Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, today announced they have collaborated to enable the wireless download of racecar telemetry data via Wi-Fi® using 5 GHz spectrum during Formula One™ practice sessions. This technology implementation marks a significant improvement over previous wired data offloading processes. The telemetry includes data from thermal imaging tire cameras, which is used to improve speed, efficiency and vehicle safety.
Sharing this data via Wi-Fi over the 5 GHz spectrum is designed to enable much faster data transfer of large vehicle diagnostics files and prevent frequent trips to the garage to offload data, which previously required a plug-in connection from the car to computers in the garage. Data is now transferred via high-speed wireless in the pitlane. This advancement allows the Mercedes racecar to make better use of limited practice sessions and spend more time testing the configuration of the vehicle, providing the team with a distinct competitive advantage.
“This is the first in a number of projects between Qualcomm Technologies and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and we’re excited to unveil this at the Grand Prix in Austin this weekend,” said Derek Aberle, president of Qualcomm Incorporated. “Through this project, we have learned new ways to use Wi-Fi in the automotive environment. Innovation in motorsport often drives the advancements seen in the consumer auto industry, and we believe this technology, as well as other advanced wireless technologies, has the potential to shape future developments in Dedicated Short Range Communications, Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communications. These types of technologies will lead to increased driver safety and provide important data pertaining to the vehicle’s journey.”
