FPGAs take control at Williams

A Xilinx product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jun 4, 2003

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team is using Xilinx Virtex-II platform FPGAs as the leading technology in the vehicle control module of the team's 2003 challenger - the WilliamsF1 BMW FW25.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team is using Xilinx Virtex-II platform FPGAs as the leading technology in the vehicle control module (VCM) of the team's 2003 challenger - the WilliamsF1 BMW FW25.

The Xilinx-enabled VCM is used to control essential vehicle components such as the gearbox, differential, traction control, launch control and telemetry.

With leading edge technology - greater on-chip functionality and lower power consumption, Xilinx FPGAs have ensured that the VCM unit is reduced in size and weight, ultimately enhancing the performance of the car.

"Xilinx technology provided us with ultimate flexibility throughout the design process", said Steven Wise, Head of Electronics at WilliamsF1.

"In addition, the high-performance feature set of Xilinx FPGAs provided advanced technology we needed to enhance the car's performance".

Xilinx' next-generation Virtex-II Pro FPGAs are also being designed in the next-generation Formula One VCM, which will benefit from the latest in leading-edge technology including a broad feature set consisting of programmable logic, Serial Gigabit IO and PowerPC embedded processors to deliver system-on-chip performance.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team will also be using Xilinx Titanium and Platinum support packages that will provide a suite of service and support tools including on-site design support and training.

"Xilinx is proud to be associated with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team as a technology partner.

As we work more and more closely with the team's engineers, we are convinced that our technology will enable the team to achieve even better results", said Paul McCambridge, Vice President of Xilinx Europe.

BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank Williams said, "We are delighted that the team's relationship with an organisation of Xilinx' stature has moved a stage further than a long-standing and valued technical alliance.

By partnering with a leading NASDAQ company such as Xilinx, we are confident of the benefits to the team and are certain we can offer significant benefits in return".