Mobile Platform Demonstrator ("Buggy")

The “Buggy” vehicle is a mobile platform demonstrator of the VRC, incorporating a number of technologies and methodologies that have been used in multiple projects throughout the years. It is a fully integrated platform with the following systems:

• X-by-Wire on TTP/C. Steer (with Feedback), Throttle, Brake-by-Wire on TTP/C
• Utilities: Lights, sensors, ancillary systems, etc, on MilCAN.
• Driver helmet / camera turret tracking.
• Video distribution: Multiple cameras on Gigabit Ethernet.
• Wireless connectivity: Multiple WiFi based networks for Video streaming and Data telemetry.
• Glass cockpit: Vehicle instrumentation and HUMS display.
• Intelligent bridging: Fully managed and configurable cross network bridging (TTP/C, MilCAN, Ethernet, WiFi).

Electronic Architecture

(Buggy electronic architecture)

X-by-wire

Among the Buggy X-by-Wire (XbW) subsystems are the Drive-by-Wire (DbW) capability using TTP and HMM (Health Monitoring and Management), with a MilCAN utility segment.  All subsystems are fully integrated through a VSI Bridge acting as a Gateway enabled through middleware and standard interfaces to the rest of the platform, to the extent that when the brakes are applied (TTP), the brake lights at the back of the vehicle switch on (MilCAN), and all this information is available (VSI Bridge/Gateway) wirelessly as telemetry data.  The most significant reasons of actually implementing the design in the vehicle are proof-of-concept and Verifying and Validating the Vetronics.

An additional controller input representing a second driver position has been implemented for Steer-by-Wire (SbW) in the Buggy.  This covers the architectural framework, of what type of equipment and software algorithms one could use to design such a subsystem and manages switchover policies and arbitration algorithm between the SbW controllers.  The architectural framework also includes a proposed implementation of how the system designer could use this in a military vehicle, and an actual proof-of-concept solution for the Buggy. A third controller is also located at the back of the vehicle to illustrate the onboard crew distributed control concept.

A safety-critical display is also available presenting important information to the driver, such as the current SbW subsystem operation and health status.  In addition, a fault injection interface on the display allows the user to purposely inject faults to the SbW subsystem.

Provisions for additional functions include tactile steering feedback control, to simulate heavier vehicles' slower response times, and a potential UGV interface as an enhanced capability.

Modules

The relatively small real-estate of the Buggy consists of three modules, the Crewstation, the Front module, and the Rear module.

Crewstation

Systems

• Steering wheel with electronic sensors and force-feedback control.
• Throttle and brake pedals with electronic sensors.
• Safety-critical display for X-by-wire interface.
• Two overhead displays for sub-system control and monitoring.
• Active joystick with two-axis force-feedback.
• Helmet / camera turret system.

Rear module

Systems

• Throttle and Brake-by-wire control units.
• Electronic throttle and brake actuators.
• Engine control.
• Power distribution unit.
• Wired and wireless network interface modules.
• Internal network gateway.
• Rear utilities control units.

Front module

Systems

• Electronic steering actuator.
• Steer-by-wire control units.
• Front utilities control units.

Gallery