Kvaser Blackbird v2: Wireless CANbus Analyzer for Racing Remote Control Tests

The Kvaser Blackbird v2 is a professional wireless CANbus analyzer that was used at this year's Formula Student race on the race car remote control test track.Kvaser Blackbird v2 demonstrates how to effectively improve test efficiency and data accuracy. Technical education specialists Christoph Hahn and Jose Avendano Arbelaez use Kvaser Blackbird v2 in conjunction with MathWorks' Vehicle Network Toolbox™ (VNT) to enable wireless data transfer and real-time testing over CAN networks.

Figure 1: Kvaser Blackbird v2 mounted on the bottom of the race car.

In the demonstration, the Kvaser Blackbird v2 is mounted on the underside of the car to obtain CAN data.The Simulink application can be used to monitor the data in real time on the Simulink platform and to make precise adjustments to the controller's settings. This allows race car engineers to monitor race car data and precisely adjust controller settings in real time on the Simulink platform. This configuration allows students to drive the car and experience the self-tuned control algorithms, improving their understanding of control system design.

Selection A key design consideration for Kvaser's CAN interface is its compatibility with MathWorks' Vehicle Network Toolbox.Christoph explains, “The wireless capability of BlackBird v2 has enabled us to extend our project to wireless telemetry data processing. Having BlackBird as a key component of our professional testing and debugging workflow has been a real success factor.”

In addition, he advises, “We encourage users to design systems that are fail-safe. Wireless connections are dependent on surrounding conditions, so systems should be able to work independently. Teams that don't want to rely on wireless communications will find the VNT's record and replay capabilities very helpful.” That's why other Kvaser CAN interfaces are also used in this demonstration.