CASE STUDY SNAPSHOT
Customer : An innovative Electric Vehicle (EV) StartupSize : >51-200
Project vertical : Automotive, Electric Vehicles (Two-Wheelers)
Challenge : Rapidly develop a cost-effective, feature-rich TFT connectivity cluster with mobile-based navigation and app support under a tight deadline for a major EV exhibition.
Solution : An integrated PoC featuring an i.MX RT1170-based TFT cluster, Embien's eStorm-B1 BLE module, a custom Android app, and the Sparklet GUI library to display turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone notifications.
Services & Products Availed : Embedded Hardware Integration, Embedded Firmware Development, Mobile Application Development HMI/GUI Design Sparklet GUI Library eStorm-B1 BLE Module
Tools and Technologies :
- Key Hardware: NXP i.MX RT1170 MCU, TFT Display, Embien eStorm-B1 BLE Module
- Programming Language: Embedded C/C++ (for MCU), Java/Kotlin (for Android)
- Software: Embien Sparklet GUI Library, Custom Android Application
- Protocols: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UART
INTRODUCTION
An emerging EV two-wheeler startup needed to make a mark at an upcoming automotive exhibition. Their goal: showcase a next-generation "connected" vehicle, but they lacked the time and resources to develop a costly, in-built navigation cluster. They needed a partner to deliver a functional, impressive PoC quickly.
CHALLENGE
The primary challenge was balancing cost, features, and speed. Developing an instrument cluster with inbuilt navigation (using dedicated GPS modules and onboard map data) is an expensive and time-consuming engineering effort, far exceeding the budget and timeline for a single exhibition PoC.
The EV startup needed a solution that looked and felt premium, offering modern features like turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone notifications. However, it had to be built on a cost-effective platform. The entire system—hardware, firmware, and mobile app—had to be designed, developed, and integrated into a stable, demonstrable package in time for the show. The HMI also had to be intuitive and, above all, distraction-free for a rider.
SOLUTION
Embien’s expert team proposed and executed a strategy to offload the complex navigation and connectivity logic to the rider's smartphone. The instrument cluster would act as a smart, secondary display.
1.Hardware Integration with Minimal Redesign
The solution started with the startup's existing i.MX RT1170-based TFT cluster. To enable connectivity, Embien's hardware team selected our in-house eStorm-B1, an automotive-grade, low-power BLE module.
This choice was strategic:
Simple Interface: The eStorm-B1 connects via a simple UART interface, requiring only minor modifications to the existing cluster PCB.
No Mechanical Changes: With a compact dimension of just 12mm x 17mm, the module was easily added without any costly redesign of the cluster's mechanical enclosure. This was a major victory for a rapid PoC build.
2. Firmware and High-Performance GUI
With the hardware path set, Embien's firmware team developed a custom firmware layer for the i.MX RT1170 MCU. This firmware managed all UART communication with the eStorm-B1 module, handling data transmission and reception based on a predefined BLE profile. It also monitored the mobile connection status via a simple GPIO.
For the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Embien deployed its flagship Sparklet GUI library.
Sparklet is specifically optimized for high-performance MCUs like the i.MX RT1170, enabling rich, fluid graphics and animations on the TFT display while maintaining a low memory footprint. Our HMI team designed a clean, uncluttered interface that prioritized rider safety. It was designed to show navigation instructions (turn arrows, distance to turn) and notification icons (calls, messages) in a simple, glanceable format, eliminating rider distraction.
3. The "Brain": Custom Mobile Application
The third crucial piece was the custom Android mobile application, which served as the "brain" of the operation.
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Connectivity: The app manages the secure Bluetooth connection to the cluster, initiated by a pre-defined PIN.
Navigation: The user would input their destination (e.g., "Place A to Place B") into their preferred navigation API (like Google Maps or MapMyIndia) within Embien's custom app. The app then intercepted the complex map data and turn-by-turn instructions.
Data Streaming: Instead of streaming a full, distracting map to the cluster, the app processed the navigation data and sent only the essential information via BLE. This included commands like "Turn Left", "Turn Right", or "Continue Straight", along with the "Distance to Next Turn". The cluster's Sparklet GUI firmware then received this data and rendered it as large, clear visual instructions for the rider.
4. Creating a Full, Two-Way Ecosystem
To make the PoC truly impressive, Embien implemented two-way data flow, creating a complete "connected" ecosystem.
Smartphone-to-Cluster: Beyond navigation, the mobile app could push all smartphone notifications to the cluster. The rider could see incoming call alerts, WhatsApp messages, and other app notifications directly on their dashboard, allowing them to keep their phone safely in their pocket.
Cluster-to-Smartphone: The MCU firmware was also programmed to read basic vehicle data (simulated for the PoC). This data—such as "battery level", "estimated range", "service due", and other health updates—was sent back to the mobile app. This allowed the EV startup to showcase a comprehensive "Vehicle Health" section in their app, demonstrating a fully integrated product.
Within a short timeframe, Embien delivered a complete, end-to-end solution. The EV startup had a fully functional exhibition model featuring a beautiful TFT cluster that seamlessly connected to a custom mobile app, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call/message alerts, and vehicle health monitoring. This PoC successfully demonstrated a premium, connected experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional embedded solutions.
BENEFITS
- Drastic Cost Reduction: Avoided expensive onboard GPS hardware, cellular modules, and map licensing fees by leveraging the rider's smartphone for all connectivity and navigation logic.
- Rapid PoC Development: Delivered a complete, exhibition-ready solution (hardware integration, firmware, GUI, and mobile app) under a tight deadline.
- Premium User Experience: Provided a modern, "connected vehicle" feel with seamless turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone notifications, significantly boosting the EV startup's brand image and technological appeal.
- No-Cost Hardware Redesign: Utilized the compact eStorm-B1 BLE module, which integrated into the existing cluster design via UART, eliminating the need for a costly and time-consuming mechanical redesign.
- Rich, Optimized HMI: Deployed the Sparklet GUI library to create a vibrant, fluid, and distraction-free user interface on the i.MX RT1170 platform, showcasing a polished and professional end-product.
CONCLUSION
Embien successfully empowered the EV startup to showcase a futuristic, connected two-wheeler concept for their critical exhibition. By integrating our eStorm-B1 BLE module and Sparklet GUI with a custom mobile app, we delivered a cost-effective, feature-rich PoC in record time. This solution provided seamless navigation, notifications, and vehicle health data, demonstrating a complete ecosystem. Embien specializes in turning innovative automotive concepts into reality. Let us help you build your next-generation instrument cluster, telematics unit, or connected vehicle solution.
Contact us today to discuss your project.
