About This Guide

The Apollo 1.5 Hardware and System Installation Guide provides the instructions to install all of the hardware components and system software for the **Apollo Project **. The system installation information included pertains to the procedures to download and install the Apollo Linux Kernel.

Document Conventions

The following table lists the conventions that are used in this document:

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Description

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Emphasis

Mono-space font

Code, typed data

Italic

Titles of documents, sections, and headings Terms used

info

Info Contains information that might be useful. Ignoring the Info icon has no negative consequences.

tip

Tip. Includes helpful hints or a shortcut that might assist you in completing a task.

online

Online. Provides a link to a particular web site where you can get more information.

warning

Warning. Contains information that must not be ignored or you risk failure when you perform a certain task or step.

Introduction

The Apollo Project is an initiative that provides an open, complete, and reliable software platform for Apollo partners in the automotive and autonomous driving industries. The aim of this project is to enable these entities to develop their own self-driving systems based on Apollo software stack.

Documentation

The following set of documentation describes Apollo 1.5:

  • [Apollo Hardware and System Installation Guide] ─ Provides the instructions to install the hardware components and the system software for the vehicle:

    • Vehicle:

      • Industrial PC (IPC)

      • Global Positioning System (GPS)

      • Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

      • Controller Area Network (CAN) card

      • GPS Antenna

      • GPS Receiver

      • Light Detection and Ranging System (LiDAR)

    • Software:

      • Ubuntu Linux

      • Apollo Linux Kernel

      • Nvidia GPU Driver

  • [Apollo Quick Start Guide] ─ A combination tutorial and roadmap that provide the complete set of end-to-end instructions. The Quick Start Guide also provides links to additional documents that describe the conversion of a regular car to an autonomous-driving vehicle.

Key Hardware Components

The key hardware components to install include:

  • Onboard computer system ─ Neousys Nuvo-6108GC

  • Controller Area Network (CAN) Card ─ ESD CAN-PCIe/402-1

  • General Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ─ You can select one of the following options:

    • NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1

    • NovAtel SPAN® ProPak6™ and NovAtel IMU-IGM-A1

  • Light Detection and Ranging System (LiDAR) ─ Velodyne HDL-64E S3

Additional Components Required

You need to provide these additional components for the Additional Tasks Required:

  • A 4G router for Internet access

  • A monitor, keyboard, and mouse for debugging at the car onsite

  • Cables:a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) cable (optional), a customized cable for GPS-LiDAR time synchronization

  • Apple iPad Pro: 9.7-inch, Wi-Fi (optional)

The features of the key hardware components are presented in the subsequent sections.

Onboard Computer System - IPC

The onboard computer system is an industrial PC (IPC) for the autonomous vehicle and uses the NeousysNuvo-6108GC that is powered by a sixth-generation Intel Xeon E3 1275 V5 CPU.

The Neousys Nuvo-6108GC is the central unit of the autonomous driving system (ADS).

IPC Configuration

Configure the IPC as follows:

  • ASUS GTX1080 GPU-A8G-Gaming GPU Card

  • 32GB DDR4 RAM

  • PO-280W-OW 280W AC/DC power adapter

  • 2.5” SATA Hard Disk 1TB 7200rpm

IPC Front and Side Views

The front and rear views of the IPC are shown with the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) installed in the following pictures:

The front view of the Nuvo-6108GC:

ipc_front

The side view of the Nuvo-6108GC:

ipc_back

For more information about the Nuvo-6108GC, see:

online Neousys Nuvo-6108GC Product Page:

http://www.neousys-tech.com/en/product/application/rugged-embedded/nuvo-6108gc-gpu-computing online

Neousys Nuvo-6108GC-Manual:

[Link Unavailable yet]

Controller Area Network (CAN) Card

The CAN card to use with the IPC is ESD CAN-PCIe/402.

can_card

For more information about the CAN-PCIe/402, see:

online ESD CAN-PCIe/402 Product Page:

https://esd.eu/en/products/can-pcie402

Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

There are two GPS-IMU options available,and the choice depends upon the one that most fits your needs:

  • Option 1: NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1

  • Option 2: NovAtel SPAN® ProPak6™ and NovAtel IMU-IGM-A1

Option 1: The NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1

The NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1 is an integrated, single-box solution that offers tightly coupled Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning and inertial navigation featuring the NovAtel OEM615 receiver.

novatel_imu

For more information about the NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1, see:

online NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1 Product Page:

https://www.novatel.com/products/span-gnss-inertial-systems/span-combined-systems/span-igm-a1/

Option 2: The NovAtel SPAN ProPak6 and NovAtel IMU-IGM-A1

NovAtel ProPak6 is a standalone GNSS receiver. It works with a separate NovAtel- supported IMU (in this case, the NovAtel IMU-IGM-A1)to provide localization.

The ProPak6 provides the latest and most sophisticated enclosure product manufactured by NovAtel.

The IMU-IGM-A1 is an IMU that pairs with a SPAN-enabled GNSS receiver such as the SPAN ProPak6.

novatel_pp6

For more information about the NovAtel SPAN ProPak6 and the IMU-IGM-A1, see:

online NovAtel ProPak6 Installation & Operation Manual:

https://www.novatel.com/assets/Documents/Manuals/OM-20000148.pdf

onlineNovAtel IMU-IGM-A1 Product Page:

https://www.novatel.com/products/span-gnss-inertial-systems/span-imus/span-mems-imus/imu-igm-a1/#overview

The GPS Receiver/Antenna

The GPS Receiver/Antenna used with the GPS-IMU component is the NovAtel GPS-703-GGG-HV.

**NOTE: **The GPS NovAtelGPS-703-GGG-HV works with either model of the two GPS-IMU options that are described in the previous section, Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

gps_receiver

For more information about the NovAtel GPS-703-GGG-HV, see:

online NovAtel GPS-703-GGG-HV Product Page:

https://www.novatel.com/products/gnss-antennas/high-performance-gnss-antennas/gps-703-ggg-hv/

Light Detection and Ranging System (LiDAR)

The 64 line LiDAR system HDL-64E S3 is available from Velodyne Lidars, Inc.

lidar_image

Key Features:

  • 64 Channels

  • 120m range

  • 2.2 Million Points per Second

  • 360° Horizontal FOV

  • 26.9° Vertical FOV

  • 0.08° angular resolution (azimuth)

  • <2cm accuracy

  • ~0.4° Vertical Resolution

  • User selectable frame rate

  • Rugged Design

onlineWebpage for Velodyne HDL-64E S3: http://velodynelidar.com/hdl-64e.html

Overview of the Installation Tasks

Installing the hardware and the software components involves these tasks:

AT THE OFFICE:

  1. Prepare and then install the Controller Area Network (CAN) card by first repositioning the CAN card termination jumper before you insert the card into the slot.

  2. Install the hard drive (if none was pre-installed) in the IPC.

    You can also choose to replace a pre-installed hard drive if you prefer.

    Recommendations :

    • Install a Solid-State Drive (SSD) for better reliability.

    • Use a high-capacity drive if you need to collect driving data.

  3. Prepare the IPC for powering up: a. Attach the power cable to the power connector (terminal block). b. Connect the monitor, Ethernet, keyboard, and mouse to the IPC. c. Connect the IPC to a power source.

  4. Install the software on the IPC (some Linux experience is required): a. Install Ubuntu Linux. b. Install the Apollo Linux kernel.

IN THE VEHICLE:

  • Make sure that all the modifications for the vehicle, which are listed in the section Prerequisites, have been performed.

  • Install the major components (according to the illustrations and the instructions included in this document):

    • GPS Antenna

    • IPC

    • GPS Receiver

    • LiDAR

The actual steps to install all of the hardware and software components are detailed in the section, Steps for the Installation Tasks.

Steps for the Installation Tasks

This section describes the steps to install:

  • The key hardware and software components

  • The hardware in the vehicle

At the Office

Perform these tasks:

  • Prepare the IPC:

    • Install the CAN card

    • Install or replace the hard drive

    • Prepare the IPC for powering up

  • Install the software for the IPC:

    • Ubuntu Linux

    • Apollo Kernel

    • Nvidia GPU Driver

Preparing the IPC

Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare and install the Controller Area Network (CAN) card: In the Neousys Nuvo-6108GC, ASUS® GTX-1080GPU-A8G-GAMING GPU card is pre-installed into one of the three PCI slots. We still need to install a CAN card into a PCI slot. a. Locate and unscrew the eight screws (shown in the brown squares or pointed by brown arrows) on the side of computer: Positions_of_Screwsb. Remove the cover from the IPC. 3 PCI slots (one occupied by the graphic card) locate on the base:

removing the cover

Before installing the CAN card

c. Set the CAN card termination jumper by removing the red jumper cap (shown in yellow circles) from its default location and placing it at its termination position:

prepare_can_card

warningWARNING: The CAN card will not work if the termination jumper is not set correctly.

d. Insert the CAN card into the slot in the IPC:

installed CAN

e. Reinstall the cover for the IPC

IPC-6108GC-Screw-Positions.png

  1. Prepare the IPC for powering up:

    a. Attach the power cable to the power connector (terminal block) that comes with the IPC:

    warning_iconWARNING: Make sure that the positive(labeled R for red) and the negative(labeled B for black) wires of the power cable are inserted into the correct holes on the power terminal block.

  2. ipc_power_RB

    b. Connect the monitor, Ethernet cable, keyboard, and mouse to the IPC:

  3. IPC-6108GC-CableConnected-overexposed.png

warningIt is recommended to configure the fan speed through BIOS settings, if one or more plugin card is added to the system

- While starting up the computer, press F2 to enter BIOS setup menu.
- Go to [Advanced] => [Smart Fan Setting]
- Set [Fan Max. Trip Temp] to 50
- Set [Fan Start Trip Temp] to 20

tip_iconIt is recommended that you use a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connector on the graphic card for the monitor. To set the display to the DVI port on the motherboard, following is the setting procedure:

- While starting up the computer, press F2 to enter BIOS setup menu.
- Go to [Advanced]=>[System Agent (SA) Configuration]=>[Graphics Configuration]=>[Primary Display]=> Set the setting to "PEG"

tip_iconIt is recommended to configure the IPC to run at maximum performance mode at all time: - While starting up the computer, press F2 to enter BIOS setup menu. - Go to [Power] => [SKU POWER CONFIG] => set the setting to “MAX. TDP”

c. Connect the power:

IPC-6108GC-PowerCable.jpg

Installing the Software for the IPC

This section describes the steps to install:

  • Ubuntu Linux

  • Apollo Kernel

  • Nvidia GPU Driver

tip_iconIt is assumed that you have experience working with Linux to successfully perform the software installation.

Installing Ubuntu Linux

Follow these steps:

  1. Create a bootable Ubuntu Linux USB flash drive:

    Download Ubuntu (or a variant such as Xubuntu) and follow the online instructions to create a bootable USB flash drive.

tip_iconIt is recommended that you use Ubuntu 14.04.3.

tip_iconYou can type F2 during the system boot process to enter the BIOS settings. It is recommended that you disable Quick Boot and Quiet Boot in the BIOS to make it easier to catch any issues in the boot process.

For more information about Ubuntu, see: online_icon Ubuntu for Desktop web site:

https://www.ubuntu.com/desktop

  1. Install Ubuntu Linux:

    a. Insert the Ubuntu installation drive into a USB port and turn on the system. b. Install Linux by following the on-screen instructions.

  2. Perform a software update and the installation: a. Reboot into Linux after the installation is done. b. Launch the Software Updater to update to the latest software packages (for the installed distribution) or type the following commands in a terminal program such as GNOME Terminal.

    sudo apt-get update; sudo apt-get upgrade
    

    c. Launch a terminal program such as GNOME Terminal and type the following command to install the Linux 4.4 kernel:

sudo apt-get install linux-generic-lts-xenial

tip_iconThe IPC must have Internet access to update and install software. Make sure that the Ethernet cable is connected to a network with Internet access. You might need to configure the network for the IPC if the network that it is connected to is not using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Installing the Apollo Kernel

The Apollo runtime in the vehicle requires the Apollo Kernel. You are strongly recommended to install the pre-built kernel.

Use pre-built Apollo Kernel.

You get access and install the pre-built kernel with the following commands.

  1. Download the release packages from the release section on github

https://github.com/ApolloAuto/apollo-kernel/releases
  1. Install the kernel After having the release package downloaded:

tar zxvf linux-4.4.32-apollo-1.5.0.tar.gz
cd install
sudo bash install_kernel.sh
  1. Reboot your system by the reboot command

  2. Build the ESD CAN driver source code Now you need to build the ESD CAN driver source code according to ESDCAN-README.md

Build your own kernel.

If have modified the kernel, or the pre-built kernel is not the best for your platform, you can build your own kernel with the following steps.

  1. Clone the code from repository

git clone https://github.com/ApolloAuto/apollo-kernel.git
cd apollo-kernel
  1. Add the ESD CAN driver source code according to ESDCAN-README.md

  2. Build the kernel with the following command.

bash build.sh
  1. Install the kernel the same way as using a pre-built Apollo Kernel.

Installing Nvidia GPU Driver

The Apollo runtime in the vehicle requires the Nvidia GPU Driver. You are required to install the Nvidia GPU driver with specific options.

  1. Download the installation files

wget http://us.download.nvidia.com/XFree86/Linux-x86_64/375.39/NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-375.39.run
  1. Start the installation

sudo bash ./NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-375.39.run --no-x-check -a -s --no-kernel-module
Optional: Test the ESD CAN device node

After rebooting the IPC with the new kernel:

a. Create the CAN device node by issuing the following commands in a terminal:

cd /dev; sudo mknod –-mode=a+rw can0 c 52 0

b. Test the CAN device node using the test program that is part of the ESD CAN software package that you have acquired from ESD Electronics.

The IPC is now ready to be mounted on the vehicle.

In the Vehicle

Perform these tasks:

  • Make the necessary modifications to the vehicle as specified in the list of prerequisites

  • Install the major components:

    • GPS Antenna

    • IPC

    • GPS Receiver

    • LiDAR

Prerequisites

warning_iconWARNING: Prior to mounting the major components (GPS Antenna, IPC, and GPS Receiver) in the vehicle, certain modifications must be performed as specified in the list of prerequisites. The instructions for making the mandatory changes in the list are outside the scope of this document.

The list of prerequisites are as follows:

  • The vehicle must be modified for “drive-by-wire” technology by a professional service company. Also, a CAN interface hookup must be provided in the trunk where the IPC will be mounted.

  • A power panel must be installed in the trunk to provide power to the IPC and the GPS-IMU. The power panel would also service other devices in the vehicle such as a 4G LTE router. The power panel should be hooked up to the power system in the vehicle.

  • A custom-made rack must be installed to mount the GPS-IMU Antenna and the LiDAR on top of the vehicle.

  • A custom-made rack must be installed to mount the GPS-IMU in the trunk.

  • A 4G LTE router must be mounted in the trunk to provide Internet access for the IPC. The router must have built-in Wi-Fi access point (AP) capability to connect to other devices, such as an iPad, to interface with the autonomous driving (AD) system. A user would be able to use the mobile device to start AD mode or monitor AD status, for example.

Diagrams of the Major Component Installations

The following two diagrams indicate the locations of where the three major components (GPS Antenna, IPC, GPS Receiver and LiDAR) should be installed on the vehicle:

major_component_side_view

major_component_rear_view

Installing the GPS Receiver and Antenna

This section provides general information about installing one of two choices:

  • Option 1: GPS-IMU: NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1

  • Option 2: GPS-IMU: NovAtel SPAN® ProPak6™ and NovAtel IMU-IGM-A1

Option 1: Installing the NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1

The installation instructions describe the procedures to mount, connect, and take the lever arm measurements for the GPS-IMU NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1.

Mounting

You can place the GPS-IMU NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1 in most places in the vehicle but it is suggested that you follow these recommendations:

  • Place and secure the NovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1 inside the trunk with the Y-axis pointing forward.

  • Mount the NovAtel GPS-703-GGG-HV antenna in an unobscured location on top of the vehicle.

Wiring

You must connect two cables:

  • The antenna cable ─ Connects the GNSS antenna to the antenna port of the SPAN-IGM-A1

  • The main cable:

    • Connects its 15-pin end to the SPAN-IGM-A1

    • Connects its power wires to a power supply of 10-to-30V DC

    • Connects its serial port to the IPC. If the power comes from a vehicle battery, add an auxiliary battery (recommended).

imu_main_cable_connection

Main Cable Connections

For more information, see the SPAN-IGM™ Quick Start Guide, page 3, for a detailed diagram:

online_iconSPAN-IGM™ Quick Start Guide

http://www.novatel.com/assets/Documents/Manuals/GM-14915114.pdf

Taking the Lever Arm Measurement

When the SPAN-IGM-A1 and the GPS Antenna are in position,the distance from the SPAN-IGM-A1 to the GPS Antenna must be measured. The distance should be measured as: X offset, Y offset, and Z offset.

The error of offset must be within one centimeter to achieve high accuracy. For more information, see the SPAN-IGM™ Quick Start Guide, page 5, for a detailed diagram.

For an additional information about the SPAN-IGM-A1, see:

online_iconSPAN-IGM™ User Manual:

http://www.novatel.com/assets/Documents/Manuals/OM-20000141.pdf

Option 2: Installing NovAtel SPAN® ProPak6™ and NovAtel IMU-IGM-A1

The installation instructions describe the procedures to mount, connect, and take the lever arm measurements for the GPS NovAtel SPAN® ProPak6™ and the NovAtel IMU-IGM-A1.

Components for the Installation

The components that are required for the installation include:

  • NovAtel GPS SPAN ProPak6

  • NovAtel IMU-IGM-A1

  • NovAtel GPS-703-GGG-HV Antenna

  • NovAtel GPS-C006 Cable (to connect antenna to GPS)

  • NovAtel 01019014 Main Cable (to connect GPS to a serial port the IPC)

  • Data Transport Unit (DTU) – similar to a 4G router

  • Magnetic adapters (for antenna and DTU)

  • DB9 Straight Through Cable

Mounting

You can place the two devices, the ProPak6 and the IMU in most places in the vehicle, but it is suggested that you follow these recommendations:

  • Place and secure the ProPak6 and the IMU side-by-side inside the trunk with the Y-axis pointing forward.

  • Mount the NovAtel GPS-703-GGG-HV antenna on top of the vehicle or on top of the trunk lid as shown:

gps_receiver_on_car

  • Use a magnetic adapter to tightly attach the antenna to the trunk lid.

  • Install the antenna cable in the trunk by opening the trunk and placing the cable in the space between the trunk lid and the body of the car.

Wiring

Follow these steps to connect the ProPak6 GNSS Receiver and the IMU to the Apollo system:

  1. Use the split cable that comes with IMU-IGM-A1 to connect the IMU Main port and theProPak6 COM3/IMU port.

  2. Use a USB-A-to-MicroUSB cable to connect the USB port of the IPC and the MicroUSB port of the ProPak6.

  3. Connect the other end of the IMU-IGM-A1 split cable to the vehicle power.

  4. Connect the GNSS antenna to Propak6.

  5. Connect the Propak6 power cable.

wiring

For more information about the NovAtel SPAN ProPak6, see:

online_iconNovAtel ProPak6 Installation& Operation Manual:

https://www.novatel.com/assets/Documents/Manuals/OM-20000148.pdf

Installing the Light Detection and Ranging System (LiDAR)

This section provides descriptions on the installation procedure of HDL-64E S3 LiDAR

Mounting

A customized mounting structure is required to successfully mount an HDL64E S3 LiDAR on top of a vehicle. This structure needs to provide rigid support to the LiDAR system while raising the LiDAR to certain height above the ground to avoid the laser beams from the liDAR being blocked by the front and/or rear of the vehicle. The actual height needed for the LiDAR depends on the design of the vehicle and the mounting point of the LiDAR relative to the vehicle. The vertical tilt angle of the lasers normally ranges from +2~-24.8 degrees relative to the horizon. To fully utilize the angle range for detection, on a Lincoln MKZ, we recommend mounting the LiDAR at a minimum height of 1.8 meters (from ground to the base of the LiDAR).

Wiring

Each HDL-64E S3 LiDAR includes a cablebundle to connect the LiDAR to power supply, computer (Ethernet for data transfer, and serial port for LiDAR configuration) and GPS timesync source.

LiDAR_Cable

  1. Connection to the LiDAR

    Connect the power and signal cable to the matching ports on the LiDAR

    HDL64_Cabling

  2. Connection to Power Source

    The two AWG 16 wires are used to power HDL-64E S3 Lidar. It requires about 3A at 12V. To make connection to the power source, make full contact with the wires and tighten the screws.

    HDL64_Power_Cable

  3. Conection to IPC

    The connection to IPC is through an ethernet cable. Plug the ethernet connector in the cable bundle into an ethernet port on the IPC

  4. Connection to GPS:

    HDL64E S3 LiDAR requires the Recommended minimum specific GPS/Transit data (GPRMC) and pulse per second (PPS)signal to synchronize to the GPS time. Customized connection is needed to establish the communication between the GPS receiver and the LiDAR:

    a. SPAN-IGM-A1

    If you configured the SPAN-IGM-A1 as specified in Configuring the GPS and IMU, the GPRMC signal is sent from the GPS receiver via the User Port cable from the Main port. The PPS signal is sent through the wire cables labeled as “PPS” and “PPS dgnd” from the Aux port. The dash-line boxes in the figure below are available connections that comes with the HDL64E S3 LiDAR and the SPAN-IGM-A1 GPS receiver. The remaining connections need to be made by the user.

    Wiring_Schematics_IGM_A1

    b. Propak 6 and IMU-IGM-A1

    If you configured the Propak 6 as specified in Configuring the GPS and IMU, the GPRMC signal is sent from the GPS receiver via COM2 port. The PPS signal is sent through the IO port. The dash-line boxes in the figure below are available connections that comes with the HDL-64E S3 LiDAR and the Propak 6 GPS receiver. The remaining connections need to be made by the user.

    Wiring_Schematics_PP6

  5. Connection through serial port for LiDAR configuration

    Some of the low-level parameters can be configured through serial port. Within the cable bundle provided by Velodyne Lidar, Inc., there are two pairs of red/black cables as shown in the pinout table below. The thicker pair (AWG 16) is used to power the LiDAR system. The thinner pair is used for serial connection. Connect the black wire (Serial In) to RX, the red wire to Ground of a serial cable. Connect the serial cable with a USB-serial adapter to a computer of choice.

    pinout_table

Configuration

By default HDL-64E S3 has the network IP address setting as 192.168.0.1. However, when we set up for Apollo, we should to change network IP address to 192.168.20.13 . We can use terminal application with termite3.2 and enter the network setting command. The IP address of HDL-64E S3 can be configured following the steps below:

  1. Connect one side of serial cable to your laptop

  2. Connect the other side of serial cable to HDL-64E S3’s serial wires

  3. COM port default setting

    Baudrate: 9600

    Parity: None

    Data bits: 8

    Stop bits: 1

  4. COM port application

    Download termite3.2 from the link below and install it on your laptop (Windows)

    http://www.compuphase.com/software_termite.htm

  5. Serial cable connection for COM port between HDL-64E S3 and Laptop

    Serial cable connected to laptop.png

  6. Launch Termite 3.2 from laptop

  7. Issue a serial command for setting up HDL-64E S3’s IP addresses over serial port “#HDLIPA192168020013192168020255”

  8. The unit must be power cycled to adopt the new IP addresses

    Issuing the serial command

    online_iconHDL-64E S3 Manual can be found on this webpage:

    http://velodynelidar.com/hdl-64e.html

Installing the IPC

Follow these steps:

  1. Use a voltage converter/regulator to convert the 12 VDC output from the vehicle to desired voltage to power IPC.

    As recommended by Neousys, use a 12 VDC to 19 VDC converter with maximal output current of 20 A.

    voltage_regulater_converter

    First, connect the two 19 VDC output wires to IPC’s power connector (Green as shown below).

    ipc_power_RB

    Secondly, connect the two cables of 12 VDC input to the power panel in the vehicle. If the size of the wire is too thick, the wire should be splitted to several wires and connect to corresponding ports, respectively.

    warningThis step is necessary. If the input voltage goes below the required limit. It is highly probable to cause system failure.

  2. Place the onboard computer system, the 6108GC, inside the trunk (recommended).

    For example, Apollo 1.5 uses 4x4 self-tapping screws to bolt the 6108GC to the carpeted floor of the trunk. IPC-bolt_down-936x720

  3. Mount the IPC so that its front and back sides(where all ports are located) face the right side (passenger) or the left side(driver) of the trunk.

This positioning makes it easier to connect all of the cables.

For more information, see:

online_iconNeousys Nuvo-6108GC – Manual:

[Link Unavailable]

  1. Connect all cables, which include:

  • Power cable

  • Controller Area Network (CAN) cable

  • Ethernet cable from the 4G router to the IPC

  • GPS Receiver to the IPC

  • (Optional) Monitor, keyboard, mouse

a. Connect the power cable to the IPC (as shown):

b. Connect the other end of the power cable to the vehicle battery (as shown):

IPC-power-cable

c. Connect the DB9 cable to the IPC to talk to the CAN (as shown):

DB9_cable

d. Connect:

  • the Ethernet cable from the 4G router to the IPC

  • the GPS Receiver to the IPC

  • (optional) the monitor:

IPC-power-842x636

Taking the Lever Arm Measurement

Follow these steps:

  1. Before taking the measurement, turn on the IPC.

  2. When the IMU and the GPS Antenna are in position, the distance from the IMU to the GPS Antenna must be measured. The distance should be measured as: X offset, Yoffset, and Z offset. The error of offset must be within one centimeter to achieve high accuracy in positioning and localization.

For an additional information, see:

online_iconNovAtel ProPak6 Installation & Operation Manual:

https://www.novatel.com/assets/Documents/Manuals/OM-20000148.pdf

online_iconNovAtel SPAN-IGM-A1 Product Page:

https://www.novatel.com/products/span-gnss-inertial-systems/span-combined-systems/span-igm-a1/

Configuring the GPS and IMU

Configure the GPS and IMU as shown:

WIFICONFIGSTATE OFF
UNLOGALLTHISPORT
SETIMUTOANTOFFSET0.00 1.10866 1.14165 0.05 0.05 0.08
SETINSOFFSET0 0 0
LOGCOM2 GPRMC ONTIME 1.0 0.25
EVENTOUTCONTROLMARK2 ENABLE POSITIVE 999999990 10
EVENTOUTCONTROLMARK1 ENABLE POSITIVE 500000000 500000000
LOGNCOM1 GPGGA ONTIME 1.0

logbestgnssposb ontime 0.5
logbestgnssvelb ontime 0.5
logbestposb ontime 0.5
logINSPVASB ontime 0.01
logCORRIMUDATASB ontime 0.01
logINSCOVSB ontime 1
logmark1pvab onnew

logimutoantoffsetsb once
logvehiclebodyrotationb onchanged

SAVECONFIG

For ProPak6:

WIFICONFIG STATE OFF
CONNECTIMU COM3 IMU_ADIS16488
INSCOMMAND ENABLE
SETIMUORIENTATION 5
ALIGNMENTMODE AUTOMATIC  
SETIMUTOANTOFFSET 0.00 1.10866 1.14165 0.05 0.05 0.08
VEHICLEBODYROTATION 0 0 0
 
COM COM1 9600 N 8 1 N OFF OFF
COM COM2 9600 N 8 1 N OFF OFF
INTERFACEMODE COM1 NOVATEL NOVATEL OFF
LOG COM2 GPRMC ONTIME 1 0.25
PPSCONTROL ENABLE POSITIVE 1.0 10000
MARKCONTROL MARK1 ENABLE POSITIVE
EVENTINCONTROL MARK1 ENABLE POSITIVE 0 2
 
interfacemode usb2 rtcmv3 none off
rtksource auto any
psrdiffsource auto any
 
SAVECONFIG

warning_icon WARNING: Modify the SETIMUTOANTOFFSET line based on the actual measurement (of the antenna and the IMU offset).

For example:

SETIMUTOANTOFFSET -0.05 0.5 0.8 0.05 0.05 0.08

Setting up the Network

This section provides recommendations for setting up the network.

The IPC that is running the Apollo software must access the Internet to acquire the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) data for accurate localization. A mobile device also needs to connect to the IPC to run the Apollo software.

Recommendations

Itis recommended that you set up your network according to the following diagram:

4G_network_setup

Follow these steps:

  1. Install and configure a 4G LTE router with Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) capability and Gigabit Ethernet ports.

  2. Connect the IPC to the LTE router using an Ethernet cable.

  3. Configure the LTE router to access the Internet using the LTE cellular network.

  4. Configure the AP capability of the LTE router so that the iPad Pro or another mobile device can connect to the router, and, in turn, connect to the IPC.

tip_iconIt is recommended that you configure a fixed IP instead of using DHCP on the IPC to make it easier to connect to it from a mobile terminal.

Additional Tasks Required

Youwill use the components that you were required to provide to perform the following tasks:

  1. Connect a monitor using the DVI or the HDMI cables and connect the keyboard and mouse to perform debugging tasks at the car onsite.

  2. Establish a Wi-Fi connection on the Apple iPad Pro to access the HMI and control the Apollo ADS that is running on the IPC.

Next Steps

After you complete the hardware installation in the vehicle, see the Apollo Quick Start for the steps to complete the software installation.