Project Update

Enhanced Telematics Solution

Hectronic recently finalized a project to enhance a telematics solution for a longstanding customer. Focused on cost-effectiveness and adaptability to challenging environmental conditions, the project aimed to create a pragmatic and resilient second-generation solution. This involved strategic decisions such as internalizing antennas and selecting a processor tailored for low-power edge processing. In this update, we’ll look into the technical details of our approach, highlighting our commitment to innovation and reliability in meeting the evolving needs of the market.

Telematics Solution

Product update

Hectronic embarked on a project to develop an updated version of a telematics solution for one of our most longstanding customers. The preceding solution, also developed by Hectronic, has proven to be a reliable and stalwart solution deployed worldwide.
The customer had a clear objective; a second-generation solution in line with their cost reduction program, and it should be able to handle even harsher environmental conditions than its predecessor. So alongside the cost considerations, there was a need for an elevated IP-rating. To address this, a cost-effective approach was conceived, including the strategic decision to internalize antennas.

am62, sitara, embedded systems. embedded computer, development, custom embedded, hectronic

Specification

A cornerstone of this endeavor was the selection of the AM62 processor from Texas Sitara. This processor, purpose-built for low-power edge artificial intelligence processing, was an ideal fit for the complex demands of human-machine interfaces and IoT applications. Boasting up to four 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 cores, operating at 1.4 GHz, it promised not only power but also finesse. The ability to support dual-screen displays with full-HD resolution, along with a programmable real-time unit (PRU) and an industrial communication subsystem (ICSS) for precise peripheral control, made it a compelling choice.
In addition to this, the solution was tailored to include 4G communication with a 2G fallback, Bluetooth, GPS, Canbus, and serial communication capabilities. This comprehensive suite of communication features further solidified the solution’s versatility and adaptability.

Rugged design

However, this solution was not confined to telematics alone. It also functioned as a fleet management system, seamlessly collecting data from every vehicle within the fleet. Given its prominent position atop vehicles, enduring the vagaries of global weather conditions was a critical consideration. Hence, it necessitated one of the highest IP-ratings, an IP69K certification. This certification attests to the solution’s ability to withstand high-pressure water jets, rigorous cleaning processes, and exposure to fine particulate matter. Furthermore, with an industrial temperature range spanning from -40°C to +85°C, it demonstrated a remarkable capacity to weather extreme environmental conditions.

Technical specification:

Telematics solution
Texas Sitara AM62 Processor with up to four 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 cores, operating at 1.4 GHz.
Supports dual-screen displays with full-HD resolution
PRU and ICSS
4G with 2G fallback
Bluetooth, GPS, Canbus and serial communication
IP69K
Internalized antennas

DIY Testing - Backyard Edition

Here, you’ll find some pictures of when one of our engineers put the computer through some serious challenges in his backyard. He boiled it, froze it solid, power-washed it, and even gave it the ‘steamroller treatment’ (okay, maybe that part’s a tad exaggerated). However, he did drop it from a tree and throw some rocks at it. It turned out the computer could handle just about anything and continued to work flawlessly, even after a few rounds in the backyard.