1. Project Summary
Designed and implemented critical vehicle control systems for the electric conversion of a classic 1970s Rolls Royce, enabling modern safety features on a vintage platform. This innovative solution bridged the gap between classic automotive design and contemporary electric vehicle technology, delivering modern performance and safety while preserving the vehicle’s historic character.
2. Technical Solution Provided
Developed a custom electronic control module to enable traction control and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on a vintage vehicle retrofitted with a Tesla Model S drivetrain. The solution included a specialized microcontroller-based interface board with dual CAN bus ports that translated signals between aftermarket sensors and the modern electric vehicle controller. This integration allowed contemporary safety systems to function seamlessly within the classic car platform without compromising its aesthetic integrity.
3. My Role & Contributions
I served as the electronics and firmware specialist on this conversion project, working alongside mechanical and electrical integration specialists. My specific contributions included:
- Designing a custom printed circuit board (PCB) featuring a microcontroller and dual CAN interfaces
- Developing specialized firmware to translate CAN messages between different automotive systems
- Creating protocol adapters to enable communication between modern sensors and control systems
- Implementing signal processing algorithms to ensure appropriate vehicle response characteristics
- Collaborating with the broader conversion team to integrate electronic subsystems with the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical components
4. Technical Challenges & Solutions
The primary challenge involved creating a bridge between fundamentally different automotive technologies separated by decades of engineering evolution. Modern traction control and ABS systems rely on digital communication protocols and sensor arrays that did not exist when the original vehicle was manufactured. By reverse engineering the CAN message structures from both the Tesla donor vehicle and the aftermarket sensor packages, I was able to create a translation layer that allowed these disparate systems to communicate effectively.
An additional challenge was packaging the electronic components within the limited space available while maintaining the vehicle’s vintage aesthetic. This required careful consideration of board layout, connector placement, and mounting options to ensure reliable operation without visible modern intrusions into the classic design.
5. Implementation Approach
The implementation followed a modular development approach, beginning with bench testing of communication protocols and signal processing before integration with the vehicle systems. Development proceeded through multiple iterations, with each phase focusing on specific subsystems: initial communication with sensors, processing of sensor data, output of control signals, and finally full integration with the vehicle controller. Extensive testing was performed both in static conditions and during controlled driving scenarios to validate system performance under various operating conditions.
6. Results & Benefits
The completed system successfully enabled modern safety features on a classic vehicle platform, significantly enhancing driver safety without compromising the car’s vintage character. The traction control and ABS functionality improved handling in adverse conditions, providing stability and control comparable to modern vehicles despite the unique challenges of the retrofit drivetrain. The modular design allows for future updates or refinements as the vehicle’s systems evolve or additional features are desired.
7. Ongoing Support
Following the initial implementation, I provided documentation and training for the maintenance team, ensuring they could perform routine diagnostics and updates. The firmware was designed with upgrade paths in mind, allowing for future enhancements without requiring hardware modifications. I remain available for consultation on system optimization or expansion as the vehicle continues to evolve.
8. Technologies & Skills Applied
- PCB design and fabrication
- Microcontroller programming
- CAN bus protocol analysis and implementation
- Automotive systems integration
- Real-time signal processing
- Firmware development
- Hardware/software co-design
- Vintage vehicle modernization