Automotive

Imagine for a moment that you are trying out a brand new car: you slide into one of the ergonomic seats, start the engine and, to make things perfect, would like to listen to some music. However when you switch this on, you suddenly notice interesting side effects. The light comes on in the passenger compartment, for example. Or the radio starts whistling and whimpering.

A recall of an approximate 3 million vehicles by Honda Motor Co and other Japanese auto manufacturers was prompted due to the possible explosion of air bags supplied by Takata Corporation. This recall is part of numerous recalls over the past five years that have affected close to 10.5 million vehicles.

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.