Electromobility - Sensing and Controls

As electromobility gains more and more importance, we too want to be actively involved and support our customers at this environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles. We offer solutions for electro and hybrid vehicles according to customer specific application.

Electromobility - Our Strengths

More than 30 years of experience – proven partner for Sensing and Power Electronic in Automotive Industry

  • Robust, proven sensors (dedicated to automotive market)
  • Excellent market accessability
  • High competence in system integration
  • High flexibility and versatile sensing technologies
  • Experienced in E-mobility

Sensors from KYOCERA AVX monitor, among other things, linear paths and the characteristics of battery cells. In modern vehicles, position sensors support the fast and precise matching of the perception of the camera and radar systems to the actual state of the vehicle. KYOCERA AVX has a broad technology portfolio and through a close network with the semiconductor industry as well as various research centers is always at the cutting edge to meet the dynamic requirements of the market.

We equip our products with efficient, power saving technology and add micropower ICs or even passive components for wake-up functions with special consumption requirements. Using innovative manufacturing processes, we produce robust but slim and thus lightweight solutions with weight-optimized design. We find the right package for current needs and are at your side as a trend-setting consultant for future applications.

Battery Management

Electric Smart Switch

This smart semiconductor-based switch developed by KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) ensures a fast, safe, and noiseless switching of DC networks. This is available as a standard module or also as a customer-specific design.

Due to high requirements and increased integration of additional safety-relevant features in the vehicle electrical system architecture, a semiconductor-based solution can provide marked advantages when compared to a mechanical relay, including considerably higher switching speeds. Particularly in the event of a short circuit, every microsecond counts in order to guarantee a safe disconnect. The Electric Smart Switch protects the supply circuit during charging and discharging bi-directionally in the event of overcharging or a short circuit. In addition, the Electric Smart Switch permits the pre-charging of the DC network to enhance the service life of system components.

Special characteristics

  • Uni-directional / Bi-directional design
  • Scalable performance design architecture
  • Integrated logic (temperature measurement, current measurement in Generation 2)
  • Overcurrent detection and safe shutdown in the event of a short circuit
  • Pre-charging of on-board networks by means of clocked switching
  • Variable cooling connection
  • Customer-specific interfaces (electrical, mechanical)
  • Qualified according to ECPE AGQ 324 (planned)
  • Maximum current capacity and low resistance

Application-specific data

Typical applications

  • Battery Switch
  • Battery Systems (Battery Disconnect Units)
  • DC Circuit Breakers

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

Solid-state relay, e-relay, circuit breaker, battery switch, e-fuse, disconnect switch, power switch

Our controls support the focal points of future mobility:

Electromobility, safety in an emergency, autonomous driving, industrial applications, H2 applications / drives, fuel cell vehicles

» Download Fast Facts

 

OBC - On Board Charger

The On Board Charger (OBC) from KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) is an industry leading solution with very high power density in a small package. Its proven design is ready as a plug-n-play solution or can be customized, depending on customer needs.

Special characteristics

  • Water- or air-cooled versions available
  • EVSE communication (CP/PP):
  • In accordance with SAEJ1772 and IEC 61851
  • Vehicle communication: CAN 2.0B / CAN-FD
  • Designed to ASIL-C and ISO26262 standards

In Development

  • Bi-directional variant: vehicle → consumers
  • PLC fast charging function

Application-specific data

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

On Board Chargers, fast charging, DC charging system, charging infrastructure, fast charging system

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

Electromobility

» Download Fast Facts


Mechanical condition monitoring of the battery cells

Depending on the type deployed (prismatic, cylindrical, cushion), battery cells are subject to different deformations during charging and discharging cycles. Our inductive approach to battery monitoring provides non-contact reliable information about the current state of deformation, and serves as a reference for battery ageing.

Characteristics

  • Air gap Measurement: 4-10 mm range
  • Resolution: 10 - 12 Bit
  • ASIL: B(D)
  • Linearity error: < 0.125mm

Water detection sensor - Detection of water in an oil cooled battery:

For vehicles with a high demand on battery performance, the batteries can be tempered with a special oil. The presence of a critical amount of water inside the battery must be avoided. Since water in the battery lead to corrosion and thus negatively affects the service life. The water detection sensor is part of a sensor set consisting of two level sensors and a temperature sensor. With an additional on-board µ-controller, the battery sensor set can communicate in real time with the battery management system and thus decisively extend the service life of the battery.

Characteristics

  • Operation temperature: -30 °C / +65 °C
  • Power supply 12 V by BMS (Battery Management System board)
  • Current consumption: approx. 40 mA only for water detection sensor
  • Water detection: approx. > 2 %
  • Fluid speed through sensor: up to 35 l/min.
  • Output: different parameters by CAN Interface
  • FUSI: ASIL A

CAN parameters

  • Water detection: yes / no
  • Oil level: oil / air
  • Oil temperature
  • Failure modes: shortcut, open, failure band

» Download Fast Facts

Braking & Suspension

KYOCERA AVX Position Sensors support regenerative braking system

In todays brake pedals, position sensors enable fast and accurate detection of braking intent. These sensors are application coupled to the pedal or integrated into the brake booster. A light application of the brake decelerates the vehicle by generating charging current through the drivetrain instead of activating the mechanical brakes; this extends the range and protects the environment. KYOCERA AVX sensors operate with a linearity of +/-1% and reliably cover the IP6K9K protection range.
Output signals in analog, PWM, PSI5 and SENT can be generated, meeting the class C(D) ASIL capability per channel. We also support optional low power operation and wake-up function.


Characteristics:

  • Linearity: +/- 1 %
  • Sealing: IP6K9K
  • Output signals: Analog, PWM, PSI5, SENT
  • ASIL: C(D) per channel
  • Optionally: Low power operation, Wake-up function

» Download Fast Facts


KYOCERA AVX Chassis Sensors support the camera and radar systems of advanced vehicles in perceiving their environment and potential road dangers

The fast and precise comparison of this information with the actual state of the vehicle indicates the need for action to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. Our position sensors in weight-optimized design permanently detect the chassis position and provide necessary information for assistance systems, which are indispensable especially regarding autonomous driving. KYOCERA AVX chassis sensors operate with a linearity of +/-1% and reliably cover the IP6K9K protection range. Output signals in analog, PWM, PSI5 and SENT can be generated, with a class B ASIL capability.
We support a temperature range from -40 °C to +125 °C.


Characteristics:

  • Linearity: +/- 1 %
  • Sealing: IP6K9K
  • Output signals: Analog, PWM, PSI5, SENT
  • Temperature range: -40 °C to +125 °C
  • ASIL: B

» Download Fast Facts

Charging Solutions

OBC - On Board Charger

The On Board Charger (OBC) from KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) is an industry leading solution with very high power density in a small package. Its proven design is ready as a plug-n-play solution or can be customized, depending on customer needs.

Special characteristics

  • Water- or air-cooled versions available
  • EVSE communication (CP/PP):
  • In accordance with SAEJ1772 and IEC 61851
  • Vehicle communication: CAN 2.0B / CAN-FD
  • Designed to ASIL-C and ISO26262 standards

In Development

  • Bi-directional variant: vehicle → consumers
  • PLC fast charging function

Application-specific data

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

On Board Chargers, fast charging, DC charging system, charging infrastructure, fast charging system

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

Electromobility

» Download Fast Facts

Drive By Wire

Driver Demand Controls

The accelerator pedal is a key direct interface between the vehicle and its user. In a very special way, it conveys the brand promise of the vehicle manufacturer.
The design of the accelerator pedal provides another opportunity to deliver on the expectations of the brand. Accelerator pedals from KYOCERA AVX convey positive feelings of quality and safety - for a rewarding driving experience.

The technology in our active accelerator pedals supports the dynamic driving experience of electric and hybrid drives. Using haptic signals, they alert the driver to a change of drive mode from or to the combustion engine. At the same time, our mature products convey confidence and safety, supported by the cumulative experience of more than 20 years of development and production of electronic accelerator pedals.

Sensing technology
Non-contacting: Hall, Autopad®


Special application: Haptic pedal

  • Reduced weight with optimized temperature Performance and low consumption
  • Below 900 grams and is significantly below the total weight of comparable pedals
  • Less than one watt power consumption for a switched-on actuator when drive changes from battery to combustion engine
  • Power increase <12N
  • No time limit for temperature range of -40 °C to 80 °C.
  • Simple and compact design - extremely sturdy
  • Information path without distraction
  • Subliminal function produces intuitive reaction

» Download Fast Facts


Electronic Hand Throttles

The electronic hand throttle is a direct communications interface with the driver. An integrated sensor continuously indicates the position of the electronic throttle grip, and this information is transferred from the sensor to the control unit very quickly and accurately. The control unit communicates with an actuator at the throttle flap, which will open or close according to the sensor signal. A complex process chain follows that will influence engine management.

In addition to ensuring engine efficiency, several features are provided for safety and comfort, and these are driven by signals from the very same sensor in the hand throttle. The complexity of these processes creates a need for technologies that are precisely designed to the individual needs of each customer application.

Constant improvement of technologies supports additional features
Electronic hand throttles have largely replaced mechanical modules with Bowden cables. Controlling the powertrain with an electronic solution is much more precise, and therefore invaluable in meeting proposed exhaust emission standards, as well as providing additional features such as signals for regenerative braking in E-bikes.

Position sensors are integrated into the latest generation of electronic hand throttles, which convert the angle of the rotary handle into an electronic signal. This way, the signal can be sent directly to the control unit without loss. The sensors used in KYOCERA AVX electronic hand throttles deploy contactless ‘Hall effect’ technology. The signals are transferred very rapidly, with stability and high accuracy, fully satisfying the requirements of cutting edge vehicles. The EMC immunity and signal quality meet the highest standards in our customers’ premium applications, and allow very efficient individual customer designs.

Electronic hand throttle – High demand for flexibility
Electronic hand throttles from KYOCERA AVX are distinguished by their electronic design and high flexibility in special customer applications. They are proven in the market, and are in series production for market leading OEMs.


Innovativeness and Experience:

  • Electronic hand throttles supplied since 2010
  • High robustness against external magnetic fields
  • Possibility of ASIL C if required

Typical Features and Benefits:

  • Contactless sensor technology (based on Hall technology)
  • 5V supply voltage
  • Two independent output signals
  • Output signal programmable
  • Low weight
  • High reliability
  • High protection level
  • Left hand throttle available
  • Developed for vehicles from Euro 4 or BS6 standard

» Download Fast Facts

Hydrogen

Electric Smart Switch

This smart semiconductor-based switch developed by KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) ensures a fast, safe, and noiseless switching of DC networks. This is available as a standard module or also as a customer-specific design.

Due to high requirements and increased integration of additional safety-relevant features in the vehicle electrical system architecture, a semiconductor-based solution can provide marked advantages when compared to a mechanical relay, including considerably higher switching speeds. Particularly in the event of a short circuit, every microsecond counts in order to guarantee a safe disconnect. The Electrical Smart Switch protects the supply circuit during charging and discharging bi-directionally in the event of overcharging or a short circuit. In addition, the Electrical Smart Switch permits the pre-charging of the DC network to enhance the service life of system components.

Special characteristics

  • Uni-directional / Bi-directional design
  • Scalable performance design architecture
  • Integrated logic (temperature measurement, current measurement in Generation 2)
  • Overcurrent detection and safe shutdown in the event of a short circuit
  • Pre-charging of on-board networks by means of clocked switching
  • Variable cooling connection
  • Customer-specific interfaces (electrical, mechanical)
  • Qualified according to ECPE AGQ 324 (planned)
  • Maximum current capacity and low resistance

Application-specific data

Typical applications

  • Battery Switch
  • Battery Systems (Battery Disconnect Units)
  • DC Circuit Breakers

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

Solid-state relay, e-relay, circuit breaker, battery switch, e-fuse, disconnect switch, power switch

Our controls support the focal points of future mobility:

Electromobility, safety in an emergency, autonomous driving, industrial applications, H2 applications / drives, fuel cell vehicles

» Download Fast Facts

SiC Power Module

To meet the needs of the rapidly expanding market for electrical and hybrid vehicle inverters, KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) has developed a compact, ultra-efficient power module based on the latest SiC technology. Due to its high power density, this module can be used in many other applications where high switching speeds are required.

Special characteristics

  • Small design package
  • High power density
  • Integrated metal baseplate available for cooling
  • Various performance classes available
  • Qualified according to ECPE AGQ 324 (planned)
  • Low stray inductances
  • Scalable switching architecture to optimize cost
  • Available in custom Half-Bridge & B6 Bridge configurations

Application-specific data

Typical applications

  • Inverters (E-Motor, DC-DC, Solar, etc)
  • EV charging stations
  • Motor drives

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

Half-bridge module, B6 full bridge, Si / SiC power module

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

Electromobility, renewable energy, charging infrastructure, H2 applications / drives, fuel cell vehicles

» Download Fast Facts

GaN Power Module

To meet the needs of the rapidly expanding market for electrical and hybrid vehicle inverters, KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) has developed a compact, ultra-efficient power module based on the latest GaN technology. Due to its high-power density, this module can be used in many other applications where high switching speeds are required.

Special characteristics

  • Small design package
  • High power density
  • Integrated metal baseplate available for cooling
  • Various performance classes available
  • Qualified according to ECPE AGQ 324 (planned)
  • Low stray inductances
  • Scalable switching architecture to optimize cost
  • Available in custom Half-Bridge & B6 Bridge configurations

Application-specific data

Typical applications

  • Electromobility
  • Inverters (E-Motor, DC-DC, Solar, etc)
  • EV charging stations
  • Motor drives
  • On-board chargers

OBC - On Board Charger

The On Board Charger (OBC) from KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) is an industry leading solution with very high power density in a small package. Its proven design is ready as a plug-n-play solution or can be customized, depending on customer needs.

Special characteristics

  • Water- or air-cooled versions available
  • EVSE communication (CP/PP):
  • In accordance with SAEJ1772 and IEC 61851
  • Vehicle communication: CAN 2.0B / CAN-FD
  • Designed to ASIL-C and ISO26262 standards

In Development

  • Bi-directional variant: vehicle → consumers
  • PLC fast charging function

Application-specific data

» Download Fast Facts


 

Motor Control Unit (MCU) for Brushless DC Motor  (BLDC Motors)

A customer-specific control unit from KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) provides significant advantages for integration into the electric motor and into the existing installation space. The modules contain all the necessary components for the control of a brushless DC motor (BLDC motor). Their design is adapted, via the selection of the electrical components and the mechanical fasteners, also to the smallest installation space requirements and coordinated perfectly with the respective application. The comprehensive know-how of several product generations is used via sophisticated thermal and mechanical simulation. Each control unit meets the requirement of a perfectly coordinated solution with regard to space, reliability, manufacturability and cost efficiency. The specially developed contact and connecting elements also contribute to this and permit optimal connection to the external connector and, besides the mechanical reliability, provide an important cost advantage. Increasingly shorter development times in the automotive industry are achieved via specially developed platforms for hardware and software solutions. In that way it is possible to make the first prototype available within a few weeks and to successfully implement a closely coordinated project schedule as far as series production. All the platforms can be adapted at any time to the needs of other applications and automobile manufacturers. This applies to the power (30 W – 10 kW), to the on-board voltage (12 V – 810 V), and to the required communication (PWM, LIN, CAN) with the control unit.      

  

Special characteristics

  • High temperature range (-40 to + 150 °C)
  • High performance in a small installation space
  • High vibrations permissible, attachment to combustion engine and transmission possible
  • Complete integration into the electric motor due to high integration density
  • Customized design

Platform

Typical applications

  • Water pumps
  • Oil pumps
  • Air pumps
  • Electric refrigerant compressor
  • Electronic crankcase ventilation
  • Heat pumps
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Intercooling
  • Filter drive
  • Blower
  • E-turbocharger

» Download Fast Facts


Air Blower 11 kW

Power Electronics for a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Air Blower
Highly integrated power electronics for an air blower of a hydrogen fuel cell stack, mounted to the backside of the blower motor


Features:

  • Supply voltage: 200-500 VDC
  • Power / current: up to 13.5 kW peak (40 A RMS / 55 A peak)
  • Sensor-less FOC control up to 111,000 rpm (for a single pole-pair motor)
  • Response time: < 100 ms
  • Fast startup: < 2 s (0 to max. rpm)
  • Fault handling and protection
  • CAN / LIN / PWM communication

Key Technologies:

  • SiC / IGBT discrete SMD switches
  • Fully SMD – no THT components (ultra-low profile) Standard FR4 Substrate
  • In-house sensor-less FOC Software performed on a small ARM M4F MCU
  • In-house RTOS
  • AUTOSAR like software structure

» Download Fast Facts


Stack Cooling Pump 0.7 kW / 1.4 kW

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cooling Pump
Power electronics for a hydrogen fuel cell stack cooling pump directly, mounted to the backside of the pump motor


Features:

  • Supply voltage: 200-500 VDC / up to 800 V possible
  • Power: 0.7 kW, 1.4 kW / up to 3 kW possible
  • Sensor-less FOC control down to 800 rpm
  • ASIL-Rating: ASIL B
  • Fault handling and protection
  • CAN / LIN / PWM communication

Key Technologies:

  • IGBT discrete SMD switches
  • Standard FR4 – Fully SMD
  • In-house sensor-less FOC Software performed on a small ARM M4F MCU with In-house RTOS
  • Single PCB-Shunt current measurement (no physical component)
  • Ceramic Substrate Al2O3 – for higher thermal performance

» Download Fast Facts


Air Pump 700 W

Power Electronics for an Air Pump
Very high power density electronics for an air pump system, directly mounted to the backside of the motor

Features:

  • Supply voltage: 8-16 VDC
  • Power / current: up to 700 W peak (46 A RMS / 65 A peak)
  • Sensor-less FOC control up to 31,000 rpm
  • Response time: < 100 ms
  • Fast startup: < 1 s (0 to max. rpm)
  • Fault handling and protection
  • CAN / LIN / PWM communication

 Key Technologies:

  • Dual Si-Mosfets discrete SMD switches
  • Fully SMD – no THT components (ultra-low profile)
  • Standard FR4 Substrate
  • In-house sensor-less FOC software performed on a small ARM M4F MCU
  • In-house RTOS AUTOSAR like software structure

» Download Fast Facts


Rotor Position Sensor – Electric Motors

An inductive high speed rotor position sensor (SPINpad sensor)

A combination of high accuracy and fast response time is required for rotor position sensors in the electric motors of hybrid or electric vehicles. This allows the control unit to drive the motor optimally, and leads to a reduction in energy consumption and an increased range of the vehicle.

KYOCERA AVX has developed a new high speed position sensor to meet these requirements. First prototypes of this new sensor have demonstrated market leading performance. This technology can be used in other applications where accuracy and response times are critical (for example, electric power steering), and is also capable of making an additional velocity measurement, which could be used in active suspension systems.

The basic structure of the SPINpad sensor is similar to KYOCERA AVX‘s mature and proven Autopad® technology. However, the SPINpad sensor uses one coil as a transmit coil and two coils as receive coils.

Typical applications

  • Traction Motors for any application (e.g. BEV, PHEV, HEV and MHEV or industrial applications)
  • Electric Compressor
  • Steer by Wire
  • Electric Turbocharger/Supercharger
  • Brake Booster

» More information about SPINpad technology
» Find further technical information in the Fast Facts Sheet


Temperature Sensors

Proven supports innovation: Temperature sensors from KYOCERA AVX optimally combine the requirements of new drive systems with tried and tested solutions, and have been designed to anticipate the versatile demands of alternative systems. Established base technologies, proven millions of times in real world conditions, reduce validation processes. They represent dependable components in a highly innovative environment characterised by many unknowns and test risks.

Temperature sensors from KYOCERA AVX determine temperature safely, quickly and precisely in liquid and gaseous media, e.g. water, oil, fuel, intake air and charge air. With more than 20 years of experience in temperature sensor development and production we are partner of well-known OEMs and system suppliers in the automotive industry.


Sensing technology
Thermistor (NTC) • PTC (e.g. PT1000) • Thermocouple

Features

  • Screw-in, snap-in types
  • In-line interfaces
  • Direct-to-body measurement (e.g. e-motor)
  • Integrated temperature-pressure sensor combination available

Typical applications

  • Battery thermal management (e.g. coolant)
  • Refrigerant temperature (HVAC)
  • Direct-to-body (e.g. battery, motor – stator)

Characteristics

  • Temperature range: -40 °C to +250 °C (in different steps)
  • Accuracy: e.g., +/- 1 °C between -20 °C and 120 °C
  • Response time: 1.5 to 5.0 sec (?90)
  • Connector e.g 2-Pin MLK, customized (on request)

Innovation: Redundant Temperature Sensor
As an automotive supplier for sensors and power modules, our companies have been partners for leading automotive manufacturers and system suppliers for more than four decades. Today, a significant portion of our products is focused on electric mobility and hybrid drives.


If we talk about the range of electric vehicles, the battery is one of the most important elements of future powertrains. Here, too, demanding power densities, accompanied by high temperatures, are becoming the main issue. For temperature monitoring, we rely on a proven technology that, optimized for even better performance, is characterized by an exceptionally long service life. The sensor is designed as a 100 % redundant system for self-diagnostic capability and thus offers optimum safety. With this 100 % redundancy that temperature sensor can be used in systems following functional Safety rules.


Features

  • Safe Battery Management in BEV
  • Proven robust Design
  • Optimised for extreme long life usage
  • Self diagnosis by 100 % redundancy
  • Easy mounting
  • Common connector system
  • Optimised production technology keeps valuable cost level

» Here you can find Fast Fact Sheets for Redundant Temperature Sensor


Pressure Sensors

Last generation pressure sensors are absolutely solid and have excellent long-live characteristics. They win by their modular-building-concept and can easily be integrated into customer systems.

KYOCERA AVX offers a great number of innovative and robust solutions for measuring pressure in different media. Due to flexible configurations, our pressure sensor modules can easily be integrated into customer-specific systems.

Particularly the requirements in high-performance gearbox applications necessitate permanent monitoring of different media. Cost-optimized solutions with high vibration resistance are in great demand and a wide range of basic technologies enables us to optimally adjust the sensor characteristics to the respective customer application.

Polymer Pressure Sensor for HD
Option: with integrated Temperature sensor

As an automotive supplier for sensors and power modules, our
companies have been partners for leading automotive manufacturers
and system suppliers for more than four decades. Today, a significant
portion of our products is focused on electric mobility
and hybrid drives.

With the focus on alternative Power to move Heavy Duty Trucks in the future like Fuel Cells we have developed light weight, highly robust  pressure sensors which can handle alternative media. It combines new materials with innovative and modular design components.


So it is possible to easily combine pressure and temperature sensor in
the same housing – for pressure ranges up to more than 30bar!
Temperature sensor element is fully covered by stainless steel tip.
Due to the innovative sealing conception pressure and temperature can be measured within Hydrogen. It is characterized by an exceptionally long service life.


Features

  • Full Polymer housing
  • Proven robust Design
  • Modular Design with option of Temperature Sensor
  • Special sealing conception
  • Easy Double Flange mounting
  • Common connector system HDSCS
  • Modular Design without metal keeps valuable cost level

» More information about our Pressure Sensors
» Find detailed technical information in the section of data sheets and fast fact sheets


Lighting

LED- and Laser Light Solutions

Since 2005 KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) has been developing and producing customer specific LED module using proven design and process tools to minimize size and optimize thermal dissipation in any environment or application

Ultramodern modular technology is used to precisely place high-power LEDs (+/- 80um XY ref chip center) for use in numerous lighting functions. By combining a precisely placed LED with unique substrate and thermal interface technologies, KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) can offer our automotive customers a world-class solution from one of our global manufacturing sites (Europe, China, NAFTA).

Special characteristics

  • Thermal management (increased service life and power of the LEDs)
  • 3-D arrangement of the light modules on application specific heatsinks and elements
  • Different substrate technologies possible, e.g. PCB / ceramic / aluminium or copper substrate
  • Design freedom for characteristic recognition value
  • Free design of the illuminated image
  • Separate control of the individual LEDs possible
  • Design for matrix headlights

Typical applications

The customer-specific light modules for applications in the front and rear areas of automobiles are made use of for, among other things, full-beam headlights, dipped beam headlights, indicators, cornering lights, daytime running lights, side marker lights, parking lights, cornering lights, motorway lights, spotlights and various applications for tail lights. A special feature is in this case “Adaptive lighting systems (AFS)”, i.e. headlight systems that automatically adapt to the respective traffic and ambient light conditions.

Products from this area are also known under the following keywords:

LED module, sub-assembly, alternator, headlamp, rear lamp, LED substrate, automotive lighting, laser light, infrared, autonomous driving, communication

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

safety and comfort, autonomous driving, communication and data transmission


» Download Fast Facts

Motor Control Units

Motor Control Unit (MCU) for Brushless DC Motor  (BLDC Motors)

A customer-specific control unit from KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) provides significant advantages for integration into the electric motor and into the existing installation space. The modules contain all the necessary components for the control of a brushless DC motor (BLDC motor). Their design is adapted, via the selection of the electrical components and the mechanical fasteners, also to the smallest installation space requirements and coordinated perfectly with the respective application. The comprehensive know-how of several product generations is used via sophisticated thermal and mechanical simulation. Each control unit meets the requirement of a perfectly coordinated solution with regard to space, reliability, manufacturability and cost efficiency. The specially developed contact and connecting elements also contribute to this and permit optimal connection to the external connector and, besides the mechanical reliability, provide an important cost advantage. Increasingly shorter development times in the automotive industry are achieved via specially developed platforms for hardware and software solutions. In that way it is possible to make the first prototype available within a few weeks and to successfully implement a closely coordinated project schedule as far as series production. All the platforms can be adapted at any time to the needs of other applications and automobile manufacturers. This applies to the power (30 W – 10 kW), to the on-board voltage (12 V – 810 V), and to the required communication (PWM, LIN, CAN) with the control unit.      

  

Special characteristics

  • High temperature range (-40 to + 150 °C)
  • High performance in a small installation space
  • High vibrations permissible, attachment to combustion engine and transmission possible
  • Complete integration into the electric motor due to high integration density
  • Customized design

Platform

Typical applications

  • Water pumps
  • Oil pumps
  • Air pumps
  • Electric refrigerant compressor
  • Electronic crankcase ventilation
  • Heat pumps
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Intercooling
  • Filter drive
  • Blower
  • E-turbocharger

Products from this area are also known under the following keywords:

Inverters, motor control unit, electric drive, electrification

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

Electromobility, CO2 reduction

» Download Fast Facts


Air Blower 11 kW

Power Electronics for a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Air Blower
Highly integrated power electronics for an air blower of a hydrogen fuel cell stack, mounted to the backside of the blower motor


Features:

  • Supply voltage: 200-500 VDC
  • Power / current: up to 13.5 kW peak (40 A RMS / 55 A peak)
  • Sensor-less FOC control up to 111,000 rpm (for a single pole-pair motor)
  • Response time: < 100 ms
  • Fast startup: < 2 s (0 to max. rpm)
  • Fault handling and protection
  • CAN / LIN / PWM communication

Key Technologies:

  • SiC / IGBT discrete SMD switches
  • Fully SMD – no THT components (ultra-low profile) Standard FR4 Substrate
  • In-house sensor-less FOC Software performed on a small ARM M4F MCU
  • In-house RTOS
  • AUTOSAR like software structure

» Download Fast Facts


Stack Cooling Pump 0.7 kW / 1.4 kW

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cooling Pump
Power electronics for a hydrogen fuel cell stack cooling pump directly, mounted to the backside of the pump motor


Features:

  • Supply voltage: 200-500 VDC / up to 800 V possible
  • Power: 0.7 kW, 1.4 kW / up to 3 kW possible
  • Sensor-less FOC control down to 800 rpm
  • ASIL-Rating: ASIL B
  • Fault handling and protection
  • CAN / LIN / PWM communication

Key Technologies:

  • IGBT discrete SMD switches
  • Standard FR4 – Fully SMD
  • In-house sensor-less FOC Software performed on a small ARM M4F MCU with In-house RTOS
  • Single PCB-Shunt current measurement (no physical component)
  • Ceramic Substrate Al2O3 – for higher thermal performance

» Download Fast Facts


Air Pump 700 W

Power Electronics for an Air Pump
Very high power density electronics for an air pump system, directly mounted to the backside of the motor

Features:

  • Supply voltage: 8-16 VDC
  • Power / current: up to 700 W peak (46 A RMS / 65 A peak)
  • Sensor-less FOC control up to 31,000 rpm
  • Response time: < 100 ms
  • Fast startup: < 1 s (0 to max. rpm)
  • Fault handling and protection
  • CAN / LIN / PWM communication

 Key Technologies:

  • Dual Si-Mosfets discrete SMD switches
  • Fully SMD – no THT components (ultra-low profile)
  • Standard FR4 Substrate
  • In-house sensor-less FOC software performed on a small ARM M4F MCU
  • In-house RTOS AUTOSAR like software structure

» Download Fast Facts


Ceramic solutions

For more than 40 years, KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) has been developing and producing customer specific ceramic circuit boards with our in-house screen-printing department.

Our experienced employees can design and produce custom ceramic solutions flexibly, efficiently, and simultaneously in an optimised manner.

 Special characteristics                                        

Ceramic substrates maximize performance in minimal space, have high integration density (intelligent logic components), are resistant to high temperatures, improve thermal dissipation and maintain great insulation properties and reliability.

  • Various connecting possibilities
  • Multi-layer structure
  • Different metallisation options
  • Printed precision resistors

Application-specific data

Typical applications

Customer-specific modules for applications in the automotive sector / industrial area / aerospace and medicine for long service life requirements             

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

power electronics, e-mobility, high voltage application, thermal conductivity, ceramic modules, ceramic heating elements

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

thermal conductivity, insulation capacity, high power density, safety, and durability

Power Modules

Electric Smart Switch

This smart semiconductor-based switch developed by KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) ensures a fast, safe, and noiseless switching of DC networks. This is available as a standard module or also as a customer-specific design.

Due to high requirements and increased integration of additional safety-relevant features in the vehicle electrical system architecture, a semiconductor-based solution can provide marked advantages when compared to a mechanical relay, including considerably higher switching speeds. Particularly in the event of a short circuit, every microsecond counts in order to guarantee a safe disconnect. The Electrical Smart Switch protects the supply circuit during charging and discharging bi-directionally in the event of overcharging or a short circuit. In addition, the Electrical Smart Switch permits the pre-charging of the DC network to enhance the service life of system components.

Special characteristics

  • Uni-directional / Bi-directional design
  • Scalable performance design architecture
  • Integrated logic (temperature measurement, current measurement in Generation 2)
  • Overcurrent detection and safe shutdown in the event of a short circuit
  • Pre-charging of on-board networks by means of clocked switching
  • Variable cooling connection
  • Customer-specific interfaces (electrical, mechanical)
  • Qualified according to ECPE AGQ 324 (planned)
  • Maximum current capacity and low resistance

Application-specific data

Typical applications

  • Battery Switch
  • Battery Systems (Battery Disconnect Units)
  • DC Circuit Breakers

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

Solid-state relay, e-relay, circuit breaker, battery switch, e-fuse, disconnect switch, power switch

Our controls support the focal points of future mobility:

Electromobility, safety in an emergency, autonomous driving, industrial applications, H2 applications / drives, fuel cell vehicles

» Download Fast Facts

SiC Power Module

To meet the needs of the rapidly expanding market for electrical and hybrid vehicle inverters, KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) has developed a compact, ultra-efficient power module based on the latest SiC technology. Due to its high power density, this module can be used in many other applications where high switching speeds are required.

Special characteristics

  • Small design package
  • High power density
  • Integrated metal baseplate available for cooling
  • Various performance classes available
  • Qualified according to ECPE AGQ 324 (planned)
  • Low stray inductances
  • Scalable switching architecture to optimize cost
  • Available in custom Half-Bridge & B6 Bridge configurations

Application-specific data

Typical applications

  • Inverters (E-Motor, DC-DC, Solar, etc)
  • EV charging stations
  • Motor drives

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

Half-bridge module, B6 full bridge, Si / SiC power module

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

Electromobility, renewable energy, charging infrastructure, H2 applications / drives, fuel cell vehicles

» Download Fast Facts

GaN Power Module

To meet the needs of the rapidly expanding market for electrical and hybrid vehicle inverters, KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) has developed a compact, ultra-efficient power module based on the latest GaN technology. Due to its high-power density, this module can be used in many other applications where high switching speeds are required.

Special characteristics

  • Small design package
  • High power density
  • Integrated metal baseplate available for cooling
  • Various performance classes available
  • Qualified according to ECPE AGQ 324 (planned)
  • Low stray inductances
  • Scalable switching architecture to optimize cost
  • Available in custom Half-Bridge & B6 Bridge configurations

Application-specific data

Typical applications

  • Electromobility
  • Inverters (E-Motor, DC-DC, Solar, etc)
  • EV charging stations
  • Motor drives
  • On-board chargers

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

Half-bridge module, B6 full bridge

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

Electromobility, renewable energy, charging infrastructure, H2 applications / drives, fuel cell vehicles

» Download Fast Facts

Customer Specific Power Modules

With more than 40 years of experience in the fields of customer specific power modules, KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) can draw on a wide range of design and process knowledge to offer commercially and technically optimized solutions for our many customers. Our development tools and in-house validation capabilities are routinely utilized by our many customers and industries. By the use of customer-specific modules, the total costs in the system can be reduced by greater reliability, space-saving design, and optimal performance.          

                     

Special characteristics                                                                  

  • Low inductance construction
  • High efficiency
  • High switching frequency
  • Long service life
  • High power, high currents
  • Small installation space
  • Optimal thermal resistance
  • Electrical insulation
  • AQG 324 qualification possible

Special technologies                                                                     

  • Chip and wire technology
  • Print and fire
  • Lead frame technology
  • Potting
  • Transfer molding
  • Wafer handling
  • Vacuum soldering
  • Baseplate soldering
  • Selective soldering
  • Clip bonding
  • Die Bonding

Typical applications

  • DC/DC converter (e.g. fuel cell)
  • Si, SiC, GaN power modules
  • Rectifier modules
  • Half-bridge and full-bridge modules
  • Power modules with high integration level

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

Switching converters, switching controllers, PMIC (power management IC)

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

Electromobility, CO2 reduction, H2 applications / drives, fuel cell vehicles

Ceramic solutions

For more than 40 years, KYOCERA AVX (Salzburg) has been developing and producing customer specific ceramic circuit boards with our in-house screen-printing department.

Our experienced employees can design and produce custom ceramic solutions flexibly, efficiently, and simultaneously in an optimised manner.

Special characteristics                                        

Ceramic substrates maximize performance in minimal space, have high integration density (intelligent logic components), are resistant to high temperatures, improve thermal dissipation and maintain great insulation properties and reliability.

  • Various connecting possibilities
  • Multi-layer structure
  • Different metallisation options
  • Printed precision resistors

Application-specific data

Typical applications

Customer-specific modules for applications in the automotive sector / industrial area / aerospace and medicine for long service life requirements             

Products from this area are also known by the following keywords:

power electronics, e-mobility, high voltage application, thermal conductivity, ceramic modules, ceramic heating elements

Our controls support the focal areas of future mobility:

thermal conductivity, insulation capacity, high power density, safety, and durability

Sensor Devices

Rotor Position Sensor – Electric Motors

An inductive high speed rotor position sensor (SPINpad sensor)

A combination of high accuracy and fast response time is required for rotor position sensors in the electric motors of hybrid or electric vehicles. This allows the control unit to drive the motor optimally, and leads to a reduction in energy consumption and an increased range of the vehicle.

KYOCERA AVX has developed a new high speed position sensor to meet these requirements. First prototypes of this new sensor have demonstrated market leading performance. This technology can be used in other applications where accuracy and response times are critical (for example, electric power steering), and is also capable of making an additional velocity measurement, which could be used in active suspension systems.

The basic structure of the SPINpad sensor is similar to KYOCERA AVX‘s mature and proven Autopad® technology. However, the SPINpad sensor uses one coil as a transmit coil and two coils as receive coils.

Typical applications

  • Traction Motors for any application (e.g. BEV, PHEV, HEV and MHEV or industrial applications)
  • Electric Compressor
  • Steer by Wire
  • Electric Turbocharger/Supercharger
  • Brake Booster

» More information about SPINpad technology
» Find further technical information in the Fast Facts Sheet


 

Contactless Position Sensors

KYOCERA AVX Components stands for the development and worldwide production of position sensors based on versatile technologies and with different electronic interfaces. Our position sensors have already proven themselves millions of times in automotive applications and also take over important functions in new types of assistance systems.
Different sensor technologies allow an individual tailoring of the product characteristics to the respective application. Interfaces analog, PWM, PSI5, SENT, CAN, LIN and other protocols are possible.


Exemplary fields of application for the sensors are:

  • Clutch actuators
  • Parking lock sensor
  • Shift fork position sensor
  • Steer-by-wire

» Download Fast Facts


Characteristics:

  • Technology: Hall, Inductive, Magneto-Inductive
  • Measuring range: 0-360° or 0-400 mm
  • Linearity: +/-1%
  • Sealing: IP6K9K
  • Output signals: Analog, PWM, PSI5, SENT SENT
  • ASIL: C(D) per channel

Special features

  • Flexible designs, can be matched to motor pole-pairs giving positional accuracy < 0.5deg electrical
  • Different targets available
  • Signal immediately after power on
  • High speed up to 100,000 rpm
  • Ready for ASIL C (D) or with redundant measurement ASIL D (D)
  • Immune to low frequency magnetic fields
  • Small package size, flat design
  • Temperature range: -40 °C to 160 °C

» Download Fast Facts


Sensor Cover

KYOCERA AVX SENSOR COVERS are used wherever rotary actuators are installed to adjust flaps and valves and at the same time the exact information of the adjusted position is required over the entire temperature range. This information is particularly important in the field of thermal management, i.e. the control of heat flows in the vehicle. KYOCERA AVX advanced overmolding technology can be used to create robust covers that integrate the appropriate measurement technology and seal the application. Measurement travel ranges from 0-360° as well as multiturn with linearity of +/- 1 %. Our sensors reliably cover the protection range IP6K9K. Output signals in analog, PWM, PSI5, Sent can be generated, with class C(D) ASIL capability per channel. We support a temperature range from -40 °C to +150 °C. See our website for more information and feel free to contact us. Link zur Positionssensoren, passendes Akkordeon

Features:

  • Measuring path: 0-360° & multiturn
  • Linearity: +/- 1 %
  • Protection range: IP6K9K
  • Output signals: Analog, PWM, PSI5, SENT
  • Temperature range: -40 °C to + 150 °C
  • ASIL: C(D) per channel

» More information about our Position Sensors

» Data Sheets and Fast Facts for our sensors

» More information about our Autopad®-Technology

 

Temperature Sensors

Proven supports innovation: Temperature sensors from KYOCERA AVX optimally combine the requirements of new drive systems with tried and tested solutions, and have been designed to anticipate the versatile demands of alternative systems. Established base technologies, proven millions of times in real world conditions, reduce validation processes. They represent dependable components in a highly innovative environment characterised by many unknowns and test risks.

Temperature sensors from KYOCERA AVX determine temperature safely, quickly and precisely in liquid and gaseous media, e.g. water, oil, fuel, intake air and charge air. With more than 20 years of experience in temperature sensor development and production we are partner of well-known OEMs and system suppliers in the automotive industry.


Sensing technology
Thermistor (NTC) • PTC (e.g. PT1000) • Thermocouple

Features

  • Screw-in, snap-in types
  • In-line interfaces
  • Direct-to-body measurement (e.g. e-motor)
  • Integrated temperature-pressure sensor combination available

Typical applications

  • Battery thermal management (e.g. coolant)
  • Refrigerant temperature (HVAC)
  • Direct-to-body (e.g. battery, motor – stator)

Characteristics

  • Temperature range: -40 °C to +250 °C (in different steps)
  • Accuracy: e.g., +/- 1 °C between -20 °C and 120 °C
  • Response time: 1.5 to 5.0 sec (?90)
  • Connector e.g 2-Pin MLK, customized (on request)

Innovation: Redundant Temperature Sensor
As an automotive supplier for sensors and power modules, our companies have been partners for leading automotive manufacturers and system suppliers for more than four decades. Today, a significant portion of our products is focused on electric mobility and hybrid drives.


If we talk about the range of electric vehicles, the battery is one of the most important elements of future powertrains. Here, too, demanding power densities, accompanied by high temperatures, are becoming the main issue. For temperature monitoring, we rely on a proven technology that, optimized for even better performance, is characterized by an exceptionally long service life. The sensor is designed as a 100 % redundant system for self-diagnostic capability and thus offers optimum safety. With this 100 % redundancy that temperature sensor can be used in systems following functional Safety rules.



Features

  • Safe Battery Management in BEV
  • Proven robust Design
  • Optimised for extreme long life usage
  • Self diagnosis by 100 % redundancy
  • Easy mounting
  • Common connector system
  • Optimised production technology keeps valuable cost level

» Here you can find Fast Fact Sheets for Redundant Temperature Sensor


Example

  • Temperature sensors for cooling / heating of battery management systems
  • Temperature and pressure sensors in thermo management modules
  • Integrated temperature-pressure sensor combination available

Example

  • Battery packs: Direct-to-body measurement (battery cells)  - PCB mounted

 


Example

  • Temperature control: Motor stator temperature (direct-to-body)

» More information about our temperature sensors

» Find detailed technical information in the section of data sheets and fast fact sheets


 

Pressure Sensors

New sealing concept offers high levels of safety and long term stability

A special pressure sensor designed for use at the fuel tank of hybrid-electric vehicles is the latest development from the specialists for ceramic pressure measuring cells - KYOCERA AVX. The new pressure sensor features very high measuring accuracy over its life time, and satisfies the specific and demanding requirements of modern hybrid-electric vehicles particularly closely.

At the core of the new pressure sensor is a fully ceramic pressure measuring cell with integrated pressure connection. The sensor is mounted in a compact two-part housing. Next to the pressure measuring cell are the circuit board for signal conditioning and the electrical connection. Sealing against the installation point can be made with either one or two O-rings, depending on the medium and tightness requirements. Different O-ring materials can also be combined to allow compatibility with different media or aggregate states at the same time. Thanks to its optimal use of space, this new pressure sensor is only slightly taller than a MEMS pressure sensor for a comparable pressure range.

KYOCERA AVX’s in-house ceramic processing capability has enabled a rapid and flexible design of the pressure connection in terms of diameter and sealing concept, for individual adaptation to customer requirements. The preferably digital interface can also be quickly varied in its design.

"This new sensor opens up a very wide field of applications in the sophisticated low pressure range for sensors of this type" says Frank Rothe, specialist for pressure, temperature and liquid quality sensors at KYOCERA AVX.


Last generation pressure sensors are absolutely solid and have excellent long-live characteristics. They win by their modular-building-concept and can easily be integrated into customer systems.
KYOCERA AVX offers a great number of innovative and robust solutions for measuring pressure in different media. Due to flexible configurations, our pressure sensor modules can easily be integrated into customer-specific systems.
Particularly the requirements in high-performance gearbox applications necessitate permanent monitoring of different media. Cost-optimized solutions with high vibration resistance are in great demand and a wide range of basic technologies enables us to optimally adjust the sensor characteristics to the respective customer application.

Technologies

  • Thick film technology
  • Semiconductor measuring cell (MEMS)
  • Piezo resistive measurement

Features

  • Ceramic measuring cell
  • Measurement of different media
  • Integrated temperature measurement
  • Connectors according to customer specification

Typical applications

  • Car, Truck + offroad applications such as engine, retarder
  • SCR system (AdBlue® / DEF)
  • Exhaust gas system / Diesel particulate filter
  • Differential pressure sensor
  • Transmission, Coolant, Combined pressure & temperature sensor for fuel

Characteristics

  • Pressure range: 0 - 0.5 bar to 0 - 60 bar
  • Temperature range: -40 °C to + 125 °C
  • Range of connector types
  • Output signals: ratiometric 0.5 V – 4.5 V, SENT, PWM, CAN BUS
  • Accuracy up to 1 %

Example

  • Pressure sensors for cooling / heating of battery management systems
  • Integrated temperature-pressure sensor combination for fuel tank
  • Integrated temperature-pressure sensor combination for gases

» More information about our pressure sensors
» Find detailed technical information in the section of data sheets and fast fact sheets

Temperature. Pressure. Level. Quality. Speed. Position. Sensors, Pedals and Control Units from KYOCERA AVX reliably determine and control customer-specific applications with high accuracy.

Pioneering innovative future mobility
Key technologies from KYOCERA AVX offer ideal design possibilities for customer-specific designs.

We develop and produce intelligent sensors and control units for future mobility. At the cutting edge of current technologies and far beyond.