For autonomous vehicle (AV) applications, both radar and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) are often used in addition to high-definition cameras and other sensors. The proper fusion of the output from these devices enables the detection of obstacles, identification of lane markings, and the accurate recognition of other vehicles and pedestrians. The radio waves (typically […]
Automotive
FIR temperature sensor provides 50 ° FOV and I²C interface
Melexis has introduced the MLX90637, a surface-mount far-infrared (FIR) temperature sensor developed for thermal monitoring of key electric-vehicle (EV) powertrain components. Designed for applications such as inverter busbars, electric motors, and HVAC modules, the device provides non-contact temperature measurement in a compact SMD package compatible with automated PCB assembly processes. The sensor offers intrinsic galvanic […]
Integrated current sensors measure 100 A and 1000 A, product digital outputs
Bourns, Inc. announced its SSD-1000A Digital Current Sensor Series. Highly integrated and compact, Bourns new shunt-based current sensors feature a current range from 100 A to 1000 A and offer exceptional accuracy, stability, and electrical isolation in a wide -40° C to +115° C operating temperature range. These features are required in a broad range of applications, […]
Are additional sensors needed for Waymos?
When well over 1” of rain fell rather quickly in various parts of Phoenix recently, areas prone to flooding accumulated much more. As one of the highest amounts of rain to fall within the past seven years, it provided a new scenario to Waymo robotaxis. Several of the driverless vehicles confronted “Do Not Enter When […]
Magnetic current device targets wide bandgap switching control
A new magnetic current sensor has been introduced by Allegro Microsystems that delivers a 10 MHz bandwidth using tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) technology. The device is intended for power system engineers developing high-frequency designs such as electric vehicle inverters, renewable energy converters, and data center power supplies. The sensor provides a 50 ns response time and […]
Automotive sensor requirements for software-defined vehicles: latency, resolution, and zonal architecture
The automotive industry’s shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDV) and electrification is forcing a fundamental rethink of development processes, component specifications, and cross-industry collaboration. During a recent technical briefing, three engineers from TE Connectivity outlined how these changes are impacting everything from 30-year-old Stage-Gate processes to sensor latency requirements and the implementation of zonal architecture across […]
Module connects thermocouples to CAN bus
The model TI8 from Metis Engineering lets you connect up to eight isolated channels. UK-based Metis Engineering has introduced an eight-channel thermocouple module that digitizes temperature readings and send them to a host over the CAN bus. The Model TI8 provides up to 2500 V isolation for 1 minute and 600 V continuous across channels. […]
CMOS image sensor supports MIPI CSE 2.0 cybersecurity standard
OMNIVISION has announced the OX08D20, an 8-megapixel CMOS image sensor with TheiaCel technology for automotive exterior cameras. The device is designed for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving applications. The OX08D20 succeeds the OX08D10 sensor launched in 2023. The OX08D20 includes a capture scheme developed in collaboration with Mobileye that reduces the motion blur […]
Inductive sensor IC processes two coil sets simultaneously
Melexis has introduced the MLX90514, a dual-input inductive sensor integrated circuit. The device processes signals from two sets of coils simultaneously to compute differential or vernier angles on-chip. The sensor is designed for automotive applications, including steering torque feedback, steering angle sensing, and steering rack motor control in steer-by-wire implementations. The MLX90514 integrates differential and […]
How to implement multi-sensor fusion algorithms for autonomous vehicles
To achieve autonomous vehicle (AV) operation, sensing techniques include radar, LiDAR, and cameras, as well as infrared (IR) and/or ultrasonic sensors, among others. No single sensing technique is adequate by itself, and each of these sensors has its strengths and weaknesses. As shown in Table 1, one or more sensing techniques overcome the weaknesses of […]
