ELECTRONICS


ESSENTIAL SENSORS N


Discussing the need for superior sensing solutions for increased electric vehicle productivity


ew electronic drive concepts place novel challenges on vehicle testing, operation and longevity.


High-precision accelerometers and gyroscopes are essential, as electric vehicles (EVs) differ materially from those operated by combustion engines which can severely impact driving dynamics, wear and tear, maintenance costs and ultimately the safe and efficient operation of a vehicle.


DRIVING DYNAMICS To ensure safe, cost-effective and sustainable e-mobility, sensor solutions play a key role, helping predict maintenance needs in a timely manner to prevent expensive breakdowns. It can be taxing to accurately


determine all relevant forces impacting a vehicle on the road, especially while the latest advances in automotive technology keep introducing new materials, components and mechanics. EVs no longer feature disconnecting


clutches nor similar gear stages as traditional vehicles. Their high voltage batteries shift the centre of gravity and unique rotation and brake forces differ materially. All of which tends to create new areas of pressure, strain, friction, rotation, vibration and shock absorption. Therefore, the accurate testing,


evaluation and implementation of appropriate measures to manage these critical factors becomes a crucial determinator in the production and operation of efficient, sustainable EVs and machinery. To that end, German inertial


sensor specialist ASC Sensors offers its modular ASC IMU 7 (Inertial Measurement Unit 7), packed with high-precision, stable capacitive accelerometers and vibrating ring gyroscopes, covering all six degrees of freedom required to meet the highest standards of automotive testing. In collaboration with global car, truck and bus OEMs, the ASC team tailors its flexible IMU to their needs. For example, the low number of


42 www.engineerlive.com


The modular IMU 7 ‘toolbox’


gear steps in EVs reduces friction and damping. A major resulting problem is the unchecked development of vibrations caused by internal (torque changes in the electric engine, brake interventions) and external excitation (uneven road surfaces, potholes, etc.) The uniaxial and triaxial MEMS-based gyroscopes integrated in the ASC IMU 7 - extremely insensitive to external vibrations, with very low latency, four measurement ranges (0.75°/s to 900°/s), a bias stability of 12°/hr and an angular random walk of 0.2°/√hr – are ideally suited to help determine and reduce those vibrations in the drivetrain. ASC’s accelerometers are


instrumental in testing and refining ever more powerful high-voltage batteries. The industry keeps assessing their operational stability through shock and vibration tests, sled tests and so-called misuse scenarios. These thorough evaluations of


complex battery structures require extremely accurate and reliable measurements. Triaxial ASC 5521MF accelerometers used in this feature a wide frequency range (DC to 7kHz), extreme robustness (shock resistance <6000g) and particularly low noise


with resolutions of only a few micro-g. This combination enables the precise detection of even the slightest vibrations. Rigorous safety testing also plays a critical role in getting high- voltage batteries certified against a range of diverse national and international norms. ASC’s IMU ‘toolbox’ features ultra-


precise, broad operating range sensor technology packed into small, robust housings. Its modular concept offers hundreds of flexible measurement range configuration options to support every aspect of vehicle, battery and component analysis. The ASC IMU 7 helps capture all parameters to meet the complex demands of manufacturers and test engineers. Never has it been easier to test,


monitor and optimise all relevant factors for improved vehicle and component efficiency, driving dynamics, safety, comfort and productivity in real-world conditions.


Words by Oliver Stohlmann on behalf of ASC Sensors. www.asc-sensors.de


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