Smart module

Abstract: As vehicles become intelligent for the convenience and safety of drivers, in-vehicle networking (IVN) systems and smart modules are essential components of intelligent vehicles. However, there are obstacles for the wide acceptance of smart modules. First, there exist numerous IVN protocols that a smart module should be able to support. Second, the whole smart module has to be replaced when only the sensor of the module fails. In order to overcome these obstacles, a smart module is implemented as two units; one responsible for network communication and the other for sensor/actuator operations. In addition, the modules use an interface between the two units as defined by the IEEE 1451 standard. This paper presents a design of the smart module based on the IEEE 1451 standard along with the experimental evaluation for time delays.

Abstract: In low-output-voltage DC/DC power converters, power losses due to the conduction of rectifying devices are significant. Using synchronous rectifiers instead of the conventional fast recovery diodes or Schottky diodes is an effective solution to this problem in most topologies. However, for synchronous rectifiers to perform effectively, this requires an external gate drive with proper sensing and timing control circuits. This can increase the complexity and cost in power converter hardware implementation. For the first time, a smart power synchronous rectifier (SPSR), which is a two-terminal MOS rectifier, is designed to overcome this difficulty. The SPSR integrates a simple control unit with a power MOSFET into a smart module to form a self-controlled synchronous rectifier. It has great advantages over the conventional discrete circuit composition, such as integrated gate control, precise timing switching and fast transient response, which are suitable for applications in high-frequency pulsewidth modulation (PWM) power converter circuits.

Abstract: A method is provided for configuring a smart module which is coupled to a programmable logic controller. The controller includes an initial configuration file which specifies an initial configuration for the smart module. After power up and initialization of the controller, the initial configuration file is transmitted from the controller to the smart module. The initial configuration file is now designated a current configuration file and the smart module assumes the configuration specified by the current configuration file. In accordance with the method of the invention, module specific information which is stored in the module is then displayed to aid a user in configuring the module. The user can then modify the current configuration file in response to the module specific information which was displayed. This method significantly simplifies the process of configuring smart modules for the user.

Abstract: In the upcoming field of e-mobility roof-integrated photovoltaic systems are used to extend the cruising range of electric vehicles. Due to the roof's curvature the solar cells (SC) show different inclination angles to the sunlight, resulting in different maximum power points (MPP) and a lower harvested energy if all SCs are controlled by a centralized MPP-regulated DC/DC converter. A further issue is partial shading. The use of smart modules where a smaller SC number is tied to a module-integrated converter with MPP tracking (MPPT) improves the system efficiency. Current smart module controllers like the SPV1020 [5] use ADCs for voltage and current measurements together with digital processing. Quasi-analog MPPT methods for system-on-chip implementation in this field of application are discussed and tested [1,2] but not realized as ICs. In the field of energy harvesting for micro power applications converters with integrated analogue MPPT are already implemented [3] but the quality of the MPP regulation is too poor for the use in smart modules.