In this chapter, we want to highlight our collaboration with AISLER in manufacturing the PCBs we developed. Today’s featured component is the Autonomous Control Unit (ACU).
Our ACU is a self-developed PCB built around the STM32F429VI microcontroller. It serves as the state machine for our vehicle in both autonomous and manual modes, making it a critical part of our electronic system.
To ensure seamless operation, the ACU is equipped with multiple communication interfaces. It features two separate CAN buses:
500 kbit/s CAN bus – Connects various controllers and sensors necessary for manual driving.
1 Mbit/s CAN bus – Handles essential electronic components for autonomous driving.
Beyond CAN, the ACU includes an Ethernet interface for communication with the Compute Unit in our autonomous system. Additionally, it incorporates GPIOs for logic input measurements from different electrical subsystems and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to explore a cost-effective approach for obtaining odometry data.
This collaboration with AISLER enables us to push the boundaries of our electronic systems, ensuring high-quality PCB production that meets the demands of Formula Student.