AUTOMOTIVE
INDUSTRY FOCUS FIBRE OPTICS: A KEY TECHNOLOGY FOR FUTURE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
ZF has further developed its ProAI high-performance computer for optical multi-gigabit Ethernet in automotive applications. Newly developed chips and connectors enable data to be transmitted via automotive-grade optical Fibres according to the IEEE 802.3cz standard, the company explains. Intensive tests have confirmed the suitability of
optical multi-gigabit Ethernet for use in cars, trucks, buses and shuttles. Robust under various operating conditions, it is a versatile and future- proof solution for data communication. Advantages for the use of optical multi-gigabit Ethernet for the automotive industry: 1. High data transfer rates: The standard supports data transfer rates of 2.5 Gbit/s, 5 Gbit/s, 10 Gbit/s, 25 Gbit/s and 50 Gbit/s. These high speeds are crucial to cope with the growing volumes of data generated by modern applications such as autonomous driving (ADAS), infotainment (IVI) and networked services. 2. Increased transmission distance: The new standards enable a significantly greater transmission distance compared to older optical systems or copper-based data transmission systems used in automotive applications. Optical multi-gigabit Ethernet can transmit data over distances of up to 40m, which is suitable for both short- and long- distance applications in all types of vehicles. 3. Weight saving: Compared to copper cables, the use of Fibre optics saves a significant amount of weight.
4. Reliability and longevity: The use of optical Fibres (OM3) in accordance with the IEEE 802.3cz- 2023 standard improves the reliability and longevity of data transmission systems. Optical Fibres are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference and offer stable data transmission even under extreme environmental conditions. Galvanically isolated data communication between different voltage levels can also be realised. They are also more resistant to wear. 5. Energy efficiency: Optical data transmission systems based on the IEEE 802.3cz-2023 standard are more energy efficient than conventional copper-based systems. They require less energy for data transmission, which leads to a reduction in overall energy consumption in the vehicle. 6. Scalable and future-proof: It is possible to upgrade new high-performance computers (HPCs), electronic control units (ECUs) and multi-domain computers (MDCs) to higher data transmission speeds without having to change the existing optical cabling components. This facilitates the integration of new technologies and functions in future vehicle generations and ensures the systems meet the increasing requirements. 7. Lower costs due to high production volumes: The OM3 optical Fibres specified in the IEEE 802.3cz-2023 standard are widely used worldwide and are already being produced in large quantities. The current high production volumes of VCSELs (laser diodes) and photodiodes for use
LED DRIVER SUPPORTS ASIL-B FOR DESIGNING SAFE AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING
New from Nexperia is an AEC-Q100 qualified 12-channel, 40 V high-side LED driver integrated circuit (IC) that complies with the ASIL-B level for designing functionally safe automotive lighting, including tail, brake, signal and in-cabin illumination applications. The NEX13120FPC-Q100 is
said to exhibit exceptional thermal performance thanks to its low dropout voltage of 600mV at 100mA current, which translates into power savings of 15 mW
per channel and 5˚C reduction in operating temperature. Independent channels on the NEX13120FPC-Q100 can deliver up to 100 mA of 8-bit programmable output current and can be connected in parallel for applications with higher current requirements. This LED driver supports phase-shift pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming to deliver
better load-transient and reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI). Configurable analog dimming and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming can support various application requirements, including dynamic animation effects. Long distance off-board communication at data rates up to 2 Mb/s is supported by the UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) over a controller area network (CAN) digital interface, which can support up to 27 node addresses. The extensive range of diagnostic features on the NEX13120FPC-Q100 include LED open-circuit, short to ground, and single LED short-circuit detection. In addition, a configurable watchdog automatically places the device in a fail-safe state if connection to the CAN bus is lost. The NEX13120FPC-Q100 can operate at a junction temperature range from -40˚C to +150˚C and is housed in a thermally enhanced 24-pin HTSSOP24 package. The NEX13120PC-Q100 is identical but is suitable for applications without chip level functional safety requirements.
Nexperia
www.nexperia.com/automotiveLED
in the specified wavelengths are also very high. This leads to cost savings in production and makes the technology economically attractive for series use in the automotive industry. 8. Improved communication channels: Optical multi-gigabit Ethernet offers near-ideal communication channels with low physical layer complexity. This results in lower equalisation complexity, no echo cancellation and therefore lower power consumption, lower latency and overall more cost-effective solutions. A specially dedicated operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) channel also ensures high reliability and efficient link management.
ZF
www.zf.com/uk
NEW FUSE PROTECTS HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEMS IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES
High voltages and currents occur in electric vehicles. Their battery packs – with several thousand rechargeable cells – store enormous amounts of energy. To safeguard this level of power, you need highly reliable high power fuses. As an example, fuses are required in the BMS (Battery Management System), for on-board and off-board chargers, DC-DC converters and other systems exposed to high voltages. Meeting demands, SCHURTER’s AMO 10.3x38 is a high-performance fuse suitable for demanding automotive applications. This is designed to protect high-voltage systems
up to 800 VDC and 50 A, making it ideal for BMS (Battery Management Systems), DC-DC converters and on-board/off-board chargers, the company explains. A weak point of every fuse is the connection between the melting wire and the contact cap, which is usually done by a solder joint. SCHURTER has therefore created the connection by welding which, the company states, guarantees the highest reliability. In addition to classic mounting directly on a
printed circuit board, screwable versions for surface mounting or even axial mounting are available.
SCHURTER
schurter.com
APRIL 2025 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 37
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