The electrification of vehicles is transforming the automotive industry and bringing significant advancements and challenges. Among the most pressing challenges is the management of electromagnetic noise, particularly in the low-frequency band. As … [Read more...]
EE Training Day: ADAS domain controllers and transition to central compute
ADAS domain controller trends bring more compute to the central ADAS ECU and reduce edge computing, leading to fully centralized compute modules in the next decade. This webinar covers the prevalent levels of autonomy today, how the new … [Read more...]
EE Training Day: EV thermal management challenges from a semiconductor perspective
Explore the challenges and solutions in EV thermal management, focusing on efficiency, noise reduction, and system optimization. This webinar provides insights into innovative cooling strategies, the transition to advanced motor drivers like Field … [Read more...]
Facing biases and projections about EVs
Back in 1995, I started out as an editor for a niche of engineering called fluid power. This motion control technology, broken down into hydraulics and pneumatics, faced some challenges. Specifically on the hydraulics side, there was a bias against … [Read more...]
What is well-to-wheel efficiency in an EV?
Well-to-wheel (WTW, or W2W) efficiency is a way to measure the total efficiency of operating a vehicle, beginning with obtaining the fuel at the primary source, the ‘well,’ through the entire delivery chain and in the drivetrain of the vehicle, all … [Read more...]
What is the automotive SENT protocol?
Get the basics on the SENT bus, which transmits sensor data to ECUs and other vehicle processors, one nibble at a time. How do you test the automotive SENT protocol? Test & Measurement Tips describes how to test the data bus. The Single Edge … [Read more...]
How do Level 3 and wireless charging standards help reduce EV range anxiety?
Level 3, dc fast charging, is expected to help reduce range anxiety by speeding the EV charging process. However, fast dc chargers are expensive and can be challenging to connect to the grid, which is expected to slow their widespread use. On the … [Read more...]
How do 12V and HV systems and grounding work in an EV?
The 12 V systems and high-voltage (HV) systems in an EV have different isolation and grounding requirements. They work together sometimes but must be galvanically isolated to ensure safe and reliable operation. In addition, the Federal Motor Vehicle … [Read more...]
What are the choices for regenerative energy capture in EVs?
Regenerative energy capture, or regenerative braking, also called a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), in an EV can be implemented in several ways. And it works differently on different classes of vehicles. This FAQ looks at some options for … [Read more...]
What are EV charging levels, types, and modes?
Levels, types, and modes categorize EV chargers. The level indicates the maximum power the charger can deliver; the type describes the vehicle interface plug, and the mode represents how the charger connects to the grid. This article reviews the … [Read more...]
What role do advanced sensors play in EVs?
Sensors play a crucial role in electric vehicles (EVs), supporting battery and thermal management, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and personalized in-cabin experiences. This article reviews the advanced sensor technologies in EVs, … [Read more...]
What is the North American Charging Standard (NACS)?
The North American Charging Standard (NACS) is a charging standard for electric vehicles launched by Tesla Inc. in November 2022. The NACS was initially called the Tesla Charging Connector, a unique charging interface for Tesla vehicles. This new … [Read more...]
What plating options are available for high-power connectors?
Plating options are numerous and tend to fall into four categories: noble metals, passive metals, alloys, and dispersions. The first three categories are well established, while dispersions are just beginning to appear in response to the need for … [Read more...]
FAQ on AEC-Q100 Automotive IC Reliability Standard, Part 2
To ensure that the myriad electronic systems in today’s vehicles do not fail prematurely, the AEC-Q100 standard for active components defines stringent tests across all aspects of performance. This part continues the exploration of AEC-Q100 and … [Read more...]
How does an HVAC system work in a pure EV?
One of the main differences between heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) is their power source. That difference results in several differences in implementation … [Read more...]
What are contactless connectors used for?
Contactless connectivity is an emerging technology. A few initial applications for contactless connectors include USB SuperSpeed, Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and single-pair Ethernet (SPE). Contactless connectors are … [Read more...]