Operators of modern trucks and mobile machinery are placing increasingly complex demands on remote monitoring systems in vehicles to respond to malfunctions as quickly as possible. Likewise, an initial fault diagnosis and a predictive maintenance plan can be created based on the data available online. CPK Automotive has developed the DYNConnect data and connectivity module for its units used in vehicles. This module enables data to be sent worldwide and analyzed using the Data-Worldwide data platform.

To ensure the availability of modern trucks and mobile machines, reliable maintenance and care play a decisive role. In the past, the necessary database was generated and collected with some personnel effort. It essentially consisted of vehicle-specific maintenance schedules - mostly kept by hand. Following the trend of digitalization, it is useful to automate the necessary monitoring of the vehicles. Such automation requires robust, reliable and easy-to-use systems that meet the different technical and commercial requirements of the applications. While remote monitoring was initially known mainly from the field of production control systems, such monitoring systems are now increasingly finding their way into mobile applications. In the original equipment segment in particular, the integration of solutions that support the monitoring of vehicles and machines in a variety of ways is well advanced.

CPK Automotive has developed a generation of devices that can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as for the monitoring and control of emissions. In addition to the CANVision control panel, Figure 1, the DYNConnect data and connectivity module and the data platform Data-Worldwide are available for all devices. The data platform enables the user to process and use data in a targeted manner, but also to carry out more advanced functions. In order to be able to optimally adapt the devices to the most varied operating conditions, the devices offer signal inputs from 4 to 20 mA. This means that fields of application can also be realized beyond the vehicle sector.

Figure 1
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Communication with DYNConnect can take place directly on the vehicle via the CANVision control panel (© CPK Automotive)

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Efficient and Secure Data Transmission

The core of the new generation of devices is the DYNConnect data and connectivity module. The development of the module focused on modularity, flexibility, availability and power requirements. Its robust housing fulfills the standards of the vehicle sector (IP 67) and thus is well-suited for mounting in- and outside of the driver's cabin. The antenna required for data transmission is built directly into the device.

The electronics has a modular design that allows the use of different memory units. Furthermore, different transfer modules can be used to adapt the data transmission to the conditions of the application. The Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), LTE-Cat 1 and Wi-Fi standards are used for transmission. Due to this diversity, the module can not only be optimally adapted to the application, but can also be used within the transmission standards available worldwide. Lightweight M2M (LWM2M) is used as the communication protocol. With this protocol for IoT applications, the data transfer is efficient, effective and secure due to the high payload. Location information such as driving routes or locations can be traced with the GPS information, displayed and used for further evaluations.

The module has numerous interfaces for connecting a wide variety of sensors/actuators. New in the field of CPK units are 4- to 20-mA interfaces for the connecting of sensors as well as the service interface for 4-wire LAN, with which a data transmission speed of up to 10 Mbit/s is possible. If manual data downloads are necessary, the transmission time can be drastically reduced. The connection to existing CAN bus systems can also be implemented directly. This way, NOx sensor data or data from the vehicle CAN bus can be recorded. If the device interfaces do not suffice for some applications, extension modules can be connected uncomplicated to the CAN bus, Figure 2.

Figure 2
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Overview of the interfaces offered by DYNConnect and CANVision (© CPK Automotive)

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The Configuration Suite software developed by Heinzmann is used to parameterize the unit. This software is designed to create individualized interfaces (so-called Configuration Suites), containing essential information at first glance, providing easy navigation and allowing the user to take necessary actions. Additionally, parameters are organized user-friendly to minimize the risk of setting wrong parameters. The compact CANVision Human-machine Interface (HMI) was developed for operation and visualization. It offers the user the possibility to operate DYNConnect directly on the vehicle and has a robust plastic foil keyboard. The visualization can be customized in many ways via the color display.

System Design and Function

During operation, the parameterized data is recorded and transmitted to the Data-Worldwide platform at the specified frequency, Figure 3. The transmission takes place via the preferred communication path for the application in accordance with the mentioned transfer protocols and in compliance with the strictest data protection standards. The data platform maps the respective use case. Once logged in, the user sees all their devices at one glance and can select a device for more detailed information. The user can edit this data individually via their access as well as manage his devices in the field. Further actions such as alarms or notifications can also be carried out via the data platform. Also several user credentials can be set. Compared to the lowest level, which allows the user to read the data only, the highest level allows the user to read the data and to remote access all their devices connected to the cloud. Data transmission is possible bidirectionally. This means that software updates, control functions or parameter adjustments can be carried out wirelessly with the mentioned credentials.

Figure 3
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System overview (© CPK Automotive)

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Summary

Due to the extensive selection of interfaces, the DYNConnect data module can be adapted to a wide range of applications. In addition to use in commercial vehicles, it is also intended for use in special vehicles, for example in the mining sector. A universal version of the CANVision HMI module will soon be available, which can be used in harsh environmental conditions and can be coded individually to meet specific requirements. Via the Data-Worldwide platform, the data sent can be collected, secured and provided in a customer-specific manner. The platform offers the option to precisely map the customer's use case and process the data accordingly.