Eberspaecher Provides Safety for Autonomous Driving
– Electronic switches for secure autonomous driving
– Production of Redundant Safety Switch to start in fall
– Individual solutions for complex power grid architectures
Automated driving functions continue to gain traction. Semi-automated functions such as lane departure warning systems or distance controllers are already offering a greater degree of comfort and safety. Specially designed to meet the high demands of autonomous driving, Eberspaecher’s electronic switch systems offer strong reliability as well as robust, series-proven design. Series production of the Redundant Safety Switch will start in fall. The semiconductor-based switch will be used in autonomous level 4 vehicles.
Semi-automated driving (up to automation level 3 according to the SAE J3016 standard) is already the norm for many vehicles: Applications such as lane departure warning systems, parking aids or adaptive cruise control are making road traffic more manageable today. For greater safety and the ability to reliably operate all functions, Eberspaecher offers a broad portfolio of electronic switches that can be flexibly configured and combined according to the topology of a vehicle’s power grid. If necessary, they secure all safety-relevant functions and thus enable the vehicle to continue its journey – even in the event of unforeseen occurrences.
In the future, the Redundant Safety Switch will be used for the next stage of autonomous driving. The semiconductor switch connects and disconnects 12-volt partial power grids in hybrid and electric vehicles in the event of, for example, overvoltage, undervoltage or short circuits. This ensures that safety-relevant functions are safeguarded within less than 100 microseconds. In fall, Eberspaecher will start series production for a well-known automobile manufacturer.
Autonomous shuttles safely on the move
It’s worth noting that the trend towards (fully) autonomous systems is not limited to individual transport: The first concepts for driverless shuttles to transport passengers and deliver goods have already been presented at the major industry trade fairs. If this new form of transport is to be accepted, its safety must be guaranteed. For this purpose, the electronics experts at Eberspaecher offer comprehensive know-how in switching currents and intelligent power distribution in the vehicle’s power grid.