http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/elect Get the latest content from the Electronics section of SAE Automotive Engineering International Online Magazine. http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7201 To help standardize development of advanced batteries, SAE is forming a Vehicle Battery Standards Committee. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:36:25 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7201 2009-11-18T15:36:25Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7182 Although the engineering/technology community has and will have a large impact regarding the problem of driver distraction—with that impact having negative and positive poles—it’s the vastly larger community of typical drivers who will determine whether the problem grows or dissipates. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:33:53 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7182 2009-11-17T15:33:53Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7183 The future of automotive connectivity, which entails the further integration of automotive and consumer electronics as well as vehicle infrastructure integration, was discussed at a Driving Connected technology briefing seminar at the 2009 SEMA Show. Paramount for that integration to occur is open architectures. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:31:19 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7183 2009-11-12T15:31:19Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7137 The software standard is undergoing a transition, moving to a new phase as Release 4.0 is unveiled. The change comes as the standard shows strong signs of acceptance in a range of new applications. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:53:45 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7137 2009-11-09T21:53:45Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7124 Standardization is gaining acceptance in automotive electronics, though automakers often opt for a range of specifications for similar applications. As the number of airbags increases, three suppliers are banding together to promote a standard connection. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:34:18 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7124 2009-11-09T21:34:18Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7061 During the 14th International Electronics Systems for Motor Vehicles Congress at Baden-Baden (Germany), Continental revealed a completely new approach to making complex vehicle functions easily accessible to the driver. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:22:57 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7061 2009-11-09T21:22:57Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6933 Smart route-finding technologies could enable future intelligent driver assistants to better manage fuel efficiency, activate turn signals or directional headlights automatically when entering turns, engage automated glare-reduction systems, or provide other help depending on the location. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:55:29 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6933 2009-11-09T20:55:29Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7123 The LEDs that are transforming vehicle lighting are expanding into a new area: bus advertising. Lighted displays installed on buses can change messages often, even linking to GPS systems to pinpoint ads as buses travel into different neighborhoods. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:47:01 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7123 2009-10-29T14:47:01Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7057 Alpine has developed a multiple camera system to improve visibility around a vehicle, which is additionally linked to a navigation database to add further functionality. Although the first prototypes have been developed using passenger cars, the company believes the technology has far greater potential applied to commercial vehicles and buses. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:26:02 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7057 2009-10-15T01:26:02Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7035 “While you can’t change the basics of how batteries work, you can change the materials that are used to create them,” asserted Bill Robinson, the CEO of Integral Technologies Inc. And that is precisely what the Bellingham, WA-based company did; it has developed a moldable conductive plastic called ElectriPlast, a polymer blend that can be used to conduct electricity. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:53:34 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7035 2009-10-14T13:53:34Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6970 Due to the lack of waste heat, electric vehicles need an auxiliary heat source; however, this should not impact vehicle range. During the Frankfurt Motor Show, Eberspächer presented options for diverse thermal management solutions. So far all technologies have strengths and weaknesses. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:12:20 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6970 2009-09-30T17:12:20Z