FEATURE SENSORS
SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IN CARS: VARIETY AND INTEGRATION ESSENTIAL
Autonomous vehicle innovations are undoubtedly one of the key driving forces behind developments in automotive sensor technology – but there are also a number of other forces fuelling developments in this field; says Martin Kümmel, team leader business development, First Sensor Mobility at First Sensor
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ntelligent electronic systems are making a huge contribution to maximising safety,
environmental performance and comfort in our vehicles and in the manufacturing processes used to build them. The electronic systems used to control and regulate other technologies rely on the invaluable real-time data provided by sensors. The most well-known application for sensors lies in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which will ultimately transform the cars on our roads into autonomous self-driving vehicles. The rapid progress in automation is
fuelling a plethora of new trends. In camera technology, manufacturers are already integrating digital HDR-CMOS cameras into embedded systems. The encapsulated six-camera and video-processor A-SPICE and ASIL-compliant unit offered by OEMs such as First Sensor provide a complete view around the vehicle – which comes ready-made and fully configurable, with the ability to integrate signals from other sensors – is just one example of this kind of solution. In safety-related applications, too, the
degree of integration is on the rise. Applications with a major impact on safety – such as hazard detection features that brake or steer the vehicle to avoid a collision if needed – must demonstrate the highest level of reliability. Like human drivers, they cannot rely on one “sense” alone: In these systems, various sensors are redundant and some operate with graduated ranges. Avalanche photodiodes in LIDAR systems are one example: These sensors use long-range detection technology in conjunction with optical camera systems and steering angle as well as speed sensors to determine where the vehicle is in relation to stationary or moving objects in the environment. Additional sensors, such as night view or ultrasonic sensors, complete these advanced assistance systems.
SENSORS AND GREEN MOBILITY Alongside self-driving technology, green mobility is also a key driving force in sensor development. In many regions of the world,
36 SEPTEMBER 2018 | ELECTRONICS
efficiency of the petrol engine. This kind of cooling system allows manufacturers to develop engines with a higher compression ratio and lower CO2 emissions. These injection systems rely on their own sensors to monitor temperature and pressure.
Figure 1: In-vehicle ADAS system
vehicles will continue to run on combustion technology for years to come. It makes sense for the industry to acknowledge this unavoidable fact and continue to invest in optimising these engines to minimise their environmental impact.
“If cars that run on diesel are to have a future on urban roads, the nitric oxide emissions they produce must be
significantly reduced using technologies such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR).”
If cars that run on diesel are to have a cars that run on diesel are to have a
future on urban roads, the nitric oxide emissions they produce must be significantly reduced using technologies such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Current service interval guidelines are not adequate to keep the urea additive topped up, and drivers will need to refill the additive at gas stations. In this scenario, sensors not only help to monitor the fill level and keep the vehicle running smoothly, but also to prevent the urea tank being filled – either accidentally or deliberately – with other fluids. These developments in SCR technology
for diesel cars produce an unintended but beneficial side effect: As car manufacturers design cars in ‘platforms’, petrol models – which do not require SCR – gain additional space for the installation of other technologies. Some manufacturers are working on reinstating water injection to cool the air in the intake channel, which will increase the performance or the
MONITORING LINES Climate control systems, too, are fuelling demand for sensor technology. Manufacturers are starting to use CO2 as a cooling agent, which is a more environmentally friendly option than the previously standard chlorofluorocarbon- based media. However, the switch to CO2 brings a new set of challenges: These systems work at higher pressures and temperatures of up to 180°C, which means that all lines, temperatures and pressures need to be monitored closely. The same is true of alternative drive technologies such as natural gas, or even hydrogen in fuel-cell-based drives, which operate at pressures of between 400 and 900 bar. Medium and high-pressure piezo-resistive sensors that are resistant to hydrogen-induced cracking are already available as complete solutions for fuel cell vehicles. The demand for sensors in the
automotive industry is being driven by a number of parallel trends and developments. The sensor components themselves – the cameras, photodiodes and sensors for pressure, flow and temperature – are already available, but need to be adapted for and integrated into automotive systems and applications. To make this a reality, the industry will need to pool expertise on sensors, communication and automotive technology. Major automotive sensor specialists, who are certified in line with industrial standards such as ISO/TS 16949 and who have developed a wealth of application knowledge in the course of their work, are partnering with industry to realise its vision for the future.
First Sensor
www.first-sensor.com e:
solutions@first-sensor.com
/ ELECTRONICS
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