Components

Streaming-media entertainment system

The FlexConnect audio-video in-vehicle infotainment system provides flexibility for multiple displays and multiple content streams, allowing passengers to enjoy individual entertainment preferences. Instead of bringing DVDs into the car, passengers can stream data wirelessly from phones or tablet computers to the entertainment system.

FlexConnect features two rear-seat screens with cameras that operate as independent units while still being connected through the Ethernet AVB architecture. The system supports Wi-Fi connectivity and can be used with multiple smart phones or tablets, allowing users’ content to be available in the vehicle.

FlexConnect features

• Media sharing from one screen to another with a simple tap on the screen
• Interactivity between the two screens, allowing passengers to play games or send photos back and forth
• Control of content from the front seat, allowing parents to preview and override rear seat programming
• Cameras installed above each rear seat screen to allow monitoring of rear seat occupants
   

Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America
www.meaa-mea.com

40A electric vehicle charge connector assembly

Designed for the Leviton Evr-Green family of electrical vehicle supply equipment, the connector assembly is rated to 40A of current or 9.7kW of power and complies with the Society of Automotive Engineers J1772 recommended standards.

The 40A charge connector assembly is used by 3,000 dealers and in 11 different vehicle platforms as part of the 32A and 40A charging stations. Leviton is the Toyota-approved electric vehicle supply equipment provider for RAV4 EV and Prius Plug-in Level 2 charging needs.

The Charge Connector Assembly uses a low carbon footprint connector housing with built-in anti-theft mechanisms. The connector assembly is available with 25ft of flexible electrical vehicle cable.

Leviton Commercial and Industrial
www.leviton.com/evrgreen

Voltage regulator with watchdog timer

The S-19500/19501 series LDO voltage regulator includes a watchdog timer and reset function that simplifies implementation. The new regulators are optimized for use in constant-voltage power supply for automotive electric components and microcontroller monitoring.

The S-19500/19501 series integrates a LDO regulator, reset IC, and watchdog timer into one chip. Load current from the internal LDO regulator automatically turns on/off the watchdog timer, preventing unnecessary monitoring during the microcontroller’s sleep mode. In addition, a WEN pin can forcibly turn on/off the watchdog timer until the system is stabilized during the microcontroller startup or during software update without using external circuits.

Laser-trimming technology has achieved output voltage accuracy of ±2.0% and detection voltage accuracy of ±100mV. The reduced number of pins has made a small, 8-pin HSOP-8A package (5.02mm × 6.0mm × 1.68mm) a reality.

Seiko Instruments Inc.
www.seikoinstruments.com

Electronic park brake system

A next-generation electric park brake (EPB) system functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications, and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking. TRW supplies the brake system to three Japanese automakers and expects to begin service with a fourth in the near future.

Following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recent rule requiring rear backup cameras, an EPB system could be integrated with the video signal and automatically brake the vehicle if a potential issue is detected. It could also work with stability control systems to enable full four-wheel anti-lock braking in emergency situations.

The EPB system uses electrical cables and a control switch instead of a typical foot pedal or hand lever, simplifying routing and allowing for greater freedom of design for vehicle interiors. Its smaller package can significantly reduce weight when compared to conventional parking brake systems.

TRW Automotive
www.trw.com

Ceramic disc safety capacitors

A series of AEC-Q200-qualified, AC-line-rated ceramic disc safety capacitors have been designed to provide high reliability for Class X1 (440VAC) and Y2 (300VAC) automotive applications in accordance with IEC 60384-14.3, 3rd edition. The AY2 capacitors withstand more than 2,000 temperature cycles without a single failure, twice the AEC standard.

The devices consist of a silver-plated ceramic disc with tinned copper connection leads offering 0.6mm diameters. AY2 capacitors are available with straight leads with spacing of 5.0mm, 7.5mm, and 10.0mm. RoHS-compliant and halogen-free, the devices’ encapsulation is made of flame-resistant epoxy resin in accordance with UL 94 V-0.

Vishay Intertechnology Inc.
www.vishay.com

Carbon-fiber wrapped, aluminum tanks for CNG storage

The G-Stor Go polymer-lined, carbon composite, Type 4 cylinders are designed for the containment of compressed natural gas (CNG) in consumer and commercial vehicles. The tanks feature a proprietary aluminum boss and a seamless, high-density polymer liner fully wrapped with aerospace-grade carbon fiber in an epoxy matrix.

Luxfer is expanding its Type 4 product line to include cylinders up to 26" in diameter in a variety of lengths, including cylinders for Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. It is currently manufacturing Type 4 cylinders at its factory in Riverside, Calif. In the near future, the G-Stor Go product line will also be made at a recently acquired Type 4 facility in Brigham City, Utah.

For details on sizes and capacities of Luxfer CNG cylinders, visit http://bit.ly/1smhuUS.

Luxfer Gas Cylinders
www.luxfercylinders.com