Vehicle dynamics play an important role in validating intelligent systems. Michael Peperhowe, dSpace gmbh Advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving (ADAS/AD) functions are designed to make everyone on the road more safe. Design engineers have long validated these functions by simulating them in test scenarios involving other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. But it is […]
FAQ
Design tips for high-voltage protection in EVs and hybrids
The primary goal of EV protective circuits: Keep vehicle occupants safe day-to-day and first-responders protected if the worst happens. Michael Zimmerman, Littelfuse, Inc. The 12-V automotive battery may become a relic of the past as electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid cars gain market share. EVs and hybrid vehicles use battery packs of at least 500-V […]
Hybrid sensors for connected vehicles
The dependence of smart vehicle features on sensing technology has manufacturers thinking about how to field devices that combine functions in economical ways. Estimates are that today’s vehicles can have between 60 and 100 sensors onboard. And over the next decade the number of sensors is expected to double. No wonder, then, there are efforts […]
Designing in “compliant” RF levels
New ICs sense human proximity to keep the RF output of consumer devices within safe levels. David Wong, Semtech, Wireless and Sensing Products Group Whether for personal consumption or work, wireless devices are used daily. As the number of devices continues to grow, they must provide robust connectivity and ample battery life while also complying […]
Keeping hackers out of GPS receivers
Resilient GPS/GNSS receivers protect inertial navigation systems from jamming and spoofing. Maria Simsky, Septentrio The demand for accurate and affordable navigation is on the rise thanks to the growth of automation and robotization. Of course, the go-to technology for navigation is GPS—able to locate receiver position to within 16 ft or less—and other GNSSs: Russia’s […]
The basics of dielectric resonator antennas
The mmWave equipment on connected vehicles may sport dielectric resonator antennas that look nothing like conventional antennas. Automotive designers have always put a premium on technologies that are light-weight and compact. The preference hasn’t changed for connected vehicles. As connected features increasingly rely on mmWave frequencies, designers investigate ways of shrinking the size of radio […]
New developments in 212+G per-lane data-center connectors and cables
Several deep-packet inspection chips and test instrumentation applications are using next-generation speed-rate IO application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips. These chips combine several circuits in one and are customized for a particular use. This is different than what the current server and switch markets are typically using. These developers are experienced with the 200+ per lane […]
How do phase control, bidirectional, and bypass thyristors work?
Thyristors are four-layer semiconductor switches with alternating layers of P- and N-type materials. While all thyristors share the same basic structure, the details of their implementation and packaging can be modified to meet the needs of specific applications. This FAQ reviews basic phase control thyristor (PCT) operation, then looks at the use of bidirectional controlled […]
Shedding light on frequency and wavelength
Today, an advanced multimeter such as the Fluke 287 in volts mode accurately displays frequency. High frequencies are displayed in a bench-type frequency counter, which can read above 100 GHz. At still higher frequencies, measurements are made indirectly via heterodyning to down-convert the signal. Using a diode or similar device as a mixer, a frequency […]
What’s the difference between an IGBT and an IGCT?
IGBTs and IGCTs are four-layer devices that don’t look that different at first glance. But, when you ‘look under the hood’, you find that an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and an integrated (sometimes called ‘insulated’) gate commutated thyristor (IGCT) aren’t that similar. A bipolar transistor forms the basis of an IGBT, while an IGCT […]