NYU FSAE - Daughter Board V2

We are the NYU Motorsports Formula SAE (FSAE) team, a diverse group of 55 students from various disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, and Finance. Our team designs, builds, and races a high-performance formula-style car to compete in the FSAE Electric competition, where engineering, teamwork, and innovation come together to push the limits of student-built vehicles.

At the core of our car’s embedded systems is the DB-V2-G4, the second iteration of our custom-designed daughter board. This board powers multiple critical subsystems, including:

• VCU (Vehicle Control Unit)
• FSG (Front Sensor Gathering Unit)
• RSG (Rear Sensor Gathering Unit)

These subsystems communicate via CAN FD to ensure smooth, real-time data exchange across the entire vehicle. The DB-V2-G4 allows us to reuse a single base design across multiple systems by interfacing with specific carrier boards, reducing development time and improving flexibility.

Why we chose the STM32G474VE

The STM32G474VE microcontroller was chosen for its combination of performance and versatility:

• RTOS capability with enough memory for real-time multitasking.
• High CPU clock speed to manage essential control algorithms.
• 3 CAN FD controllers for fast, reliable communication across subsystems.
• Advanced analog hardware, such as high-resolution ADCs and onboard DSP filtering, which reduces CPU load by offloading signal processing to hardware.

Key Improvements in Version 2

In DB-V2-G4, we introduced several upgrades based on lessons learned from version 1:

• 33% cost reduction: From $60 to $40 by optimizing the Bill of Materials (BOM) and removing unnecessary components like the current sensor.
• 15% size reduction: A more compact design saves space while maintaining signal integrity.
• Improved temperature monitoring: A copper cutout beneath the temperature sensor isolates it from the board’s heat, ensuring accurate readings.

Features of DB-V2-G4

The daughter board provides key functionality and diagnostics essential for high-performance racing:

• USB-C with USB 2.0 support for easy programming.
• 3 CAN FD ports for seamless communication between subsystems.
• 3A buck regulator for stable power delivery to peripherals.
• SD card slot for optional data logging.
• RTC battery for accurate timekeeping.
• Two seven-segment displays for onboard diagnostics during testing.
• RGB LED for status indication.
• Mezzanine connectors to easily interface with carrier boards for modular upgrades.

The DB-V2-G4 is a versatile, modular, and cost-efficient solution for our Formula SAE race car, combining high performance with adaptability. Partnering with PCBWay would allow us to take our project to the next level. With their high-quality fabrication services, quick turnaround times, and affordable pricing, we could prototype more efficiently and test new ideas faster. This would help us push our designs further, ensuring we are always improving.