Our Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) is the central controller responsible for managing and coordinating key systems of our Formula SAE electric vehicle.
We are currently using an STM32H753ZI microcontroller as the main processing unit, chosen for its high performance and extensive peripheral support. The VCU interfaces with multiple sensors and subsystems to ensure reliable and precise vehicle control.
- Honeywell 120RTY rotary position sensors are used for accurate steering and pedal position measurement.
- These sensors provide high-resolution feedback to the VCU for real-time control algorithms.
- The VCU uses a CAN bus for two main purposes:
- Communication with other subsystems in the car, such as telemetry and the Battery Management System (BMS).
- Control and data exchange with the powertrain.
- The vehicle is powered by two Plettenberg Nova 15 motors.
- The VCU communicates with the motor controllers via CAN to send torque/speed commands and receive telemetry such as RPM, temperatures, and fault states.
In short, the VCU acts as the brain of the vehicle, continuously reading sensor data, executing control algorithms, and coordinating with the motors and other systems over CAN to ensure optimal performance and safety.