The packaging options for digital ICs (and the related buzz words and acronyms) continue to multiply. Advanced digital ICs such as microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and application specific custom ICs (ASICs) are offered in a wide array of package styles such as: QFN, quad flat no leads; FBGA, fine pitch ball grid array; WLCSP, […]
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Basics of time-synchronized hardware-in-the loop testing
A special kind of HiL testing accelerates the development of advanced driver-assistance systems. Bernhard Holzinger, Automotive and Energy Solutions • Keysight Technologies Industry watchers are still optimistic about the adoption of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs). But CAVs will only become reality if consumers, regulators and the insurance industry all have an unshakable confidence in the […]
Free-space optical links, Part 3: Standard units
Free-space optical links provide a reliable, cost-effective, and quick way to link two fixed communication nodes located a few kilometers apart. The previous part of this article looked at real-world issues that make a practical FSO link a design challenge. This part looks at a family of commercially available FSO systems. Q: Can you build […]
RTK navigation technologies for autonomous vehicles
Real-time kinematic positioning brings high-accuracy to the autonomous vehicle industry without breaking the bank. James Fennelly • ACEINNA Inc. It’s no secret that a variety of technologies must work together smoothly and reliably to make autonomous vehicles possible. The technology mix includes inertial measurement units (IMUs), GPS/GNSS, radar, lidar, IR and vision sensors, as well […]
3D printing for 5G systems
MIMO antennas, waveguides, traveling wave tubes, and RF substrates are fabricated using various 3D printing technologies. For example, 3D printing has been used to produce highly dense and integrated waveguide signal interconnects modules in a single monolithic unit. By printing the waveguide modules in one component, the part count was significantly reduced from tens or […]
Navigating in-vehicle network communications securely
Hardware security modules help thwart hackers bent on getting control of EVs. Todd Slack • Microchip Technology Roughly half of all new vehicles sold this year will be connected vehicles, and estimates are that figure will rise to around 95% by 2030. Those connections via Bluetooth, USB, LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, and so forth have dramatically […]
Free-space optical links, Part 2: Technical issues
Free-space optical links provide a reliable, cost-effective, and quick way to link two fixed communication nodes located a few kilometers apart. The first part of this article established the basic operating principles and rationale for free-space optical links. This part looks at some practical issues associated with their implementation. Q: How do you aim the […]
Battery pack protection keeps EVs on the road
A few best practices for handling transients and over-currents help make electronic drivetrains more reliable. James Colby • Littelfuse, Inc. Automotive market analysts predict that by 2025, high-end vehicles will contain more than $6,000 in electronic components. Most of these advanced electronics will be in the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs). To ensure robust, […]
Connectivity promotes theft prevention in connected vehicles
Thieves may soon learn it doesn’t pay to mess with a smart car. Mike Norris • Silicon Labs More than three million cars are sold in the U.S. annually, and over 700,000 are stolen. Unfortunately for car owners, anti-theft technologies have not kept pace with modern developments, creating a gaping hole in the automotive theft […]
Free-space optical links, Part 1: Principles
Free-space optical links provide a reliable, cost-effective, and quick way to link two fixed communication nodes located a few kilometers apart. When engineers think of “optical data links” or “optical communications” they almost invariably think of light (visible or not) in an optical fiber carrying data at high rates for tens or even thousands of […]