Design, prototyping and testing of a specialist measuring device for an automotive application
The changing regulations in automotive standards often introduce new requirements related to safety, emissions, or technological features.
As these regulations become more stringent or incorporate novel aspects, manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive sector are compelled to develop and introduce new devices or technologies to ensure compliance, perpetuating this continuous cycle of innovation and adaptation within the industry.
Challenge
To comply with new regulatory specifications, our client required a device to measure pressures at very high sample rates, for the specific application.
Project Overview
Our team developed a Proof-of-Concept device for efficient data collection from multiple analogue pressure sensors and streaming it to a central system through network connectivity.
This involved a good understanding of the requirements before selecting the best technology and platform to prove the concept.
Action
In collaboration with our client, we delved into the mathematical intricacies of pressure and temperature data. Identifying a target data acquisition rate of several kHz, we designed and implemented the necessary electronic hardware and firmware.
The system requirements were challenging, including the need to sample data from a few independent analogue sensors, conduct floating-point calculations on each set of samples, and cache all data for logging and streaming.
To meet these demands, we strategically selected a powerful embedded platform early in the project and validated our choice by running the benchmarks.
Using our firmware design expertise we’ve optimised data flow, utilising features like Direct Memory Access and Floating Point Unit (math coprocessor) for efficiency.
OUTCOME
Following the building of the initial prototype, we conducted on-site tests with the client. The analysis of the captured data provided compelling evidence for the concept's viability.
This successful Proof of Concept serves as a solid foundation for the development of a production version of the device.
- Microchip PIC
- Arm Cortex M4
- RTOS-based embedded firmware (C language)
- Analogue sensors
- High speed Daisy-chained serial communication
- SD Card Storage
- FAT Filesystem
- Ethernet connectivity
- Multi-processor embedded system
Software, Hardware, Automotive, Industrial
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