Study Examination: Utilization of PCBs in Auto Sensor Applications
In the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles, the role of sensors is paramount. These intelligent devices monitor and control various aspects in automobiles, from oil pressure to emission levels [6]. Sierra Circuits, a renowned PCB manufacturer, has recently delivered a PCB that plays a crucial part in a mmWave radar emulator used in autonomous car testing [7].
The PCB built by Sierra Circuits was a 60-mil, FR4 board, specifically designed for mechanical support purposes. It was engineered to meet the stringent -40 °C to +80 °C temperature range required for such boards, ensuring optimal performance in various environmental conditions [1].
Sensors, being sensitive electronic devices, have several crucial characteristics, including sensitivity, resolution, linearity, zero and full-scale drift, range, and repeatability [2]. In the realm of autonomous cars, a variety of sensors are employed, such as the mass airflow (MAF) sensor, oxygen sensor, engine speed sensor, spark knock sensor, coolant sensor, voltage sensor, manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, fuel temperature sensor, throttle position sensor, camshaft position sensor, and vehicle speed sensor [3].
Keysight Technologies, a company facing challenges in choosing the right boards for their automotive sensor prototypes, has been impressed by Sierra Circuits' services. Not only did Sierra Circuits meet Keysight's needs for highly flat and stiff boards, but they also addressed their major concern with reasonable tolerances, achieving 10-mil accuracy in this case [4].
The polarization twister, a critical component in the mmWave radar emulator, was also built by Sierra Circuits. This component is used for testing how well certain radars are able to sense road conditions in an emulation fashion [7].
For those interested in designing high-speed PCBs, a High-Speed PCB Design Guide is a valuable resource. This guide explains signal integrity issues, understanding transmission lines and controlled impedance, the selection process of high-speed PCB materials, and high-speed layout guidelines [5].
In the future, the collaboration between companies like Sierra Circuits and Keysight Technologies is expected to continue, driving the development of more advanced autonomous vehicles and paving the way for a safer, more efficient driving experience.
[1] Autonomous Vehicle Sensors [2] Understanding Sensors [3] Automotive Sensors [4] Sierra Circuits Delivers PCB for Keysight Technologies [5] High-Speed PCB Design Guide [6] Automotive Sensors in Modern Designs [7] Sierra Circuits' PCB in mmWave Radar Emulator
- The High-Speed PCB Design Guide, a vital resource for designing high-speed PCBs, discusses various aspects such as signal integrity issues, understanding transmission lines, controlled impedance, high-speed PCB materials selection, and high-speed layout guidelines.
- In the transportation industry, autonomous vehicles rely heavily on a multitude of sensors, including the mass airflow sensor, oxygen sensor, engine speed sensor, spark knock sensor, coolant sensor, voltage sensor, manifold absolute pressure sensor, fuel temperature sensor, throttle position sensor, camshaft position sensor, and vehicle speed sensor, to monitor and control various aspects.
- The collaboration between companies like Sierra Circuits and Keysight Technologies in the automotive sector is Anticipated to continue, contributing to the development of more advanced autonomous vehicles and fostering a safer, more efficient driving experience.
