Automotive test system supplier, AB Dynamics, has launched a system designed to offer complete connectivity of all test vehicles and objects, and the reliable collection of data when undertaking AV and ADAS testing.
Named TrackFi PowerMesh, this dual-band IP radio can select between two frequency bands using 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz RF transceivers, for optimum connectivity between multiple vehicles in a test scenario and the secure transfer of high-throughput data. The system is suitable for use on vehicles in conjunction with AB Dynamics’ ADAS platforms, or as static nodes that can be mounted trackside.
“TrackFi PowerMesh has been developed due to the growing complexity of vehicle safety systems and increasing need for thorough testing,” stated Jeremy Ash, sales director at AB Dynamics. “This includes the need for increased throughput and the reliable transfer of live test data. TrackFi PowerMesh can help streamline these programmes by ensuring simple, safe and efficient data collation and transfer with a point-to-point range of up to 1km depending on the operating country. It is complementary to our wider portfolio of ADAS and autonomous vehicle test systems and provides significantly more robust operation than traditional WLAN-based solutions.”
The system offers low-latency data transfer between multiple vehicles or to ground traffic control, which enables real-time communication via a mesh network, which is important for driverless vehicle testing. This functionality also ensures that TrackFi PowerMesh is compatible with proving grounds that require complete connectivity of test vehicles, without adding extra testing or set-up complexity.
“We have designed the latest generation radio to provide a high level of modularity, ensuring that it is suitable for as wide a range of test scenarios as possible,” continued Ash. “For example, the four omni-directional antennas are foldable, making it ideal for ADAS testing where collision with a Guided Soft Target could otherwise cause damage and jeopardise data transfer. Static nodes can also be hardwired to a power supply for permanent use or used with portable battery packs for flexibility of testing. The entire system can be easily set-up or transferred between vehicles, targets or locations.”
TrackFi PowerMesh offers real-time test data from multiple moving vehicles for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) position and speed measurement, which can be relayed directly to the laboratory for continuous test monitoring or offering remote monitoring and control of AB Dynamics’ driving robots.
