual Terminals provided by major ISOBUS tractor brands.

This highly specialized facility is dedicated to the study, testing, and certification of Virtual Terminals according to ISO 11783-6 and AEF procedures. The lab performs compatibility tests between the implement and the terminal in areas such as:

  1. Graphical interface upload: validation of correct OP loading, alarm pages, and soft key assignment
  2. Work data collection: verification of DDI (Device Description Information) and implement dimensions (DDOP)

What the VT LAB does

The lab carries out activities including:

  • Compatibility and pre-compliance tests between Virtual Terminals and ISOBUS implements
  • Verification of message exchange between ECU and VT, including task controller management
  • Analysis of graphical layouts according to the Virtual Terminal Object Pool (VT-OP) specifications
  • Simulation of real-world usage scenarios to validate interface usability and communication robustness
  • Training for companies and technicians on ISOBUS-ready Virtual Terminal development, use, and certification

Why it is important

A certified ISOBUS Virtual Terminal allows:

  • The use of a single universal terminal for all compatible implements
  • Interoperability between tractors and implements from different manufacturers
  • Cost savings for farmers by avoiding multiple proprietary terminals
  • A more efficient, digital, and sustainable approach to agriculture

Lab Technologies

The VT LAB is equipped with:

ECU/VT simulators for dynamic ISOBUS message testing

CAN network analysis software and data traffic monitoring tools

Customizable test benches

AEF Reference Terminals for performance comparison

Certified environments for pre-compliance testing

Compatibility

The real value of the ISOBUS Virtual Terminal

In an ISOBUS system, the Virtual Terminal must be able to communicate with any ISOBUS-certified implement, regardless of the manufacturer. Compatibility ensures that the implement’s graphical interface (Object Pool) is displayed correctly and that commands are executed without errors.

The strength of the Virtual Terminal lies in its certified compatibility: an ISOBUS terminal can be used with equipment from different brands, eliminating the need for a dedicated terminal for each machine.

The IDEAgri VT LAB verifies and certifies this compatibility by testing whether the terminal:

  • Correctly recognizes Object Pools sent by ISOBUS implements
  • Provides immediate access to ECU functions and commands
  • Complies with ISO 11783-6 specifications and AEF procedures, ensuring real interoperability between machines and implements

This compatibility enables farmers to optimize their fleets, reduce costs, simplify operations, and work more efficiently.

The Virtual Terminal is compatible if it…

✔ Works with ISOBUS implements from any brand
✔ Correctly displays implement commands (Object Pool)
✔ Allows real-time, error-free control
✔ Is certified according to AEF guidelines