Chippy is a smart device with a focus on research and development for recreational vehicles (RVs). Its purpose is to provide a smart system for controlling up to four loads simultaneously in motor homes. The mission of Chippy is to bring the benefits of mobile motor homes to industries and long-distance travelers.

Chippy is designed to be installed in motor homes (recreational vehicles) and communicates with the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU).

It monitors and controls the current drawn by the loads (home appliances) and provides information on energy consumption and battery health. If the current drawn exceeds the limits, Chippy automatically turns off the appliances. The device extracts relevant data to optimize energy consumption and ensure the longevity of the appliances.

AMS-IoT has introduced Chippy as a new concept in motor vehicular intelligence. This smart device transforms a static home into a mobile motor home, offering cost savings and flexibility for long-distance travel.

The Chippy device offers a range of benefits for motor homes and recreational vehicles (RVs):

• Current Measurement:

Chippy enables the measurement of the current drawn by the appliances installed in motor homes, providing users with valuable information for energy management.

• Load Control and Battery Monitoring:

The device allows users to control the loads/appliances and monitor the battery’s health, optimizing energy consumption and protecting against excessive current draw that may damage the appliances. It extends the life of appliances.

• Energy Efficiency:

By monitoring and controlling the loads, Chippy promotes energy efficiency, resulting in reduced energy consumption during travel.

• Cost Savings:

The optimized use of Chippy in RVs offers cost-saving advantages, making long-distance travel more affordable compared to traditional static homes.

• Flexibility:

RV travel with Chippy provides total flexibility, allowing travelers to change their destinations, explore new areas, and enjoy the freedom of a mobile home.

• Social Distancing:

RV travel, especially during times of social distancing, provides an ideal way to maintain distance and safety while enjoying a comfortable and controlled living space.

The development of Chippy involved the use of the following technologies and tools:

• Schematic Capture & PCB Layout:

Altium was used for capturing detailed schematics and designing the printed circuit board layout.

• Device Casing/Enclosure:

SolidWorks aided in designing a custom casing and enclosure, ensuring durability and protection for the device.

• Microcontroller:

Chippy utilizes the STM32 microcontroller, chosen for its reliability and capabilities in handling the device’s functionalities.

• Firmware:

• • Programming Language:

The firmware was developed using C, a versatile and efficient programming language.

• • Communication Protocols:

The device supports various communication protocols such as CAN, MQTT, I2C, and UART, allowing for seamless integration with different systems and components.

• Cloud Integration:

Chippy integrates with AWS (Amazon Web Services), providing cloud connectivity for data storage, analysis, and remote management.

• App Development: The interactive mobile app for monitoring and controlling Chippy was developed for the Android platform, offering users a user-friendly interface and seamless device management.

• System Architecture:

Chippy operates on a 32-bit system architecture, providing efficient processing and control capabilities for the device’s functions.

Chippy combines these technologies and tools to offer a comprehensive and intelligent solution for controlling and monitoring loads in recreational vehicles, enhancing the overall experience for motor home owners and long-distance travelers.