Automotive Electronics are the electronic systems that are used in vehicles to perform various functions like telematics, infotainment and driving assistance system. This includes electronic control units, sensors & small electric motors, radar, LIDAR and camera modules, displays as well as wire harness systems.
Automotive electronic systems are becoming increasingly vital in the global auto industry, as they help improve safety and convenience. The market is a fast growing sector that offers advanced electronic components that are used in the design and manufacturing of automobiles. They are also used in making the vehicle eco-friendly and energy-efficient. The automotive electronics market is expected to grow significantly. This is attributed to increased demand for advanced driver-assistance systems and connectivity in the global automobile sector.
The key drivers for this growth include the increasing number of vehicle production, technological advancements, increased consumer preferences and strict government regulations. In addition, the automotive electronics industry is experiencing a resurgence of interest from consumers who are seeking new and innovative technology to enhance their vehicle experience. This has resulted in the development of high-tech automotive systems that enable automakers to develop more efficient and safe vehicles.
A typical automobile has dozens of computer controlled electronic systems. These systems range from air conditioning to engine management to powertrain & braking control. These systems use microprocessors, sensors & controllers for various operations. They are highly integrated to work together to control all the systems in a vehicle.
ADAS Sensors, these sensors are an important part of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and offer a variety of functionalities to enhance safety in a vehicle. They are able to detect dangerous objects in the road and provide warnings to drivers about the situation. Besides, they are capable of performing complicated tasks that can help in automating driving operations and providing improved comfort and convenience to users.
Microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, are increasingly being employed in automotive safety applications to replace conventional sensors and increase their performance and efficiency. These devices are often small in size and cost, enabling designers to implement more complex control solutions. The growth of this segment is due to the increasing adoption of ADAS and other safety features in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. It is also driven by government regulations related to fuel economy and safety.
In addition, the global automotive electronics market is expected to see growth owing to an increase in the demand for connected car technologies. These technologies enable car owners to connect with other motorists and receive real-time information on their vehicle’s status.
Also, the growing adoption of battery-powered and hybrid vehicles are a key factor in the growth of this market. These technologies are enabling car manufacturers to design safer and more energy-efficient vehicles that can travel further on a single charge. Farther, the global automotive electronics industry is facing various challenges such as rising costs and limited resources. These issues are causing car makers to look for cost-effective and reliable electronics solutions. This is a concern due to the fact that these products are often exposed to harsh driving conditions such as extreme weather and vibrations.
There are many different types of electronic sensors that are used in a vehicle to monitor the various parameters such as pressure, temperature, oxygen levels and more. These are then sent to a central electronic control unit (ECU) to be processed and controlled.
The ECU has its own logic circuits that are responsible for controlling the actuators such as throttle valves, fuel injectors and other components in the engine. These are controlled through a variety of signals from the sensor network. This makes the car more responsive and gives it a higher performance level. Moreover, it helps in saving on the cost of mechanical parts and reduces maintenance as well as repair costs.
Another important function of the ECU is to provide a communication link between the chassis system and the transmission system for the efficient functioning of the vehicle. This is done through an interface called CAN bus. There are many other communication interfaces that are used to connect the various systems in a vehicle. These include V2V & V2I communications, which notify the driver or autonomous vehicle about potential collisions with other vehicles or infrastructure. This also helps in enhancing traffic flow.
Electrical circuits in automobiles are prone to over voltages and over currents that can damage the electronics. This is why circuit protection technology is an integral part of any automotive design. In the last few years, circuit protection technology has improved significantly to protect automotive designs from the increasing electrical threats that are caused by the use of microprocessors in the motor control, lighting, battery management and other systems. This is why circuit protection products such as fuses and switches are now being installed in more applications to prevent failures that could lead to personal injury, or worse. The market is also fueled by the rising demand for advanced safety features in vehicles such as lane departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring. This trend is expected to continue in the future, as drivers are increasingly focusing on vehicle safety and comfort while on the road.
