Telematics Solution Set

Vehicle Data System

(VDS) Revision 2.0

STW’s Telematics Solution Set:

Vehicle Data System (VDS)

Over the past ten years STW has developed a powerful solution set

for telematics to complement its traditional strength in electronic

controls and measurement devices for working machines and off-

highway equipment. Recognizing the rapid evolution of this

technology, STW has focused on providing robust, flexible

hardware with software components that allow a variety of

implementations and customization.

STW’s solution set has the following key components, each of

which will be described in this document:

ESX-TC3G telematics controller with a variety of hardware

options and Board Support Package (BSP) software

ESX-TC3G Telematics Application Framework (TAF)

VDS Data Acquisition Module

VDS Data Logging Module

VDS File Transfer Module

VDS Monitoring and Diagnostics Module

VDS Web Configuration Tool

VDS Remote Diagnostics Package

VDS Software Update Module/Flashloader

ESX-TC3G Telematics Controller

The centerpiece of the STW telematics solution is the ESX-TC3G. It is a

light, small-footprint control module with an extensive suite of electronics

and full environmental qualifications (IP-67 and 69k) for the most

demanding environments. Full datasheets and help files are available from

the STW website, but here are the primary features:

32 bit MPC5200B 400 MHz processor

1 GB NAND-flash memory, 128 MB RAM, 64 MB NOR-flash, 8 KB

EEPROM

2 CAN ports, 1 RS-232, 1 USB

Ethernet 10/100 Mbit

Linux operating system

Operating temps from -40C to +70C

Open source development environment

Options:

o I/O – digital output, digital input

o 3 axis accelerometer with wake-up function

o GSM modem (3G) or CDMA

o WLAN or bluetooth

o GPS (with GLONASS)

o Internal or external antennas

Telematics Application Framework (TAF)

STW provides two different avenues for application development on the TC3G. The first

is simply for the developer to write applications from scratch, using the board support

package and the sample code that is provided, as well as any open source applications or

tools that make sense for that project. The linux operating system provides a very

flexible environment for this type of approach and the developer can choose any

language or set of tools in the wide world of linux development.

A second avenue for development is provided through a hierarchy of components that

STW has developed and will continue developing around the telematics concept. The

foundation of this hierarchy is the Telematics Application Framework (TAF). This

framework consists of a set of linux daemons and utilities that provide useful functions

for the developer. Here are the TAF components:

The software components for the actual acquisition and logging of data from the machine

networks are not included in the TAF, but rather are defined as a separate group of

components – the VDS Data Acquisition Module. A block diagram of the VDS Data

Acquisition Module Components is depicted below to illustrate the flow of data and the

various processing entities in the system.

VDS Data Acquisition Module

The Data Acquisition Module provides the components necessary to read data off the

various buses that the TC3G is connected to and then interpret that data based on the

protocol and specifications of the data standard that is represented. The data is then

placed into a datapool where it can be accessed by any number of downstream

applications for logging, monitoring, diagnostics, mapping/tracking or other functions.

Currently the following network and data protocols are supported:

Network Protocols and Access Points:

CAN

Modbus/ IP

Ethernet

WLAN

GSM/CDMA

Bluetooth

GPS

RS-232

Data Protocols (Readers):

CAN freestyle

J1939

CANOpen

NMEA (GPS)

ISOBUS

Here are examples of the setup of two Readers in the Data Acquisition Module:

VDS Data Logging and Event Triggering Module

The Data Logging and Event Triggering Module is a stand-alone data logging application

that allows the user to define one or more sets of variables to be logged (by dragging and

dropping pre-defined variables) and control typical logging configuration parameters

such as:

Initiating event or time of logging

Time interval of log entries

Target directory for logs

When to stop the log and start a new one

Log file management for upload and deletion/purging

Multiple logs can be written simultaneously to record different groups of data. Variables

can be written into more than one log. Variables from multiple Readers (i.e. CAN

freestyle, J1939, CANOpen, GPS) can be written to a single log file along with time/date

information. The separation of the data readers, datapool and logging components allows

for full flexibility in this regard. The VDS Web Configuration Tool allows the

administrator to create new logs and add or subtract variables dynamically.

Additionally, the logs can be triggered by events such as individual variables exceeding a

threshold for a sustained period of time. Any number of variables may be designated as

event triggers with the associated parameters (see diagram below). Moreover, a window

of time (buffer) can be configured for the log to save data preceding the event as well as

log data after the event occurs. This is very valuable for analyzing the trends or

contributing factors in a specific event.

Log files can be retrieved via web file download or by using the USB port on the TC3G.

The format of the log files is configurable as well and there is support for specific excel

file formats as well as standard CSV and other formats.

VDS File Transfer Module

The VDS File Transfer tool allows the user to move log files, configuration files and

software updates to and from the TC3G via an http file transfer mechanism using a web

browser interface.

VDS Web Monitoring and Diagnostics Module

The VDS Web Monitoring and Diagnostics tool allows the user to create analog and

digital gauges, digital LEDs and charts, assign variables to them and use them for quasi-

real time monitoring and diagnostics. Groups of gauges can be saved as ‘Projects’ to

enable the use of several different configurations for different activities or needs. These

projects can be multi-page with tab labels for rapid movement between pages.

The gauges are webpage ‘widgets’ that may be created or deleted as desired, and dragged

to any position on the screen. Typical gauge parameters such as min/max, scaling, offset

and warning or alarm areas may be configured through the gauge dialog box, which is

accessed by double-clicking on the gauge. There is also a ‘label’ gauge which allows a

user to label groups of gauges.

VDS Web Configuration Tool

The Web Configuration Tool enables the configuration of the ESX-TC3G and the VDS

system components through a web browser interface. The web interface allows full

control over the system parameters and configuration files. Variables of any data

protocol type may be added, modified or deleted through this interface, as described

earlier. The following screen shots depict the system and wireless parameters that are

controlled via this web configuration tool:

VDS Remote Diagnostics Package

The Remote Diagnostics Package (RDP) is a PC-based application that can be used with

the ESX-TC3G to facilitate remote diagnostics and servicing in situations where STW

controllers are utilized as the master controllers.

Features/benefits:

No need for an expert onsite - Monitor off-highway vehicles/equipment remotely

Use the connectivity option available at your site – choose from direct USB to

CAN/Ethernet /WiFi /cellular networks

Monitor easily through multiple visual display options

Troubleshoot problems and optimize vehicle operation remotely by adjusting

parameters and thresholds

VDS OTA Software Update Module

The ESX-TC3G and VDS have another powerful out-of-the-box function: A capability

to perform remote software updates on STW controllers “over the air” (OTA). The ESX-

TC3G has a flashloader program that can flash an STW controller over the CAN

network. A new program can be downloaded to the ESX-TC3G over the cellular,

wireless or wired connection from a remote location. The TC3G can then signal the

STW controller via a CAN message to reset and begin the flashloading process. A

flashloader client on the TC3G transfers the hex file to the controller and once the

flashing is complete, the controller is ready to run with its new software. This is a very

powerful and convenient method for providing software updates to the field. The web

configuration for the OTA module is shown on the next page.