ART TU Cluj-Napoca Formula Student Team

ART TU Cluj-Napoca Formula Student Team



Founded in 2019, the ART TU team focuses on building a fully electric Formula type vehicle, from scratch, which is used to participate in different Formula Student competitions throughout Europe such as FS Czech Republic, FS Alpe Adria and many more. The team is made up of over 60 passionate students from various engineering fields, including computer science, mechatronics, automotive engineering, industrial engineering and others, eager to develop not only their technical skills and knowledge, but also their soft skills. Since it was established, the team has seen major improvements over the years, marching towards completing even more goals and milestones.  

From the beginning, even though lacking expertise, the team chose to design custom PCBs for all its electrical systems needed to run the vehicle safely. Having done that, the team members were challenged to improve their ability to develop complex electrical systems and design performant PCBs and, by using these components, the team was able to earn recognition for its achievements at various competitions. The complexity of the systems has significantly improved, thus increasing the total cost of manufacturing. 

We are pleased to present the schematics and PCB designs integral to the development of our electric vehicle (EV) for the Formula Student Germany competition. This collaborative effort aims to push the boundaries of engineering while ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. The following sections outline the critical systems within our EV, as represented by the provided schematics. 

1.Dash and TSAL Indicators

The TSAL Dashboard Indicator System provides vital real-time feedback to the driver regarding the operational status of the electric vehicle. This system includes critical indicators, such as the TSAL Red, TSAL Green, IMD, and AMS indicators, which inform the driver about the status of the vehicle's high-voltage systems. 

Variable Resistors (VR) for precise voltage reference tuning, ensuring accurate monitoring of the vehicle’s status. 

Voltage Regulators to maintain stability and ensure reliable power to the indicators. 

LED Indicators (green, red) used to signify the operational state of various systems, including the battery and IMD. 

Designed for driver safety, this system ensures that the driver can quickly identify any anomalies or issues with the vehicle's performance in real time. 

2.Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 

The ECU is the central control unit for the vehicle’s motor and other vital components, managing communication between subsystems and ensuring smooth vehicle operation. 

CAN Bus Communication for real-time data exchange between the Left and Right Motor Controllers, temperature sensors, and brake systems. 

Utilizes MAX3232 for RS232 to TTL conversion and TJA1050 for CAN communication, facilitating seamless control of various subsystems. 

Monitors key metrics, such as motor temperature, battery status, and fluid flow, ensuring that all systems are running within safe parameters. 

Essential for real-time vehicle diagnostics and system optimization. 

3.TSAL 

The TSAL v2.0 schematic improves upon the earlier version by introducing additional monitoring features, such as enhanced voltage detection and error state signaling, crucial for the safe operation of the electric vehicle. 

Integrates advanced logic gates (CD4077BM) and op-amps (LM358) for better fault detection and threshold management. 

Error signaling system uses a combination of LED indicators to alert the driver of potential issues, ensuring quick action can be taken in case of system anomalies. 

Critical for maintaining the safety thresholds and ensuring that all components are operating within their designed parameters. 

4.TSAL Measurement V3 

This schematic focuses on high-voltage measurement and galvanic isolation to protect sensitive electronics from potentially dangerous high-voltage signals. 

5.Galvanic Isolator 

The Galvanic Isolator system ensures the safety of low-voltage components by electrically isolating them from high-voltage circuits, which is essential in an electric vehicle environment. 

Partnering with PCBWay would mark a pivotal step forward for the ART TU Cluj-Napoca team. By providing manufacturing services free of charge and avoiding the increasing costs of production, the team can focus on pushing the boundaries of their technical expertise by developing even more advanced and high-quality components. Your support would directly enhance the team members’ ability to create performant systems, further raising the standard of the vehicle and achievements at competitions. Together, with PCBWay's help, ART TU can continue to grow, innovate, and turn their ambitious visions into reality, reflecting the company’s contribution to the quality of the systems and our success.