Automotive engineers may now have a smaller, less costly solution
for controlling body electronics systems ranging from door modules to seat
controls to interior lighting applications.
Known as LIN SiP ATA6614,
the new device integrates a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) transceiver, a
voltage regulator and an 8-bit microcontroller in a package measuring just 7 X
7 mm. Atmel Automotive GmbH, maker of the
new chip, says it enables cost reductions of up to 25 percent and printed
circuit board size reductions of up to 50 percent.
"Wherever you would normally have a controller and a LIN
transceiver together, you can now replace it with one chip," notes Keith
Nicholson, marketing manager for Atmel Automotive. "It's a three-chip solution
in one package."
Targeted at so-called "LIN bus" applications in automobiles,
the Atmel product could be used for control of windows, mirrors, door locks,
overhead lighting and air conditioning systems in automobiles. LIN, which
made its debut a decade ago, serves as an inexpensive serial communications
protocol for automotive applications that don't require the more powerful CAN (controller
area network) bus.
Atmel engineers say that the new chip's cost and size
reductions could provide a significant advantage for automotive engineers.
"Saving real estate is really important in sensor interfaces," Nicholson says.
"Just saving two or three millimeters provides a big advantage for the design
engineer."
By experimenting with the photovoltaic reaction in solar cells, researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in energy efficiency that significantly pushes the boundaries of current commercial cells on the market.
In a world that's going green, industrial operations have a problem: Their processes involve materials that are potentially toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive. If improperly managed, this can precipitate dangerous health and environmental consequences.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
0 
