Hirose has developed an automotive wire-to-board connector that meets the GMW3191 standard for low-voltage automotive applications and the ADM-F-0006 vibration test standard to ensure reliability and durability in harsh environments. Featuring a unique contact spring structure for vibration resistance and a rugged center lock that prevents mis-mating, the KM32A Series offers a tensile/pry strength of […]
Surface-mount switches maintain performance across automotive to medical applications
Littelfuse, Inc. has introduced the KSC XA Series Soft Sound Tactile Switches designed for surface-mount technology applications requiring quiet operation with reliable tactile feedback. The switches feature an extended cage for potting compatibility and high actuation force options for deliberate operation, making them suitable for automotive, medical, industrial, and premium consumer electronics applications. The KSC […]
Automotive ambient light sensor produces I2C signal output
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has introduced the VEML4031X00, an AEC-Q100 qualified ambient light sensor designed for automotive applications. The sensor integrates an ambient light sensing (ALS) photodiode and an infrared (IR) photodiode within a compact surface-mount package measuring 4.38 mm × 1.45 mm × 0.6 mm. Its narrow width allows for use in space-limited designs, including […]
How did sensing help identify the Las Vegas Tesla torcher?
As part of a global campaign targeting and seeking to punish Elon Musk for his involvement in DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency), many people damaged Tesla vehicles, Tesla sales and service centers, and even Tesla public chargers. One of the more significant attacks occurred at a Las Vegas dealership where several (at least 5) […]
Why off-highway is the sweet spot for AC electrification technology
Electrification is the hottest segment of engineering in the transportation sector right now. And it’s impossible to talk about the automotive industry without discussing electric cars. But there are many in industry who feel that commercial and off the highway applications are the real sweet spot for electrification. This segment is a place where real…
Automotive-grade sensors operate across extended temperature range from -40 °C to 175 °C
Infineon Technologies AG introduces the XENSIV TLE4960x magnetic switch family. Developed in accordance with ISO 26262, the TLE4960x switches integrate diagnostic functions to support functional safety applications with requirements up to ASIL B. They are the only ASIL-B-compliant switches on the market that can address a wide range of automotive applications, including window regulators, sunroof […]
High-density automotive connector features 0.3 mm pitch
Hirose Electric has launched one of the industry’s smallest back-flip FPC connectors for automotive and other harsh environment applications. With a low profile of 1.2 mm and a space-saving 0.3 mm pitch (0.6 mm mounting pitch), the FH79 Series offers a reduction in width of approximately 40% compared to standard 0.5 mm pitch connectors. The […]
Global shutter sensor operates with 1/4.51-inch optical format
OMNIVISION announced the new OX01N1B image sensor for in-cabin automotive driver monitoring systems (DMS). The device is the newest addition to OMNIVISION’s industry-leading Nyxel near-infrared (NIR) technology family of automotive sensors and is a 1.5-megapixel (MP) RGB-IR or monochrome BSI global shutter (GS) sensor with a pixel size of 2.2 microns (µm) and an optical […]
Hall-effect sensor detect X, Y, and Z directions
Diodes Incorporated introduces its first automotive-compliant* 3D linear Hall effect sensor. The AH4930Q detects the magnetic field in the X, Y, and Z directions, allowing for reliable and high-precision contactless rotary motion and proximity detection. Applications include rotary and push selectors on infotainment systems, stalk gear shifters, door handles and locks, and powered seat adjusters. The […]
360° angular range sensors with customizable sub-segment measurement capabilities
TDK Corporation introduces the stray-field robust Micronas HAL/HAR 35xy* 2D Hall-effect position sensor family for automotive and industrial applications. Building on the success of the HAL/HAR 39xy series, the new sensors offer enhanced features and capabilities to meet the growing demand for stray-field robust 2D position detection in linear and angular applications. While the HAL/HAR […]
Automotive color sensor detects RGB and IR light
The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. introduced the industry’s first AEC-Q100 qualified RGBIR color sensor. The Vishay Semiconductors VEML6046X00 features a highly sensitive photodiode, low noise amplifier, and 16-bit ADC in a miniature, opaque 2.67 mm by 2.45 mm surface-mount package with a low 0.6 mm profile. With separate red, green, blue, and infrared (IR) […]
Beyond the drivetrain: sensor innovation in automotive
By Karsten Köhler, Business Development Manager at TDK-Micronas The auto industry is amid two transformative trends: the gradual transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric motors and drivetrains and the ongoing development of driver assistance and self-driving features. Sensor technology is famously integral to both trends, but electrification and assisted driving account for only […]
Sensor offers ±1K accuracy across -40 °C to +150 °C operating range
TDK Corporation launches B58101A0851A000, the first in a new line of immersion temperature sensors (ITS), designed specifically for EV powertrain cooling applications. This highly responsive, fully sealed NTC thermistor is engineered to provide fast and precise temperature control, e.g., for oil-cooled systems. Oil cooling is anticipated to become the dominant temperature management method in the […]
Q5D’s printed electronics techniques solve designer frustrations
Simon Baggott of Q5D Technologies explains how new techniques simplify manufacturing for the automotive and aerospace industries. Whether you’re creating vehicles, vessels, aircraft or consumer electronics, the near-constant tension between aspirational innovation and physics or economics will be all too familiar. You’ll have progressive ideas about forms or functions you’d like your products to have,…
Navigating the automotive electrification movement
Matt McWhinney and Kirk Ulery of Molex and Shawn Luke of DigiKey share insights on the past, present and future state of vehicle electrification. The automotive industry’s evolution through electrification — replacing traditional mechanically driven systems with electric components and systems — is profoundly changing the design of today’s vehicles, which range widely from internal combustion engines…
What are the mathematics that enable sensor fusion?
The mathematics that enable sensor fusion include probabilistic modeling and statistical estimation using Bayesian inference and techniques like particle filters, Kalman filters, and α-β-γ filters, which allow for combining data from multiple sensors while accounting for noise and uncertainty to produce a more accurate overall picture of a system or environment. Neural networks (NNs) are […]
Thermistor series features 14-second cooling tme constant for industrial monitoring
TDK Corporation introduces two new NTC thermistors designed for precise temperature measurement in automotive and industrial environments. The L862 and L871 series operate across a temperature range of -40°C to +155°C, with power dissipation rated at 60 mW at room temperature. The L862 features a 2.6 x 6.5 mm sensor element with silver-plated nickel wire […]
What is negative temperature coefficient?
A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) refers to any physical value that decreases as the temperature increases or vice versa. In electronics, NTC usually refers to a material’s decreasing resistance as the temperature rises. This article examines how NTC device performance is quantified and compares with other technologies like resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and positive temperature […]
Cable-to-board connector withstands harsh environments
Hirose has expanded its FPC-to-board product offering to include a two-piece harsh environment connector that simplifies assembly while reducing the size and weight of end products. The compact ZK1 Series connector features a plug side with a terminal-less design that contributes to size and weight reduction by switching from discrete wire to FPC. FPC direct […]
How will neurotechnology and sensing impact automotive: part 2
Neuro data provides a level of insight into the driver’s condition and cognitive state that is not possible with a driver-facing camera.
Current sensing ICs reduce power loss with lower internal resistance
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. announced the launch of two new current sensor ICs – the ACS37030MY and the ACS37220MZ. Leveraging Allegro’s cutting-edge sensing technology, these ICs provide low internal conductor resistance, high operating bandwidth, and reliable performance across a wide range of automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. Allegro’s new current sensor ICs are designed for precise […]
How will neurotechnology and sensing impact automotive: part 1
EEG sensing can improve driving safety.
Shunt monitor measures voltages across shunt resistors
Diodes Incorporated announces the ZXCT18xQ series of automotive-compliant* high-precision current shunt monitors. These single-stage instrumentation amplifiers accurately measure very small sense voltages across a wide range of common-mode voltages up to 26V while operating from a 2.7V to 5.5V supply. Automotive applications include ambient lighting control, battery management, heated seats, and other body control systems. The […]
How does ASIL SEooC affect sensors?
Automotive systems that impact safety require adherence to the automotive functional safety standard — ISO 26262. Those electronic and electrical systems that are interlinked to use the input from one sensor to provide different functions in the automobile and minimize system cost, have additional safety considerations. To ensure proper and verified capability, the hardware (HW), software […]
Coreless current sensor achieves 2 μs response time for EV applications
Melexis unveils the MLX91235, a new current sensor that eliminates the need for a ferromagnetic core. The MLX91235 expands Melexis’ portfolio, enabling the measurement of larger currents flowing through external primary conductors like PCB traces and busbars. It supports automotive and alternative mobility applications like inverters, battery management systems (BMSs), and low-voltage DC-DC converters. Power […]