AUTOMOTIVE FIRE PROTECTION AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS
A Bus Body Manufacturing Client came to us with a requirement for developing the Hardware and Firmware for an FPS system which is to be mandatorily installed in all school buses. The System was to include multiple buttons for raising Fire alarms. Also, interfaces like Smoke Sensors, Linear Heat Detection Sensors are to be connected to the system. A Solenoid Valve connected to a Fire Extinguishing Output was to be controlled with different durations based on user inputs. The Control of the Fire Protection was also to be divided into two separate zones.
KEY CHALLENGES
An efficient, time sensitive device had to be developed while keeping the price as low as possible. False Positives had to be ignored and multiple human errors had to be accommodated for. Hardware Design had to be able to withstand the high temperature and other harsh environment tests as per Automotive Standards. Firmware had to be robust enough to handle hard deadlines and had to prioritize in case of multiple simultaneous events.
VISO SOLUTION
VISO proposed a high-speed microcontroller with optimum GPIOs based solution. A detailed Hardware was first designed and tested for all test cases. Multiple Digital and Analog Outputs were used in the design for controlling and analyzing various signals. The hardware was subjected to simulated harsh conditions as in the case of a fire emergency. The firmware on top was kept light-weight and modular. It was completely tested for handling all possible test cases arising in the situation of an emergency. Calibration was carried out for multiple FPS units to ensure that no false positives trigger an action. The Fire Protection System was approved and used extensively in production today.
VISO SCOPE
1. Firmware Development
2. Hardware Design
3. PoC & Prototype Testing