Wearables

As vehicles continue to integrate electronic control unit (ECU) networks for cutting-edge functionality, the automotive central gateway controller plays a central role in bridging and managing the transfer of data across various protocols (e.g. CAN, FlexRay, LIN, Ethernet, and ISO-9141). The central gateway achieves physical isolation between ECU networks, as well as portability between protocols ...

Automotive displays — which include the center display, heads-up display (HUD), and gauge instrument cluster — show key information and interactive content to the driver. The center information display is connected to the head unit, and provides navigation and other in-cabin infotainment controls. The automotive HUD and gauge instrument cluster provide easy-to-access information for the driver. Th...

Automotive head unit designs have evolved from the traditional hardware interfaces into sophisticated infotainment systems that offer various in-cabin functionalities. These features include navigation, wireless connections, passenger entertainment, gesture recognition, and voice control. As consumer expectations for infotainment features continue to increase, manufacturers face design challenges ...

Laser imaging, detection, and ranging (LiDAR) is a rapidly expanding market for automotive advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) applications. Autonomous vehicle perception sensing is a cutting-edge functionality of ADAS technologies, and will continue to develop as new cars integrate radar with cameras and LiDAR systems. LiDAR uses real-time measurements of light pulses to offer higher bandwid...

Automotive in-vehicle infotainment systems are becoming increasingly software-driven to enhance safety and security, as well as the overall driving experience. Modern cars integrate driving and environmental information, passenger entertainment, wireless connections, and navigation into a centralized infotainment system architecture. However, with the rise of sophisticated in-vehicle infotainment ...

Rearview cameras are perhaps the most well-known camera subsystem used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications. As this feature is being offered and expected in more and more vehicles, these camera systems must offer high integration and fast data processing to enable accurate, real-time monitoring of possible hazards behind the vehicle and channeling information directly to an L...

Rearview cameras are perhaps the most well-known camera subsystem used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications. As this feature is being offered and expected in more and more vehicles, these camera systems must offer high integration and fast data processing to enable accurate, real-time monitoring of possible hazards behind the vehicle and channeling information directly to an L...

Front-facing cameras are an increasingly popular camera subsystem used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications. Because this feature is becoming standard in more and more vehicles, off-battery camera systems must offer high integration and fast data processing to enable accurate, real-time monitoring of possible hazards in front of the vehicle, in addition to assisting with integ...

Front-facing cameras are an increasingly popular camera subsystem used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications. As this feature is being offered and expected in more and more vehicles, these camera systems must offer high integration and fast data processing to enable accurate, real-time monitoring of possible hazards in front of the vehicle, and assist with integrated systems su...

USB Type-C power delivery (PD) is gaining popularity across applications and markets, including in automotive. USB ports have become an expected standard in most car models, and are typically expected to offer both charging and data functionality. USB Type-C improves on older USB designed by offering a smaller, reversible port for easy plug-in and double the transfer speed of USB 3.0. USB PD proto...

Wireless in-car charging is becoming an increasingly popular feature in new vehicle models. The ability to charge a smartphone or other portable device by simply placing it in a designated area, such as a center console tray — without having to physically connect the device or plug it in — offers a world of convenience for consumers. Charging has become an expected standard in most car models, and...

Smart trackers are one of the latest innovations in the growing market of wearable and highly portable devices. Intended to help the user track or find items such as keys, critical features include multi-standard wireless connectivity — such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and near field communication (NFC) — as well as reliable sensing and feedback to communicate the devices location. These high levels...

Gaming controllers and peripherals are expected to have fast, accurate controls, reliable haptic feedback, and a long battery life. The nature of these devices means they must also be lightweight, comfortable to hold, and fairly durable. Connectivity options include RF signals, WiFi, Bluetooth, and near field control (NFC), and many controllers and peripherals integrate more than one of these. Oth...

Electronic smart locks are increasing in popularity with the rise of IoT and smart homes, as they provide convenience and a sense of security to consumers. Because they are typically battery-powered, energy efficiency to maximize battery life is crucial. The nature of these devices means they must also offer ease-of-use, stable operation, and the ability to withstand wide temperature ranges and ex...

Air purifiers and humidifiers must be able to reliably improve air quality for end users. The best designs also offer improved energy efficiency, convenience, and low noise. As more and more appliances are expected to be smart-home ready, consumers are demanding new features such as wireless connectivity for ease of control. To meet and exceed customer expectations, designers are challenged with f...

Mobile points of service (POS) offer the same features as other portable POS devices from the convenience of a tablet or smartphone. POS are expected to deliver fast, secure payment transactions amid changing payment methods and rising customer expectations. They must offer high reliability, long battery life, ease-of-use, and quick processing speeds to accelerate checkout times. As retail and ser...

Drone remote controllers must be able to offer consumers the precise, reliable control of drones and multicopters without hindering speed, navigation, or flight time. Wireless connectivity, as well as fast data processing and communication across a broad transmission distance, are crucial to ensure proper control and safety. Many new designs also feature LCD or LED interfaces, or even smartphone c...

Driver monitoring systems are one of the latest developments in automotive safety technology. As part of a holistic human-machine interface (HMI), driver monitoring systems track vital sign parameters and driver attentiveness, so that in the event that the driver is unable to operate the vehicle, assistance can be provided. Of course, advanced new features add design complexity and additional cons...

360° surround view cameras help eliminate blind spots for drivers by providing a birds eye view of the car and typically channeling it directly to an LCD display located in the cabins head unit. This image is a composite created from multiple cameras located around the vehicle, usually at least four. Sometimes thought of as the next step in evolution from the backup camera, 360° surround view came...

An optical network terminal (ONT) unit is a device that connects fiber optics cables to other wiring such as Ethernet and phone lines by converting the signal from optical to electrical and vice versa. Though they draw power from an electrical source, these devices also often have battery backup options in case of a power outage. It is typically part of a larger GPON (gigabyte passive optical netw...

Fitness machines can be a key component of medical treatment and physical wellness. State-of-the-art medical systems often include next-generation user interfaces, real-time sensing and biometrics, and multi-standard connectivity. With growing concerns about the price of healthcare, reliability and cost are also crucial factors for customers. And of course, to help enhance the abilities of healthc...

Ovens are a key household appliance, and one which consumers expect to be reliable, effective, convenient, and energy efficient. The rise of smart homes has added a new layer of design requirements to new generations of ovens, including durable and intuitive user interfaces, wireless connectivity, smart sensing, and predictive maintenance. IoT capabilities can help keep up with growing consumer ex...

Portable printers are incorporating more features into a small, lightweight packages. New designs are expected to include easier wireless connectivity, support for multiple input types, easy-to-use interfaces, and longer battery runtime. These printers must be able to quickly print high-quality renditions of documents or photos, as well as keep up with energy-saving trends that have increased the ...