The D7 robot vacuum from Neato Robotics in California boasts a lot of navigational features such as zone cleaning, no-go lines, and floor plan mapping. We tore down a D7 to see how these features are implemented and to get a close look at the lidar unit that helps the bot find its way around. […]
FAQ
Introduction to Raspberry Pi 4
Raspberry Pi is a credit-card-sized, single-board computer developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity that works to ensure global access to computing and digital technology. It was initially developed as a low-cost microcomputer to impart digital skills to kids. It comes without any power supply or peripherals as it’s meant to be programmed […]
MEMS challenges – and silicone solutions
by Jayden Cho, Manabu Sutoh, and Roderick Chen, Dow The market for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices is growing, especially in the automotive industry. However, designers of these devices face engineering, manufacturing, and application challenges. For example, traditional organic adhesives may not be able to withstand the higher temperatures associated with today’s electronics, especially in 5G […]
Packaging options and advances for digital ICs
The packaging options for digital ICs (and the related buzz words and acronyms) continue to multiply. Advanced digital ICs such as microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and application specific custom ICs (ASICs) are offered in a wide array of package styles such as: QFN, quad flat no leads; FBGA, fine pitch ball grid array; WLCSP, […]
RTK navigation technologies for autonomous vehicles
Real-time kinematic positioning brings high-accuracy to the autonomous vehicle industry without breaking the bank. James Fennelly • ACEINNA Inc. It’s no secret that a variety of technologies must work together smoothly and reliably to make autonomous vehicles possible. The technology mix includes inertial measurement units (IMUs), GPS/GNSS, radar, lidar, IR and vision sensors, as well […]
Basics of time-synchronized hardware-in-the loop testing
A special kind of HiL testing accelerates the development of advanced driver-assistance systems. Bernhard Holzinger, Automotive and Energy Solutions • Keysight Technologies Industry watchers are still optimistic about the adoption of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs). But CAVs will only become reality if consumers, regulators and the insurance industry all have an unshakable confidence in the […]
Navigating in-vehicle network communications securely
Hardware security modules help thwart hackers bent on getting control of EVs. Todd Slack • Microchip Technology Roughly half of all new vehicles sold this year will be connected vehicles, and estimates are that figure will rise to around 95% by 2030. Those connections via Bluetooth, USB, LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, and so forth have dramatically […]
Contactless sensing in three dimensions for ADAS
No-touch sensor ICs that measure magnetic fields in the X, Y, and Z planes have been optimized for use in vehicular applications. Tyler Hendrigan, Fabian Winkler • Allegro MicroSystems Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) have existed for well over 20 years. Many of their individual components have already become afterthoughts for drivers and are now considered […]
Connectivity promotes theft prevention in connected vehicles
Thieves may soon learn it doesn’t pay to mess with a smart car. Mike Norris • Silicon Labs More than three million cars are sold in the U.S. annually, and over 700,000 are stolen. Unfortunately for car owners, anti-theft technologies have not kept pace with modern developments, creating a gaping hole in the automotive theft […]
Vehicles move into the software realm
New processors have been developed with vehicle safety and connectivity in mind. David Maples, Texas Instruments The trend towards autonomous driving, electrification and connectivity to the cloud is making software a priority. That’s why automotive designers are reworking the architecture of modern-day vehicles and migrating toward a software-defined car. Many systems within cars today are […]
