Use cases

The main goal of PPS4 is to develop a CPS(Cyber-physical system) that can be used in two distinct integrated urban networks, one for sensing, based on devices(scooters or bicycles) of a shared mobility system, and another for last-mile logistics, based on drones.

The development of the project was divided into three phases, which resulted in prototype PSCs for the two applications, with different maturities in terms of complexity, functionality, performance, and reliability.

CPS hardware architecture upgrade

Mobile Network Connectivity

The CPS hardware architecture, with support for a SIM card or the chipset-based eSIM, ensures connectivity to the cellular network. In this more flexible option, both alternatives are available on the top layer of the PCB, and it is possible to use the SIM card holder even if the device is directly soldered onto another PCB.

Geo-referencing system

The geo-referencing device is based on a GNSS receiver capable of using several satellite constellations, which allows better reception, position accuracy, and receiver sensitivity, while being more reliable.

For the 3rd generation CPS device, the hardware upgrades implemented were mainly focused on improving performance and making it suitable for mobility while maintaining some of the fundamental requirements for a low-power, low-cost, and small size CPS connectivity device.

The incorporation of the new mobility PSC in vehicles belonging to integrated urban networks is done through interface boards (baseboard), developed specifically for each type of vehicle. The modular approach of the CPS has allowed different interfaces to be created while keeping the cost low, which in turn allows for faster, more integrated development that can be largely independent of the vehicle used.

The following images show the devices developed for each use case, namely for the electric scooter and the urban logistics drone.