ELECTRONICS
Graphene and nanomaterials are currently being explored
by startups for their high performance and efficiency
A 3D printed sensor device manufactured via a Nano Dimension 3D printer
contributor for Forbes, notes anxiety surrounding range and recharging on EVs still remains prevalent, especially with the lack of charging infrastructure currently available. These issues do have a remedy, but nothing with promise of instant impact. Additive manufacturing has been
working its way into production sites, and innovation intelligence platform developer StartUs Insights predicts the technology is here to stay. 3D printers are now capable of creating fully functional electronics which need no assembly, which could prove a huge win on the cost front for manufacturers. Automotive OEMs such as Seat and Cupra have already integrated additive manufacturing into their production processes, and more
Vicor’s automotive power modules
are likely to follow suit in 2025. Voice assistant features will also
become more prominent. These features are already integrated into smartphones, and some cars. Car manufacturers are interested in ensuring users can operate their consoles without taking their eyes off the road as high-resolution screens become more common in vehicles. Nils Schanz, executive vice president of product and technology at Cerence AI, believes users are overwhelmed by consoles, and need a simple, easy-to-use interface whilst driving. Schanz says automotive companies are recognising the importance of reducing distractions for end-users, and a personalised voice assistant will be more beneficial than historical button operated consoles.
Elsewhere, StartUs Insights predicts
an advancement in electronic materials. The electronics industry has been dependent on silicon for decades, but the material’s limitations are now being found. Integrated circuits require innovation in the form of new materials and architectures to continue to advance, and alternative options such as Graphene and nanomaterials are currently being explored by startups for their high performance and efficiency. Meanwhile, Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor material is currently being manufactured by Odyssey Semiconductor, a US-based startup. GaN allows for vertical current conduction, with voltage application ranging from 1,000V to 10,000V. With vehicle electronics being
largely constrained to the size of a vehicle, could miniaturised electronics solve this problem? StartUs Insights believes so, despite miniaturised electronics having previously been limited by practical handling, display, and battery capabilities. These problems should be solvable in automotive applications, the intelligence firm suggests. There are existing examples of
these coming technologies already on the market, but most forecasts see these technologies being advanced upon and taken further. The increase in potential applications of these technologies could change how the automotive industry manufactures and designs electronic components and systems.
www.engineerlive.com 39
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
