¶ Lab Set-up Guide - AS252 - Low-cost TFT instrument cluster with telematics
This document captures the lab set-up process for the AS252 - Low-cost TFT instrument cluster with telematics.
To guide customers through the board bring-up process after shipment.
¶ 1. Introduction
- This guide provides step-by-step instructions to set up and operate the Low-cost TFT instrument cluster with telematics.
- A low-cost TFT instrument cluster with telematics is a modern digital dashboard designed for two-wheelers, entry-level cars, and commercial vehicles. It replaces traditional analog meters with a color TFT display, offering high-brightness, real-time UI graphics, and essential vehicle data like speed, RPM, fuel, and battery status.
- Integrated telematics and connectivity features, including Bluetooth, 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, and GNSS, enable smartphone integration, vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, and OTA updates.
- The system supports CAN, LIN, UART, GPS, IMU, and OBD-II, enabling predictive maintenance and IoT-based monitoring. Designed for cost-efficiency and power optimization, it leverages Renesas MCUs, ensuring minimal power consumption while maintaining performance.
- This reference design streamlines advanced automotive display development with Bluetooth® Low Energy, Wi-Fi screen mirroring, and TFT brightness control.
- Powered by the RH850/D1M1A MCU (240MHz G3M core), it supports 2D/2.5D graphics with ample memory.
- An AHL decoder enables seamless rear camera integration, while an expansion connector allows wireless cloud connectivity, enhancing modern automotive solutions.
¶ Hardware Requirements
The following hardware are necessary to fully evaluate the possibilities of the AS252:
- PCAN USB, this instrument from PEAK Systems.
The PCAN-USB adapter enables simple connection to CAN networks.
Its compact plastic casing makes it suitable for mobile applications.The opto-decoupled version guarantees galvanic isolation of up to 500 Volts between the PC and the CAN side.
Technical Specifications:
- Adapter for the USB connection (Full-Speed mode, compatible with USB 1.1, USB 2, USB 3.0
- High-speed CAN connection (ISO 11898-2)
- Bit rates from 5 kbit/s up to 1 Mbit/s
- Time stamp resolution approx. 42 µs
- Compliant with CAN specifications 2.0A (11-bit ID) and 2.0B (29-bit ID)
- CAN bus connection via D-Sub, 9-pin (in accordance with CiA® 106)
- NXP SJA1000 CAN controller, 16 MHz clock frequency
- NXP PCA82C251 CAN transceiver
- Galvanic isolation on the CAN connection up to 500 V (only for IPEH-002022)
- CAN termination can be activated through a solder jumper
- 5-Volt supply to the CAN connection can be connected through a solder jumper, e.g. for external bus converter
- Voltage supply via USB
- Extended operating temperature range from -40 to +85 °C (-40 to +185 °F)
¶ Software Requirements
To send CAN packets, we use Python code rather than any other software.
Below is python code to send the CAN packets
import can
def send_one():
"""Sends a single message."""
bus = can.Bus(interface='pcan', channel='PCAN_USBBUS1', bitrate=250000)
print("connected")
msg = can.Message(arbitration_id=0x231, data=[0x50, 0x07, 0xD0,0x14,0x1E,0X3C,0X04,0X04], is_extended_id=True)
bus.send(msg)
time.sleep(5)
bus.shutdown()
# with can.Bus() as bus:
# # Using specific buses works similar:
# # bus = can.Bus(interface='socketcan', channel='vcan0', bitrate=250000)
#
# # bus = can.Bus(interface='ixxat', channel=0, bitrate=250000)
# # bus = can.Bus(interface='vector', app_name='CANalyzer', channel=0, bitrate=250000)
# # ...
#
# msg = can.Message(
# arbitration_id=0xFF, data=[0x64], is_extended_id=True
# )
#
# try:
# bus.send(msg)
# print(f"Message sent on {bus.channel_info}")
# except can.CanError:
# print("Message NOT sent")
#
if __name__ == "__main__":
send_one()The graphic below illustrates what various bytes indicate.
¶ Reference
- Advanced Instrument Cluster User Manual: Click Here
- Product Link: Click Here