Development of Low-Cost Universal Instrument Cluster

This paper describes the indigenous development of CAN based low-cost cluster controller which drives the non-CAN cluster in a CAN based vehicle. The use of CAN network in vehicle is ever growing and has number of advantages which includes efficient diagnostics, low-cost and reduced wiring harness. The use of CAN network in a module expects the other interconnected modules also to be CAN based. Typical example being development of EV or HEV requires the instrument cluster of the vehicle also to be CAN based, as its information mostly available in CAN (For example SOC of High voltage battery). The indigenously developed controller drives the non-CAN cluster dials based on the CAN message from vehicle control unit. The controller hardware is designed to be universal driver which can drive almost all instrument clusters. This controller also has reverse functionality that converts the physical signal from vehicle to CAN message. The advantages being low development and implementation cost, compatibility to all clusters with minor software changes, retainment of the existing cluster, cabin trims and avoids need for new cluster development which involves huge development cost.