Intelligent semi-conductor power distribution
SCS® Smart Control Systems for modern vehicles and machines
Until now, conventional power distribution systems based on fuses or resettable mechanical circuit breakers and relays with limited switching cycles have been used in vehicles. However, this technology has many disadvantages in an autonomous vehicle. Semiconductor-based power distribution offers decisive advantages here.
Autonomous vehicles require considerably more electronic components and sensors to control and monitor their movements. As a result, more components require device protection. To minimise device failure in the event of a disconnection, it is advisable to protect each load separately. Conventional power distribution requires considerably more protective devices and a high level of cabling to supply loads with power from a central, easily accessible location.
The use of semiconductor-based power distribution units, such as the SCS® modules from E-T-A, makes it possible to simplify power distribution despite the increased requirements. Power distribution units are located decentrally at the points in the vehicle where most loads are located. Direct access to the distribution points, for example to reset a device tripped by the overcurrent monitoring or to search for an error using measurement technology, is not necessary. Instead, the device provides information on the cause of tripping via its communication interface (e.g. CAN J1939 or CANopen). Remote resetting and automatic resetting without external intervention is also possible via the interface. If the overcurrent protection trips, the reason usually is a defective load. This impairs the function of the vehicle or machine and can even mean total failure.
This situation is particularly serious in the case of autonomous systems, as in most cases there is no specialist on site and must first be sent to the machine's location. The use of semiconductor-based power distribution systems also offers advantages here. During operation, the electronics measure the currents flowing to the individual loads and provide this information via the communication interface. By monitoring the measured values and recognising changes, such as an increase in current in a fan, an impending defect can be detected. This helps initiate countermeasures before a failure occurs.
The intelligent semiconductor-based power distribution modules of the SCS® product group from E-T-A facilitate handling the complex vehicle electrics, detect impending failures of electrical components at an early stage and facilitate troubleshooting and fault rectification if the failure cannot be prevented.
Teaserphoto: ©bannafarsai - stock.adobe.com
