The Road to Sustainable Mobility: Charging Ahead with Electrification and Vehicle Safety

The automotive industry is at a pivotal juncture, with the global drive for environmental sustainability steering the shift from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electric vehicles (EVs). The EU’s ambitious targets and planned ban on ICE vehicles by 2035 exemplify the global commitment to a greener future. Yet, for EVs to become the norm, the industry must address consumer concerns such as range anxiety, charging infrastructure, recharging times, and vehicle affordability.

The expansion of the global charging network is keeping pace with the growing number of EVs. Innovations like ultra-fast chargers and smart grid integration are not just conveniences; they are essential in building consumer trust in e-mobility by reducing charging times and enhancing the overall user experience.

Safety remains a paramount concern, with the industry focusing on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies. Vehicle electrification has paved the way for by-wire operations, eliminating mechanical components in steering and braking systems and enabling more precise and intelligent vehicle control.

Regulatory bodies are instrumental in driving safety advancements. The EU’s General Safety Regulation, which mandates features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), is a testament to the importance of safety in vehicle design. Similar regulations in the US, Japan, and China also encourage the adoption of these critical safety features.

The evolution of ADAS and autonomous driving technologies follows a trajectory set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), with various levels of automation marking the progress. While many OEMs currently offer Level 2 vehicles, it is to the best of ²Ñ³Ü°ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s knowledge that and are currently the only European manufacturers of a Level 3 vehicle (as of October 2024). Under certain circumstances, including clear weather, daytime, speeds below 40 miles per hour, and congested traffic, Mercedes’s Drive Pilot technology equipped to 2024 EQS sedans and S-Class models enables drivers to disengage from steering and visual attention, while BMW have become the first manufacturer worldwide to receive approval for a combined Level 2 and Level 3 driving assistance system. These functionalities will be combined in the new BMW 7 Series, offering greater comfort on short and long motorway journeys.

Despite these advancements, consumer surveys, such as one by S&P Global, indicate a preference for advanced ADAS functions over full autonomy. This suggests that while the path to self-driving cars is being paved, drivers still value the reassurance of control.

Enhanced safety and comfort

The automotive industry seeks solutions that enhance functionality without adding undue costs or complexity. This includes advancements in MEMS technology for accurate vehicle perception, in-cabin safety enhancements through radar modules, and ultrasonic sensors for proximity detection. Overcoming integration challenges, such as the need for compact designs and efficient power management, is crucial.

²Ñ³Ü°ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s previous-generation MEMS solution, with 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF), has been instrumental in the success of autonomous vehicle operation, enabling a significant portion of autonomous miles driven in California. The new SCH1633-D01 sensor builds on this success, offering improved performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of integration. It complies with the 's headlight regulations, which demand high-performance position sensors for adaptive driving beam (ADB) systems. Additionally, the SCH1633-D01 is able to reap the benefits of the ISO26262 development process certification recently awarded to ÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ, which enables the company to supply highly reliable functional safety products based on its development process.

In-vehicle perception is not limited to the external environment. ÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ's radar modules, such as the Type 1VM, accurately measure the distance, angle, and velocity of objects within the vehicle, detecting the presence of occupants and their positions. This technology is crucial for activating safety systems and monitoring passengers, especially when transitioning control back to the driver.

Unlike in-cabin cameras, radar modules address privacy concerns while meeting safety standards like the . They enable OEMs to implement safety measures, such as alarms and climate control adjustments, to prevent child fatalities in locked vehicles. These modules also support the intelligent deployment of airbags, seatbelt reminders, and passenger monitoring for autonomous taxi services.

Sensor fusion and high-speed vehicle networking

As ADAS complexity increases, so does the need for sensor fusion. The integration of power over coaxial (PoC) technology responds to the growing number of image sensors and the associated cabling. PoC combines signal and power lines, reducing cable clutter and simplifying vehicle design.

Figure 1 – A comparison between a conventional setup and the PoC method, complete with Bias-T filter circuits (Source: ÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ)

²Ñ³Ü°ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s Bias-T Inductor Selection Tool (BIST) aids designers in selecting the optimal inductors for PoC applications, streamlining the development process and supporting highly integrated designs.

High-speed in-vehicle networks (IVNs) are essential for the next generation of intelligent mobility safety systems. ÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ has a range of products that meet the requirements for high-speed (DLW32SH510XF2 or DLW32SH101XF2) and 1000Base-T1 Ethernet (DLW32MH101XT2) standards, offering compact size and exceptional noise suppression.

Improved charging infrastructure and connectivity

The challenges facing the current charging infrastructure are significant. Issues such as station availability and charging times hinder widespread EV adoption. Advanced charging technologies are the key to overcoming these barriers and ensuring the successful integration of EVs into mainstream transport.

²Ñ³Ü°ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s DC-DC converters for gate drivers meet the demands of modern EV charging infrastructure, providing high isolation and dv/dt requirements. These converters are designed to power gate drive circuits in inverters, optimized for various gate drives, and ensure operational reliability. The MG series features continuous barrier withstand voltages ranging from 1.1kVDC to 3kVDC and output powers between 1W to 6W. All modules feature industrial grade temperature rating, robust EMI performance and construction, helping to ensure future EV and smaller mobility charging stations stay in operation.

Figure 2 – ²Ñ³Ü°ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s MG series of isolated gate drive power modules (Source: ÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ)

ÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ's patented pdqb winding technology for DC-DC transformers enables higher frequencies and increased power levels within compact packages, catering to a broad spectrum of EV charging station requirements.

Figure 3 – ²Ñ³Ü°ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s patented pdqb winding technology can be used to create more compact and efficient transformers (Source: ÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ)

Connectivity is vital to the charging infrastructure, ensuring operational reliability and providing users with intelligent insights. ²Ñ³Ü°ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s connectivity solutions, including the Type 1SC LTE Cat-M1/NB-IoT module (LBAD00XX1SC), support the development of smart EV chargers and facilitate communication across networks.

Figure 4 – The miniaturized LLC range occupies minimal board space while providing maximum performance (Source: ÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ)

As vehicles become more interconnected and intelligent, the demand for components like multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) is expected to rise. These miniature components, such as the LLC series, which comply with AEC-Q200 requirements, are essential for stabilizing semiconductor chip operation and ensuring the functionality of critical vehicle circuits.

Conclusion

The advancements in EVs and supporting charging infrastructure, coupled with a focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability, are shaping the future of mobility. ²Ñ³Ü°ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s diverse product portfolio, designed to offer superior reliability, miniaturization, and energy efficiency, is pivotal in the design of next-generation mobility solutions. As the industry evolves, OEMs must utilize targeted solutions that resonate with the market and address transportation challenges.