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Electronics improve cars, software improves electronics
Dr. Zoltan Cendes, Founder, Chairman, CTO, Ansoft Corporation -- Design News, February 17, 2003
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Cars, like many other products, are benefiting greatly from the increasing use of electronics. But what are the implications of the convergence of electronics and mechanics? Here are some of the issues:
Tell us about power electronics in cars? They allow vehicle manufacturers to increase the fuel efficiency and to add more safety and convenience features. Mechanical systems can be replaced with lighter and more efficient electrically or electronically controlled systems, such as active body control, adaptive cruise control, and electric air conditioning. Putting more electronics into an automotive or aerospace application means the electronics interact with the electromechanical components. The integration between the physics on the electromechanical and circuit level makes system-level simulation very important.
What are the implications of electromagnetics in 42V systems? With higher voltages, you're able to pack in more electronics. You'll see a greater focus on electromagnetics in terms of designing new electromechanical devices, such as motors, actuators, and sensors that are a part of power-electronic systems. Electromagnetic coupling and interference also must be monitored closely. You don't want the ABS to activate when you turn on the radio.
Is the same true with fuel cells? Fuel cells are an exciting research area. Electromagnetics play the same role as in 42V design; the components and coupling are issues. But, more importantly, we need to evaluate the longevity of the charge and develop new control schemes to make fuel cells feasible.
What's driving the trend toward electrification of cars? Space savings, energy savings, performance improvements—they're all drivers. The fact is that the ability to put intelligence into cars means engineers will put it in; and as they do, consumers will demand more. ABS is a good example of the performance improvements. You don't have to pump your brakes on ice anymore. Electromagnetic actuators do better than valves. Variable-speed motors provide more control. But, in all these cases, you have to worry about electromagnetics in the circuit; so mechanical and electronic engineers will have to work more closely together.
What breakthroughs are coming in your software? One breakthrough will be solvers on demand, so engineers can easily do transient motion, coupled electromechanics, fluids, and thermal effects. We have tools for that today, but there is still work to be done to make them easier. The solver will know when it has the right information and when it has to perform a more detailed solution. We have already implemented the Solver on Demand™ in Ansoft Designer™ for IC and wireless design, and we will take the concept into power electronics.
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