Benefits

Open-Source Operating System (OS)

The operating system running on the AutoPi TMU is called the AutoPi Core and is based on the Raspberry Pi OS. The AutoPi Core is written in python and is open source which allows you to build on top of your knowledge with any prior work you have done with the Raspberry Pi. Being open source allows everyone to contribute, modify, and enhance the source code, and more.

Furthermore, it also means the device will never be bricked, as you can write your own software for the device. You can find the source code on our GIT repository: https://github.com/autopi-io.

Build customized solutions using your existing software

The operating system running on the AutoPi TMU is called the AutoPi Core and is based on the Raspberry Pi The AutoPi Management Cloud let you set the behavior of the device by creating simple or advanced custom code solutions, adjust configurations, setup services to handle communication, requests, logging, and much more.

By controlling the data pipeline and having API access to both the AutoPi Management Cloud and the device, you can use our platform as an access point controlled by your existing software solutions. This way, all day-to-day management can be retained in systems your employers already know, with a few new features. With customized builds we grant you the flexibility to utilize our solution, in your way.

Modular Hardware (HW)

The AutoPi TMU device is built on top of the Raspberry Pi as a standalone and scalable product. Our standard edition comes a RPi 3A+ but is upgradable to other versions of the Raspberry Pi. By upgrading, the device will get more connecters, such as, Ethernet and USB ports and more computational power. This configuration can be made when ordering so you will receive it as such, or by upgrading the AutoPi TMU device by yourself, as the need arises.

On top of being able to utilize different versions of the Raspberry Pi, The AutoPi TMU device also have two extension ports. The extension ports can used to add new functionalities to the central hardware without having to print custom PCB and can be used for microcontrollers for e.g., BLE chips or RFID readers.

Send Data Real-Time (RTD) or Store Locally

With the AutoPi TMU device you can configure how often data should be uploaded to the cloud endpoint or stored on a local hard drive. Per default the device uploads the data to the AutoPi Cloud every 60 seconds but can be both lowered to e.g., 0 (for real-time data) or raised depending on your requirement. As for storage on a local hard drive, the information will be written to that unit on a local file as it is being logged with data persistence.

When uploading data, the device will buffer until it is configured to push. The ability to buffer also ensures that if you enter an area without cellular service, the data will be cached until you get reconnected. Because of the real time clock on the device all data points will still be true to the timeline of the trip, connected or not. If it is not critical to monitor the data you are logging while trips are ongoing, the AutoPi TMU can work without cellular connection at all, and rely on wi-fi networks only.

Device Power Management

The AutoPi TMU device is designed with a Smart Power Manager (SPM) component on the AutoPi HAT board to control its power cycle. As we built the device on the Raspberry Pi, its power consumption follows accordingly. Therefore, to ensure your vehicles are always ready to drive, we give in-depth control of the power cycle of the device through 25 pre-defined configurations.

The power cycle is based around Sleep Timers, which works like that of a television. When a sleep timer is activated, it will power down the device to conserve the auxiliary battery. The shutdown will either put the device to sleep or in hibernate. The sleep timers works through events or different forms of inactivity and can be suppressed via events,schedule time periods , and voltage change.

Global Modem (4G/LTE)

With the AutoPi TMU device you need to secure SIM cards on your own to connect the device to the cellular network, but the modem we use supports all global standard network frequencies. Meaning, you can change the APN setting of the device to the specific provider. The modem uses a 4G/LTE Cat 4 connection with 3G/EDGE fallback, with worldwide support.

The AutoPi TMU device can work in tether-mode, enabling you to get internet access in areas where you wouldn’t otherwise. We have devices and solutions running on all continents, except Antarctica. Per standard, the device comes with a global 4G/LTE modem, that is attached in a PCI mini express socket and can communicate with every frequency in the world. However, it’s possible to change it to NB-WIFI or LoRaWAN modem, without any hardware modification.

Remote Wake-up

As your vehicle is turned off, the connected device will per default settings go to sleep to save power. However, you have ways to wake up the device remotely on demand. If you equip your AutoPi TMU device with SIM card bearing a phone number, you can enable a functionality to wake on SMS. Meaning, by sending an SMS to your device it will wake up, if it is in cellular coverage.

Use our team as a resource to customize your project

Using the AutoPi TMU device gives you the freedom to choose how to build your project, as both the device and Cloud Platform can be customized and adjusted to meet your requirement. Customization of the AutoPi environment gives you the possibility to use our team to assist you in your development, increasing your capacity and having a faster time-to-market.

Our team are experts in working with the technology we built and are always looking forward to facing new challenges. The development tasks we can assist you with could be integration to assets, sensors, or existing software solutions, new functionalities or configuration of existing ones, formatting of data, and so on.

Automotive Protocol

The AutoPi TMU devices are connected to vehicles around the world, and we are present on all continents. We communicate with vehicles through a SocketCAN interface using the can0 protocol. We can typically communicate with vehicles no matter their origin and the most typical protocols our clients use is the OBD-II protocol and SAE J1939.

Branding Possibilities

Leverage on our support for white labelling of both the AutoPi Cloud and TMU. Brand either to meet legislations or requirements, while keeping the service and support from our team. By deciding on branding the AutoPi Cloud, we will set up a dedicated server at your specifications with custom URL, logo, and textual naming. For branding of the AutoPi TMU device a custom casing will be made with your logo engraved on it.

Cloud Add-ons

With the AutoPi Management Cloud you get access to infrastructure for several functionalities in the add-ons section. The add-ons give you a foundation to build upon existing projects and configure them to your own requirements. Infrastructure already exists for functionalities such as Docker, Big Data, and Keyless Entry and New functionality infrastructures are added periodically. Regardless of the number of add-ons you use, the AutoPi Management Cloud is a one-sites-fits-all subscription model and is always charged at a flat rate.