The Lausanne Racing Team is one of several teams developing an electric racecar for the formula student competition. To run a such a vehicle, not only a smooth communication between all different units is required, but also a reliable power supply.

To have these two aspects tested properly, Computer Controls provided the team with the instruments needed:

EDUX1002G Digital Storage Oscilloscope

ITECH IT6516D Autorange DC Power Supply

Figure 1: Racecar of  the Lausanne Racing Team

Testing comunication using EDUX1002G Digital storage oscilloscope

As a multiprocessor system, communication between different units is very important and should be tested before integration in the car. The EDUX1002D Digital Storage Oscilloscope Download Datasheet [PDF] allowed the team to study signals in function of time to find problems in communication or other analogue signals.

Figure 2: Test circuit for evaluation of software and hardware for CAN-bus communication

Usually, a small testcircuit was build using Hirschman plates to then be tested. When verified, the circuit is integrated in the car and tested again. In this case, digital readouts were very useful, as the students were often working with digital signals. On the other hand, timing measurements to verify proper real time operations were easily possible.

It was possible to verify all signals during testing and debugging of our hard- and software with the EDUX1002D, which made it a valuable tool for the development of our electric system.

Achieve efficient charging through ITECH IT6516D Autorange DC Power Supply

At the heart of an electric powertrain is its battery, which will pass many cycles of charge and discharge over a season. In order to charge the cars battery after a day of racing or testing the team used the ITECH IT6516D Autorange DC Power Supply Download Datasheet [PDF].

As several security circuits in order to use high voltages were required, the IT6516D was integrated in the charging handcart. It combines a way of moving the battery, when it is not integrated in the car. In this case, the team chose to integrate the charger directly in this handcart. The standard rack design of the power supply made this integration very easy.

Figure 3: IT6516D during testing 

At the backside, the students integrated the high and low-voltage interface with the IT6516D. The analogue interface of the power supply allows them to do an emergency shutdown of the charger, when any problems arise.

The IT6516D was perfectly suited for the needs of the first year team as it allowed them to charge their battery at in a reasonable time and do tests on those high voltage circuits.

Stay tuned - Click here to visit the Website of the EPFL Racing Team!