Hyundai Subsidiary Software Quickly Updates On-Board Map Info
Hyundai MNSOFT, a vehicle-infotainment subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, develops new technology that delivers incremental updates of the latest maps to automotive navigation systems while in a moving car.
The technology is built on mobile-phone tethering, using a mobile phone as a Wi-Fi network host. Users can connect their automotive navigation systems to the wireless network while on the go, which in turn allows for incremental updates of map data to the navigation systems.
The supplier developed and applied a mobile database-management system to set up incremental updates of only the latest changes to map data. The system reduces the download file size to 10-30 megabytes, which is less than .001 the size of the previous models, which would have to download the entire map database of 4-8 gigabytes.
It takes less than a minute to download the map data updates via the LTE (4G) mobile network, and the time it takes for the downloaded file to update on the navigation system has been reduced to 15-20 minutes. Users can access the navigation system even while it is updating. Once the update is complete, they can use the refreshed database immediately upon rebooting the system.
The new technology is close to a full-fledged commercial launch, the Hyundai subsidiary says.
Toshiba IC Helps EVs Sound Warning to Pedestrians
Toshiba launches its TB2909FNG, an audio power-amplifier integrated circuit that supports external audible outputs from vehicles.
The technology is integrated into warning-sound systems in electric vehicles and hybrid-electric vehicles. Because they run quietly in all-electric mode, EVs and hybrids increasingly are being equipped with systems that simulate engine sound, so pedestrians can recognize they are approaching.
The TB2909FNG guarantees operation at up to 230° F (110° C) and provides a wide range of abnormality-detection functions and protection circuits.
Qualcomm Among Developers of Connected-Car Technology at AT&T R&D Facility
AT&T announces three additional companies have signed on to work with the connected-car industry at the AT&T Drive Studio R&D facility in Atlanta:
- Qualcomm Technologies will showcase its newly announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive Solutions for infotainment and telematics. The developer of 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies will integrate Snapdragon technology with AT&T's Drive portfolio, including AT&T's global SIM, bifurcated billing, voice recognition and 4G LTE network.
- RedBend Software will develop remote management of automotive software. Hosted in the AT&T cloud, the Red Bend Software Management Center is a leading OMA-DM standard-based platform designed for automakers to manage in-vehicle software and applications over the air with reliability and efficiency, AT&T says.
- QuickPlay Media will develop an in-vehicle video service powered by its OpenVideo platform. The service will deliver live linear TV and streaming video-on-demand services to automakers collaborating in the AT&T Drive Studio. The technology includes a configurable, customizable client application, support for adaptive streaming, content protection, user entitlements, dynamic advertising, banner-ad support and multi-language support.
Data Recorder Transmits Test-Drive Data to Tablet Computer
Elektrobit develops new technology to help automakers test complex driver-assistance systems.
The company's EB Assist Car Data Recorder is a measurement tool that allows product-development engineers to record and visualize data during test drives using a common tablet computer without complicated cable installations, monitors or keyboards.
The device features easy-to-read graphics and tablet displays that help engineers focus on test-drive essentials, minimizing evaluation and data-acquisition errors and increasing overall test efficiency.
The EB Assist Car Data Recorder technology is based on EB Assist ADTF (Automotive Data and Time-Triggered Framework), Elektrobit’s widely used platform for developing and testing advanced driver-assistance systems. In its standard version, EB Assist ADTF is optimized for desktop use with Windows and Linux operating systems.
The new Car Data Recorder extends the use of EB Assist ADTF to a modern touch tablet.
Multiple tests with several tablet PCs may be possible during a single test drive in the future, Elektrobit engineers say. The company currently is taking orders for immediate delivery of its EB Assist Car Data Recorder from major global automakers.
Touchscreen Controllers Green-Lighted for Autos
Atmel announces two new maXTouch touchscreen controllers have been certified for use in automobiles.
The mXT1188S is optimized for touchscreens up to 12 ins. (31 cm), while the mXT1664S is designed for touchscreens up to 14 ins. (36 cm).
Both controllers are optimized for single-layer shieldless sensor designs in automotive center consoles, navigation systems, radio interfaces and rear-seat entertainment systems. The single-layer design delivers improved light transparency, resulting in lower power consumption along with an overall lower system cost for the manufacturer.
The maXTouch controllers are designed for high reliability in harsh environments. They also deliver superior touch performance, multi-touch, faster response times and more precise touches, Atmel says in a news release.
Maxim IC Improves Instrument-Cluster Efficiency
Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX16993, a power-management integrated circuit that facilitates the design of automotive instrument clusters that are smaller, quieter, and more efficient.
Currently, automotive OEMs often limit instrument cluster-module consumption to less than 100uA in standby mode. Under no-load conditions, the MAX16993 is the only 3-channel solution on the market that consumes just 25uA of quiescent current, Maxim says. This makes the PMIC more efficient than traditional DC-DC converters, which often run on several milliamps.
Additionally, because the MAX16993 integrates a high-switching-frequency controller and two output converters capable of 3A each, it saves more than 50% board space compared to traditional discrete solutions. The device's 2.1MHz frequency improves AM band noise avoidance and keeps the external inductors and capacitors small. In addition to instrument clusters, the MAX16993 offers high efficiency in infotainmnent applications, Maxim says.
South Africa Capital Adopting Dual-Fuel Technology for Public, Private Vehicles
Motorists in Johannesburg, South Africa, and eventually the rest of the country, will be introduced to a system that will allow them to switch between hybrid and gasoline engines.
Africa’s wealthiest city is exploring this and other initiatives in an effort to reduce carbon emissions as part of the fight against climate change.
“We have started a process to convert the city’s vehicle fleet to operate in a dual-fuel system, making use of biogas as a hybrid system together with diesel and petrol,” Mayor Parks Tau says during the opening of the C40 Climate Leadership Summit. “In the future, we intend to develop and produce fuel filters (and) conversion kits for both private and public vehicles throughout the city.”
Tau says Johannesburg’s response to urban migration, where people move from rural areas to the city to seek employment opportunities, includes working to curb the amount of cars on the roads by encouraging motorists to use public transport.
New U.K. Facility Gears for Transmission Testing
Drive System Design opens a new test facility for customers in the transmissions and driveline industry.
The 4,300-sq.-ft. (400-sq.-m) facility includes workshops and test equipment for the development and validation of mechanical hardware, complementing the U.K. company’s established design, analysis and control capabilities.
Vehicle modification and build is a key DSD test activity. To support this, the workshops include general fabrication, installation and fitting capabilities.
“We can now take customer projects all the way from modelling the optimum solution to assembling and validating the finished product,” Rob Oliver, chief engineer-development and control, says in a news release.
“This can be anything from a synchronizer assembly or park brake to a complete transmission. With the new facility, we can provide a seamless service by generating the validation requirements then following up with the design of a rig with assembly and commissioning.”
