Low-Cost, Robust Data Acquisition System for Automotive Testing and Validation Using LabVIEW

Data Acquisition (DAQ) is a vital process used in various fields including engineering, medicine, and scientific research. In the automotive industry, DAQ systems are essential for vehicle testing and validation. This paper addresses the limitations of traditional DAQs by developing a low-cost, robust DAQ system using LabVIEW, a powerful graphical programming language. The objective of this project is to design and implement a cost-effective and flexible DAQ system that meets specific application needs. The system focuses on voltage probing, Controller Area Network(CAN) communication archi-tecture, load bank configurations, and a LabVIEW interface. The methodology involves selecting appropriate peripherals, establishing Microcontroller Unit(MCU)-LabVIEW communication, designing the voltage probe mechanism, setting up CAN communication, incorporating load bank control, and integrating all features into a LabVIEW dashboard. The developed custom DAQ system demonstrated satisfactory performance, with minor voltage reading errors (0.22%) and a small per-centage of frame loss (1.95%) in CAN communication. The system's usefulness has been proved, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool for testing and validating applications in the automobile industry.