Purpose
The Software Communications subsystem encompasses both HV & LV component communication and integration. This is so that any signals sent or received by either subsystem can communicate with the rest of the vehicle (e.g. pressing down the accelerator makes the wheels spin faster) and ensure that safety measures are in place as not to injure the driver (e.g. if the accelerator is pressed down too fast it doesn’t allow for too much energy to be sent into the accumulator). It also encompasses some control and optimisation of the motors (e.g. implementing torque vectoring, advanced motor efficiency control, etc.)
Goals
| Primary Goals |
|---|
| Develop and integrate communication and control software |
| Design and optimise custom ECU |
| Develop software and wireless communication systems |
| Secondary Goals |
|---|
| Design computer systems for validation of performance |
| Create documentation and training materials |
Key Components
Dashboard Control
This is the interface and displays that the driver can view and interact with whilst driving. It includes data such as battery status, speed, warnings, etc. There are also some controls that change what the driver can view.
This area will be in collaboration with the Low Voltage Team.
ECU Control
The many low-voltage systems of the car are all correlated by the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), which acts as the car's brain. This ECU needs to be coded using a program called MoTeC M1 Build.
This allows the ECU to receive and sample the data from all of the cars’ sensors and driver’s instructions. It then processes this data according to its programming. It sends the appropriate action signal to the corresponding part of the car (i.e. sends a message to the motor controllers to speed up the motors). This also includes programming and correlating the electric safety systems of the car.
In doing so, it connects and controls the High and Low Voltage systems. Hence, this area will collaborate with the HV and LV teams.
Motor Control
In order to improve performance and driveability, the electric motors of the car need to be controlled in a specific way. This is done by coding the ECU to receive data from the motors, driver, and inverters/motor controllers, process it and control the motors accordingly.
An example of this is Torque Vectoring, where, by looking at the angle of the steering wheel, each wheel is spun at different speeds to make the car go through turns more efficiently. There are many other examples of intelligent motor control that we will implement to maximise performance.
Future Research Projects
Future research projects for the Software team in MUR Motorsports could focus on developing a custom ECU, tailored to the team’s specific needs, allowing for better integration of high and low voltage systems, advanced motor control, and improved signal processing. Another key area is designing an all-wheel drive (AWD) control system, enabling real-time power distribution between wheels for better traction and performance.
The team could also explore adding autonomous capabilities, such as lane keeping and obstacle detection, requiring advanced sensors and algorithms. Another exciting project is developing wireless communication systems to reduce wiring complexity and improve real-time data sharing. Finally, incorporating machine learning for data analytics could optimise control strategies and enhance vehicle performance.
Industry and Work Opportunities
The Software subsystem in MUR Motorsports offers valuable skills that translate into numerous industry opportunities, particularly in automotive software development and electric vehicle (EV) technology. Engineers with experience in ECU programming, motor control, and system integration are in demand for roles in automotive control systems, autonomous driving technologies, and vehicle diagnostics at companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Bosch.
Beyond automotive, there are opportunities in robotics, aerospace, and IoT (Internet of Things), where software engineers work on complex systems integration and control strategies. Roles like Embedded Systems Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, and Software Developer are common career paths, with broader opportunities in machine learning, AI development, and wireless communication systems. These skills also open doors to project management and systems integration roles in cutting-edge tech industries.
Design Exposure
| Manufacturing |
|---|
| Control Systems Design |
| Signal Processing and Data Acquisition |
| User Interface and Dashboard Design |
| ECU Programming and Development (M1Build, C ) |
| Embedded Systems |