• 2025–2026 • Embedded Systems & Telemetry

IMU-GPS Data Logger

Custom High-Rate Telemetry & Kinematics DAQ

Project Objective & System Architecture

Engineered a high-rate kinematic data acquisition package for the formula car, pairing an ESP32-S3 microcontroller with a u-blox MAX-M10S GNSS module, an ultra-low-noise 9-DOF IMU, and an onboard 0.96-inch OLED screen for real-time diagnostics.

Firmware Optimization & Concurrency

• FreeRTOS multi-tasking separates deterministic 100 Hz sensor acquisition from background storage tasks, leveraging dedicated core affinity to preserve microsecond timing precision.

• Non-blocking ring buffers stream binary telemetry frames directly to microSD storage over SPI, completely eliminating buffer overruns caused by severe chassis track vibration.

Mechanical Packaging & Enclosure Iterations

• Modeled parametric chassis mounting tabs, internal board standoffs, and captive fastener slots within SolidWorks for rapid trackside servicing and secure harness retention.

• Resolved early perimeter wall delamination and layer separation issues under heat cycles by moving from standard filament to carbon-fiber reinforced PETG.

• Reinforced interior structural gussets and integrated vibration-damping perimeter elastomer seals to isolate sensitive MEMS gyroscopes from high-frequency chassis resonance.

Engineering Impact & Takeaway

Demonstrated end-to-end product delivery from schematic capture and multi-threaded embedded C++ firmware to track-tested physical packaging, providing the vehicle dynamics team with synchronized kinematics telemetry.

Isometric exploded CAD rendering of a custom PETG electronics enclosure and assembled dual-layer circuit board, clean directional studio rim lighting isolating mounting tabs against a matte dark background.
Isometric exploded CAD rendering of a custom PETG electronics enclosure and assembled dual-layer circuit board, clean directional studio rim lighting isolating mounting tabs against a matte dark background.
Macro view of an electronics bench setup with an ESP32-S3 development board wired to a glowing 0.96-inch OLED screen displaying live telemetry numbers, focused laboratory overhead lighting on jumper pins.
Macro view of an electronics bench setup with an ESP32-S3 development board wired to a glowing 0.96-inch OLED screen displaying live telemetry numbers, focused laboratory overhead lighting on jumper pins.
Close-up photograph of a matte black PETG telemetry unit securely clamped to the tubular steel chassis of a Formula SAE vehicle, natural paddock daylight illuminating suspension linkages nearby.
Close-up photograph of a matte black PETG telemetry unit securely clamped to the tubular steel chassis of a Formula SAE vehicle, natural paddock daylight illuminating suspension linkages nearby.
High-contrast technical telemetry plot showing synchronized 9-DOF IMU acceleration waveforms and differential GPS satellite path curves against an engineering grid, luminous cyan and white data traces.
High-contrast technical telemetry plot showing synchronized 9-DOF IMU acceleration waveforms and differential GPS satellite path curves against an engineering grid, luminous cyan and white data traces.

CAD Enclosure & Board Assembly Model: Parametric SolidWorks packaging featuring captive nut pockets and reinforced mounting bosses.

Electronics Bench Prototyping & Live OLED Readout: Verification of sensor polling rates and live telemetry display metrics.

Physical Vehicle Track Test Mounting: Secure installation on formula chassis frame rails prior to high-speed dynamic testing.

Telemetry Kinematic Graph / GPS Track Plot: Logged 100 Hz lateral G-force traces correlated with GPS course trajectory mapping.