Liquid metal batteries are being developed primarily for battery energy storage system (BESS) systems but may find future applications in electric vehicles (EVs) and wearables and portable devices. The first commercial BESS using a liquid metal battery is expected to become operational soon, but the longer-term outlook for large-scale market penetration remains cloudy. The first…
How do MCUs support automotive infotainment systems?
In vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems are increasingly important and complex. What’s needed from a microcontroller (MCU) in an IVI? A lot, but exactly what depends on the sophistication and mix of info and ‘tainment. Multiple cores are often needed, and so are hardware accelerators for compute-intensive functions. Considerations include connectivity, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) beyond simple […]
How do the seven types of V2X connectivity work?
Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication includes vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-cloud (V2C), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), vehicle to device (V2D), and vehicle to grid (V2G). This FAQ begins with a review of dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) and cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technologies for V2X communications, looks at the four V2X service types and the structure of telematics control […]
How is functional safety defined & implemented for batteries in EVs and BESS?
Li-ion batteries can store large amounts of energy, and they can support high rates of power delivery. They are the preferred energy storage technology for EVs and large battery energy storage systems (BESS). But if not properly managed, they can also present safety hazards. That makes functional safety a critical consideration when designing large Li-ion…
What are the five levels of vehicle connectivity?
There are several efforts underway to define levels of vehicle connectivity that parallel the levels of driving automation defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The concept of autonomous vehicles, particularly at the higher levels of automation like self-driving cars, is still largely aspirational and a goal for some time in the future. Connectivity, […]
How does MBSE work for EV and stationary battery energy storage systems?
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is comprehensive. The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) defines MBSE as the “formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases.” It’s especially applicable to complex systems of systems like…
What’s different about MCUs for use in vehicle networking?
The increasing use of automated driving functions, more sensors and actuators, and growing V2X connectivity is increasing the challenges related to vehicle electric/electronic (E/E) architectures and in-vehicle networking (IVN). This FAQ will review the performance requirements for microcontrollers (MCUs) needed to support time-sensitive networking (TSN) in IVNs, move over to look at service-oriented gateways, domain […]
What’s the difference between batteries for power tools?
There’s more variety available in power tool batteries than might be expected. Of course, various rechargeable Li chemistries dominate, and battery management systems (BMS) are critical, but there are also power tool batteries that can automatically switch their output voltage to suit the needs of specific tools; thermal management can be important for both chargers…
How advanced control strategies and system architectures contribute to sustainability
Doing something the same way as in the past rarely produces improved results. Technology is constantly evolving and improving, and new technologies can require new approaches. In the case of the power electronic systems discussed below, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are common themes in these advanced control strategies and system architectures. Another […]
How SiC MOSFETs and Si IGBTs boost sustainability in green energy systems
Silicon carbide (SIC) MOSFETs and silicon (Si) IGBTs can both boost sustainability in green energy systems. Of course, they don’t compete across the board, there are uses where one or the other is clearly preferred. When comparing the two technologies, it often comes down to the prioritization of performance characteristics like light weight versus low […]