Nordic-powered telematics gateway forms heart of smart vehicle ecosystem

Intellicar’s Flashµ device employs nRF52833 SoC as core processor and to provide Bluetooth LE connectivity for data transmission

A Nordic-powered edge intelligence solution for the electric vehicle (EV) value chain has been developed by India-based tech company, Intellicar. The company manages data across batteries, swap stations, charging infrastructure, and vehicles, making it possible for anyone to build solutions on top of the data and Intellicar’s edge intelligence hardware and software stack. The solution can be used by automotive OEMs, battery manufacturers or battery/energy-as-a-service companies, as well as first-last mile solution providers.

Device-to-Cloud data transmission

Intellicar’s edge intelligence hardware ‘Flashµ’ is powered by Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52833 SoC. In addition to the nRF52833 SoC, the gateway integrates a cellular modem for device-to-Cloud data transmission, together enabling the user to send over-the-air device firmware updates (OTA-DFUs), as well as deploy edge analytics to their remote assets.

Via Flashµ, the device is acquiring, processing, and transmitting data to the Cloud while controlling various sensors, actuators, and other attached accessories. The nRF52833 SoC is responsible for the entire functioning of the product

Shunmuga Krishnan, Intellicar

In addition to the nRF52833’s powerful processor and the cellular modem, Flashµ incorporates a GPS module, accelerometer, multi-sensor interface, and edge processor. This enables customers to deploy edge analytics on their assets. The Nordic SoC provides seamless Bluetooth® LE wireless connectivity for off-line diagnostics of the Flashµ, and connecting assets and data to the Cloud in the absence of cellular coverage. The solution also offers end-to-end data security while maintaining ultra-low power consumption.

Intellicar’s software ‘stack’ supervises the devices to ensure reliable data delivery. This, combined with Intellicar’s edge intelligence hardware, as well as a solid infrastructure setup for data storage on a scalable Cloud infrastructure, provides the user complete flexibility across the full stack. Intellicar’s hardware is modular and customers can pick and choose the products they want. This helps customers get IoT ready in minutes and shorten their time to market.

Core processing and decision making

“Flashµ uses Nordic’s nRF528333 as its core processor and decision-making controller,” says Shunmuga Krishnan, Co-Founder and CTO, Intellicar. “It performs a vital role in managing and controlling all the components and modules in the hardware. Via Flashµ, the device is acquiring, processing, and transmitting data to the Cloud while controlling various sensors, actuators, and other attached accessories. The nRF52833 SoC is responsible for the entire functioning of the product.

“Nordic’s nRF Connect SDK [Software Development Kit] allowed us to develop our application code quickly and accelerate development during the prototyping phase,” says Krishnan. “Comprehensive documentation, help and layout precautions help us iterate quickly in our development process.”

Intellicar plans to continue deploying various products to accelerate the adoption of EVs, promoting the world’s transition towards a more sustainable, cleaner, and safer mode of transportation.