Automotive Technology News

The space shuttle had about 500,000 lines of software code. Today's luxury car has 100 million. Testing all that embedded software presents automotive engineers with serious challenges. Traditional hardware-in-the-loop simulation, for example, no longer provides the accuracy needed to validate electrified vehicle powertrains. In addition, new infotainment and/or driver assistance systems require distributed I/O, a variety of RF protocols, and multiple in-vehicle networks. Increasingly, "automotive engineers need flexible prototyping platforms that combine simulated system components with actual physical components throughout different testing stages."

STÄUBLI group brings engineering skills and experience to all large car manufacturers in the world.

From prototyping, stamping, and painting to engine test, trim, and final testing, our connectors are everywhere in automotive technology.

At Lapp, we understand the importance of running efficient, reliable, high performance industrial operations cost effectively. Our products are designed to meet the most stringent industrial applications include: OLFLEX® AUTO I, FD AUTO X, VFD SLIM, TRAY II, SERVO 796 CP, ETHERLINE® CAT 5/5e/6A/7, UNITRONIC® BUS, EPIC® Connectors, and SKINTOP® Strain Relief Cable Glands.

ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturer of metal stampings, custom assemblies. We have been building and maintaining dies since 1950. Our engineering and quality teams review and apply an advanced product quality process to ensure product requirements are met. We identify cost-saving opportunities and shorten lead times for our customers. Learn more.

Molex is powering the future of the Connected Vehicle with the MX150™ interconnect system. Offering a reduced package size, it is ideal for SAE- and ISO-style wire in single- and dual-row configurations up to 22.0 A.

For solutions you can trust, turn to Molex.

European carmakers and research organizations contend that the methods used to create and share HMI specifications are error-prone. To change that, they've formed the automotive HMI project. The group plans to replace today's textual descriptions with a format that machines can interpret and execute. This will facilitate the automatic exchange of versions of the specifications and help designers detect inconsistencies and errors.

No more plug-ins. Korean researchers have developed what they call an online electric vehicle (OLEV) system. In this scheme, transmitting coils are embedded in the roadways, and electric cars carrying receiving coils are charged as they drive down the road.

The European Union's 2015 deadline for sustainable vehicles is fast approaching, and automakers are turning their attention from fuel combustion to the fibers and fabrics used in everything from body parts to interiors. They are focusing on recycling concepts and renewable raw materials for seating and interior compartments, including natural fibers from flax, cellulose, and cotton; naturally dyed leathers; cushion foam made of bio-polyol from rapeseed, soya, and sunflower seeds; and, of course, plastic parts made from recycled PET bottles.

Automakers have had little success joining aluminum and steel, historically. Now, Honda announces a technology that could change history. The advance actually combines three technologies — hemming to join dissimilar materials; materials for preventing electrical corrosion; and stretchable adhesives for controlling thermal deformation. The automaker says large sections can be joined, even for mass production.

HEIDENHAIN's new MSE 1000 modular multiplexor provides multi-channel electronics for metrology applications. Over 250 sensors of varying types can be connected: incremental and absolute linear encoders, rotary encoders, a wide variety of LVDTs, plus analog inputs. I/O modules and compressed air modules are available for closed loop, automated, in-process gauging.

When you buy vibration controller for your new shaker, or replace existing old controller, UCON vibration controller is an excellent choice since it makes your vibration test smart and easy. UCON is a cutting-edge vibration controller for electro-dynamic and servo-hydraulic shakers, utilizing the latest DSP technology, and low noise hardware design.

As a top ten global automotive semiconductor supplier, ON Semiconductor has the expertise to solve your design challenges. Our energy-efficient techniques and solutions can help you reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, and enhance lighting, body, safety, connectivity, and infotainment power delivery systems. Think about automotive innovations — think ON Semiconductor.

The field of energy storage is seeing a stream of innovations to address design challenges. One key effort is the drive to increase energy density, extend battery life, and improve charge/discharge efficiencies to reduce costs and enhance product reliability. This whitepaper illustrates battery technology innovations for electric vehicles.

Ford Motor Company says its new one liter Fox engine will feature the highest output per displacement of any high-volume production engine. However, thin engine walls and high stress rule out a hard gasket. Read why the company opts for a room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV) silicone instead.

Here's a video that provides a reminder that metals fabrication can be fun. It features Eddie Paul, whose shop in El Segundo, CA, creates custom cars for use in TV and film. He was responsible, for instance, for the cars used in the film Grease — 48 of them delivered with a two-week lead time.

Micromagic Systems has unveiled its Mantis robot, described as "the biggest, all-terrain operational hexapod robot in the world." A Perkins 2.2 L turbo diesel engine drives the machine, which carries a human operator within its body and weighs 2 tons. Eighteen hydraulic actuators power the six legs and are controlled using a Linux PC running HexEngine hexapod motion software.

Today's multi-ratio automatic transmissions feature lock-up clutches and a variety of clutch materials, each one requiring a specialized lubricant. These transmission fluids, moreover, must be compatible with each other. This report describes the challenges facing today's ATF fluid formulators.

Metal Mechanics specializes in trim presses offering total versatility. Our trim presses can be integrated into automated robotic load processing or stand alone for operator loading. Whether for new or existing cell configurations, Metal Mechanics can provide the right trim press for your needs. Contact us…

Demag's patented modular crane system is engineered from proven components that offer multiple monorail or underhung configurations to meet any Automotive industry overhead lifting requirement. These flexible crane construction kits deliver safe, cost- effective and ergonomic designs with handling capacities to 7000 lbs. See why we are the leader in modular cranes!

This document describes a pneumatic filler-bleeder unit for servicing the hydraulic brake systems of automotive vehicles. The filler bleeder unit features a diaphragm that separates the operating air pressure from the hydraulic brake fluid. Hydraulic brake fluid reservoir tank capacity is 4 gallons plus/minus 1 gallon.

For more information on IHS standards, visit us here.

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