AMZ Racing achieves RTK navigation with Teltonika 5G router

Highlights 

✔ AMZ Racing required a compact and reliable communication solution to support an autonomous racing vehicle while meeting strict space, weight, and performance requirements.

✔ Teltonika RUTM50 cellular 5G router was integrated as the vehicle’s communication backbone, connecting critical systems such as the main control unit, autonomous driving computer, motor inverters, driver dashboard, and Inertial Navigation System (INS).

✔ By enabling reliable data exchange and RTK correction transfer through automotive connectivity, RUTM50 supported precise RTK navigation, seamless system integration, and accurate positioning.

Integrating reliable 5G connectivity into a lightweight autonomous racing vehicle 

AMZ Racing develops advanced electric and autonomous racing vehicles where every component must meet strict requirements for performance, reliability, and weight efficiency.

For its autonomous auto platform, the team needed a communication solution that could provide reliable 5G vehicle connectivity while supporting advanced RTK navigation and high-precision GPS positioning systems. The main challenge was finding a router that could fit into a highly optimized vehicle design while still delivering industrial-grade reliability and performance.

The solution needed to meet several important technical requirements to ensure reliable operation in the vehicle environment. Due to the limited available space, the router had to have a compact and lightweight design while avoiding unnecessary additional weight. It also needed to provide stable 5G connectivity for reliable wireless communication during both vehicle testing and operation.

Furthermore, the router had to support Ethernet networking to enable communication between multiple onboard systems and include NTRIP client to receive RTK correction data for improved GPS accuracy. Since the system would be used in a demanding motorsport environment, high reliability and robust performance were essential.

Accurate positioning was a key requirement for the vehicle’s autonomous driving system and RTK navigation capabilities. By using RTK correction data, the navigation system could improve GPS accuracy from standard positioning levels to centimeter-level precision. 

Therefore, the communication system needed to ensure reliable and continuous transfer of RTK correction data between the external network and the vehicle’s Inertial Navigation System (INS), enabling precise positioning and stable autonomous operation.

Topology

Teltonika RUTM50: a lightweight 5G communication hub for autonomous racing vehicle 

Teltonika RUTM50 cellular 5G router was selected as the communication backbone for the autonomous vehicle due to its reliable connectivity, compact size (132 x 44.2 x 95.1 mm), and lightweight industrial design. These characteristics allowed the router to be integrated into the vehicle’s highly optimized architecture while meeting strict space and weight requirements. 

Its USB-A interface enables seamless integration with the vehicle’s GPS system, allowing the router to operate as an NTRIP client and deliver RTK correction data to the navigation system. 

AMZ Racing also selected this router based on previous positive experiences with the reliability of Teltonika devices in demanding applications.

To further optimize weight and space efficiency, the team removed router from its original aluminium enclosure and integrated it directly into the vehicle’s main control unit using a custom PCB.

At the core of the vehicle’s communication architecture, RUTM50 functions as the central connection hub for all critical systems, enabling reliable data exchange between the main control unit, motor inverters, autonomous driving computer, driver’s dashboard, and Inertial Navigation System (INS).

Within this setup, the main control unit coordinates overall vehicle communication and operations, while the motor inverters manage the electric powertrain. Meanwhile, the autonomous driving computer processes sensor data and controls autonomous driving functions, while the driver’s dashboard provides essential vehicle information.

Through the same network infrastructure, the INS receives RTK correction data to achieve highly accurate positioning, ensuring precise navigation and reliable autonomous operation. Additionally, RUTM50 5G router also functions as a high-performance Ethernet switch, enabling fast and efficient communication between connected systems with the low latency required for autonomous racing applications. 

To maintain stable wireless communication in the demanding motorsport environment, the installation uses four mobile antennas and one Wi-Fi antenna. With Teltonika RUTM50 router as the foundation of its communication architecture, AMZ Racing achieved a lightweight, reliable, and highly integrated connectivity solution supporting advanced autonomous driving technology and precise vehicle positioning.

Explore how Teltonika connectivity devices can power the next generation of automotive, mobility, and industrial IoT applications. Contact our team for detailed information and expert guidance.