automotive

This article shows how electromagnetic simulation tools can be used to investigate effects of high-speed signals in cable harnesses in a vehicle: cross talk, radiation and interference with a receiving antenna. Results are presented for two types of digital sequences and compared with standards. Cable shielding is designed to be adequate without adding unnecessary weight.

Mazda has issued a recall for 109,000 Tribute compact SUVs in the US due to a potential rust issue where salt is used on roadways in the winter. 2001 to 2004 model years are being recalled for corrosion of a part of the vehicle’s frame that may result in steering control loss.

Ford Motor Company has issued two recalls that affect 435,000 vehicles. The first recall is for 2001 to 2004 Escape SUVs due to a corrosion problem. The second recall is for approximately 49,000 Fusions, Escapes, C-Maxs and Lincoln MKZs.

The AAA Automotive Research Center in Southern California performed a research study to better understand the effects of climate on electric vehicle batteries. The study concluded driving range could be reduced on an average of 57% depending on the temperature.

Automobiles typically have dozens of electronic systems operating interactively in a relatively compact space. These systems must operate reliably in a wide range of environments over extended periods of time. As a growing number of these systems play an ever expanding role in protecting the safety of a vehicle’s occupants, there is an increasing need to ensure that the integrity of these systems will not be compromised by electromagnetic interference.

This article deals with improving EMC measuring methods that are used during the development of automobiles in the field of interference emissions. Development-stage investigations are normally performed with measuring systems that have actually been conceived for vehicle component tests. EMC measuring methods that are tailored to the development stage, however, are much better suited for this task since they help save time and costs. One such measuring method is presented here as a practical example.