Bench Talk

Join journalist Tommy Cummings for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers.

Modern automotive technology was speeding along, making significant advancements with its tech systems. Then, the sudden interest in electric vehicles was—ironically—like someone suddenly stepped on the gas and hit another gear.

First, Tesla broke through with the development and delivery of its EV lineup, making strides that hadn’t been seen before. Other EV manufacturers emerged and traditional automakers soon announced they were making their leaps into electrification. Governments provided tax incentives and vowed to upgrade the charging infrastructure. The interest was expected, but certain socio-political developments triggered a greater surge.

As a result, the now-souped-up smart mobility industry created increased demands for microchip processors, sensors, components, power systems, infotainment options, regenerative braking systems, and, of course, advanced motor technology.

How is everyone, particularly design engineers, keeping up to speed? How do they sort through the deluge of information and analysis?

Mouser Electronics developed and worked with suppliers to bring information on the latest trends and technologies for modern automotive design in supplier e-books. They’re available for view on desktop and are mobile-optimized.

In this week’s New Tech Tuesdays, we’ll review e-books provided by Vishay, Microchip Technology, ROHM Semiconductor, and NXP for design engineers to get up to speed on automotive design.

Vishay: An Automotive Grade Above: Learn more about Vishay’s Automotive Grade standard for its electronic components in a 28-page e-book. The e-book details Vishay’s Automotive Grade diodes and rectifiers, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, resistors, inductors, and capacitors. The content is presented in three categories: 48V systems, EV battery-charging management, and dashboard sensors.

Microchip: Enabling the Future of Mobility: Microchip offers a close look at its automotive-grade solutions. In a long-form article with images, charts, and video, Microchip reviews the evolution of sensors, their applications, and how the data has led to software-controlled features that increase safety, comfort, and connectedness while driving.

ROHM Semiconductor: Driving the Future of Automotive Solutions: ROHM focuses on the power aspects of EVs in this e-book. In 37 pages, the e-book looks at power components and other complementary devices that ROHM provides for automotive power applications. Those include shunt resistors, gate drivers, low-dropout (LDO) regulators, DC-DC converters, and LED drivers.

NXP: Smart Mobility and the Technologies Paving the Way: Today’s modern dashboards look cool with their dynamic screens. In its 28-page e-book, NXP Semiconductors details how its connected solutions and products are paving the way for smart mobility. NXP provides a close look at its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), radio detection and ranging (Radar), vehicle networks, and electrification.

Ever-evolving modern automotive technology means design engineers have to keep up with the industry’s innovations and increased demands. Automotive technology e-books offer design engineers a convenient way to keep up with the latest trends, products, and innovations.