Vehicle Dynamics: FOX Factory Turns to Virscient for Wireless Engineering Services in Cutting-Edge Vehicle Performance
30 Abril 2024 - 10:56AM
In a strategic collaboration, FOX Factory has partnered with
Virscient and other tech leaders to achieve a new level of off-road
vehicle suspension performance through an intelligent and connected
suspension control system. This innovation couples FOX's
world-class Live Valve system with advanced vehicle dynamics
software, real-time performance telemetry, and wired and wireless
mode controllers. The suspension system debuts on a limited edition
2024 Chevrolet Silverado super truck.
FOX needed an intelligent control system for shock absorbers
that would meet the needs of the most demanding performance and
recreational off-road scenarios. Having successfully worked with
Virscient’s team before, FOX engaged the wireless engineering
services consultancy for integration of the suspension controller,
vehicle dynamics software, and wireless connectivity.
Virscient led the design and development of a bespoke platform
built around an electronic control unit (ECU) by STW Technic, and
with wireless connectivity supported by Nordic Semiconductor’s
nRF52 Bluetooth and multiprotocol SoCs.
The ability to connect FOX’s exceptional Live Valve suspension
to a seamlessly integrated software ecosystem is at the core of the
innovation. Virscient's role as strategic engineering partner
enabled rapid development of initial prototypes of the system and
its supporting components such as the mobile app and controllers.
Virscient’s expertise in performance-critical embedded software
development and wireless connectivity engineering then enabled
delivery of a production platform that ensures a seamless flow of
data between the ECU, the FOX suspension system, in-vehicle
controllers, and the mobile app.
The system can be configured and updated from the driver’s
smartphone, and an advanced telemetry engine within the ECU
provides a real-time status, diagnostic, and performance stream
with updates many times per second. This capability empowers
the driver with real-time insights into their vehicle’s
performance, along with the ability to record and compare rides
afterward.
Commenting on the project, Dr. Richard Sanger, who led the
technical team at Virscient tasked with bringing FOX’s vision to
life, said: “We’re thrilled to have been selected by FOX to help
them bring this game-changing system to market. While the
performance and reliability requirements of the application drove
various key technology innovations, ultimately this project was all
about ensuring the technology was not overt, but rather was just
quietly powering an amazing driver experience. We’re proud that we
were able to play our role in making it work.”
“Given our success in collaborating with Virscient on an earlier
project, we were confident to engage them for support on this
project,” said Mr. Nobu Negishi, Director, Advanced Development at
FOX Factory. “Owen, Richard and their team have been vital to the
integration of embedded wireless connectivity into FOX's latest
products.”
Mr. Owen Woollaston, GM Projects for Virscient added: “FOX came
to us with an exciting vision to transform ride dynamics for
off-road vehicles. It is clear with the launch of the FOX Factory
2024 Silverado super truck that working together we have done
exactly that. We’re thrilled with the collaboration, and the
opportunity to partner with such an iconic brand.”
About Virscient
Virscient push the boundaries of technology innovation for
embedded systems and wireless connectivity in challenging
environments, including automotive, aerospace, and
marine.
With five locations around the world, Virscient works with the
world's leading semiconductor and product companies, who choose
them because of their deep expertise in wireless and Internet of
Things technologies. In every strategic engineering project, they
develop secure embedded software for connected systems, designing
hardware from silicon to PCB/product-level, and supporting all
other aspects of the connectivity journey from technology selection
through to product RF and interoperability certification.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Derryn Alexander
derryn.alexander@virscient.com
- 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Super Truck
Derryn Alexander
Virscient
derryn.alexander@virscient.com