More than 20 percent of the cost of the average car comes from electronics. Electronic devices now measure powertrain performance and track the inflation and wear of tires. Electronics are also being used to adjust lighting and track chassis stability. In hybrid cars, electronic devices are used to monitor energy consumption and shut down energy use when it's not needed.
But the big explosion in automotive electronics is happening inside the cab. Entertainment systems in cars are getting increasingly complex. Car entertainment systems now include DVD players in the back seats, CD players and digital music streaming that allow each individual passenger to listen to — or view — different media.
Ultracapacitor for Hybrids
Maxwell Technologies Inc. has developed a rugged 390V ultracapacitor designed for heavy hybrid and electric vehicles. The Heavy Duty Transportation (HTM) module was created to offer performance, reliability and long operational life for vehicles and industrial systems that use electrical energy to enhance efficiency and environmental compatibility. The ultracapacitor, which is part of Maxwell's HTM product family, features enhanced integration technology and up to 2.8 times greater energy storage than earlier products. "Ultracapacitor-based solutions increase the efficiency of systems that consume electrical energy, which saves fuel or grid power, thereby reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants associated with conventional combustion vehicles and energy generation," says Richard Balanson, president and CEO of Maxwell.
The new module meets or exceeds transportation industry requirements for watt-hours of energy storage and watts of power delivery per kilogram. It was designed to perform reliably through 1 million or more deep discharge cycles or about 15 years of operational life. It has integrated voltage management circuitry and monitoring capabilities. The ultracapacitor also has fan-driven, forced air cooling that ensures good thermal performance at high continuous currents. http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-573
Light Sensor Matches the Human Eye
Vishay Intertechnology Inc. has broadened its optoelectronics portfolio with its first light-sensing photodiodes qualified to the AEC-Q101 standard, a reliability test qualification procedure for discrete semiconductor published by the Automotive Electronics Council. Ambient light sensors allow electronic systems to detect and respond to light in a manner similar to the human eye, thus eliminating the need for manual adjustments for reducing power consumption. They are typically used to run on, turn off or adjust features as a convenience and to conserve battery power.
The new TEMD6010FX01 and TEMD5510FX01 use Vishay's infrared filtering epoxy technology to match the sensitivity of the human eye with minimal sensitivity to light beyond the visible range. They are designed to have similar response to either incandescent or fluorescent light. The devices provide a linear response to luminance from 1.0 lux to 100 klux with good lot-to-lot repeatability over the extended operating temperature of -40 to 100C. Lot-to-lot repeatability may allow customers to eliminate calibration steps in their manufacturing process. http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-571
Inductive Sensing for Chassis Height
Optek Technology developed Autopad, a non-contact precision inductive sensing technology capable for providing absolute position sensing as well as relative displacement feedback. According to Dale Teeters, automotive business unit director at Optek, Autopad can be used for a wide range of automotive and vehicle position applications, including chassis sensors. "For chassis sensors, Autopad provides a linear ratiometric output signal relative to rotary or linear displacement," says Teeters. "This provides the necessary feedback for load leveling and active suspension systems."
In addition to chassis height sensors, Autopad can be used for headlamp leveling, ride height and suspension control, power lift gate sensors, pedal and steering sensors, engine and emissions control, PRDL (gearshift) shifters, transmission sensors and vehicle user interfaces. Autopad exhibits a linear sensing range of 20 to 220 mm, with angle sensing at 360, 2 × 180, 3 × 120 and 4 × 90 degrees. Accuracy is better than 1 percent and typical linearity is ±1 percent. Measurement speed for the device is less than 1 ms, with current consumption of less than 1 mA. Autopad technology features analog ratiometric, PWM and digital outputs. http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-572
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