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Robot makes light work of wiring harnesses

The first version of Q5D’s robot for automating the assembly of wiring harnesses for electric vehicles (EVs) is being shipped, writes Nick Flaherty. Q5D is using its CY1000 system to assemble the wiring harness in the roof lining of a prototype SUV being tested in the UK.

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Korean aluminium alloy boosts thermal stability

Researchers in Korea have developed an aluminium alloy for EVs that dramatically improves thermal stability, writes Nick Flaherty. The team at the Korea Institute of Material Science (KIMS) identified a new mechanism by which the nanostructures inside aluminium alloys work, and the alloys they have developed improve thermal stability by up to 140%, compared with existing aluminium ones.

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Global production for custom magnetics using AI algorithms

Frenetic Electronics has launched a global production service for its custom magnetics designs, writes Nick Flaherty. Frenetic Factory produces inductors, transformers and EMI filters, based on a free web design and analysis tool called Core Optimizer. This uses AI-based algorithms trained by the engineers at Frenetic.

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Scalable approach speeds up capacitor design

TDK has developed a standardised, modular, DC link capacitor design for traction inverters, writes Nick Flaherty. The xEVCap is built from modules connected in parallel to provide specific capacitances for powertrain inverters in passenger cars, commercial and off-highway vehicles.

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Powering two- to three-wheelers in Asia

FRIWO has developed a motor control unit and software specifically for two- and three-wheel vehicles in Asia, writes Nick Flaherty. The MC1.5-55A-48V unit has a continuous power output of 1.5 kW for light EVs using permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), making it ideal for electric scooters, motorcycles and other vehicles, particularly in India, Vietnam and Indonesia, and generally in Southeast Asia.

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Stackable connectors that simply snap in place

ENNOVI has developed a stackable, multi-row, board-to-board (BTB) automotive connector that snaps together without soldering, writes Nick FlahertyThe ENNOVI-MB2B system uses a proprietary ‘snap-in biscuit’ design, which allows multiple connector units to be stacked together without soldering, and it is reliable enough to use in EVs.

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Memory device functions at 600 C

Researchers in the USA have developed a heat-resistant, non-volatile memory device able to withstand temperatures of over 600 C, writes Nick Flaherty. The ferroelectric aluminium scandium nitride (AlScN) device can be used in electric aircraft and motors to add machine-learning controls and sensors in harsh environments.

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Testing gallium nitride power at high temperatures

Researchers in the USA are finding a way to use gallium nitride (GaN) power devices at high temperatures, writes Nick Flaherty. A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is investigating the impact of temperature on ohmic contacts in a gallium nitride device.

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First showing of new eVTOL vehicle with US certification

Joby Aviation has shown its electric vehicle take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle in Europe for the first time as it receives US certification for its propulsion systems, writes Nick Flaherty. The certification plan, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is a critical step towards receiving type certification. The eVTOL was shown in Europe for the first time at the Mobile World Congress exhibition by partner SK Telecom.

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Propulsion module for take-off and landing aircraft

Greenjets and Ricardo have shown a fully operational, demonstration propulsion module for use in electric aircraft, writes Nick Flaherty. The InCEPTion module, the result of an 18-month project, is aimed at eVTOL aircraft weighing under 5 t.