Embedded Systems in Automotive

Embedded systems in the automotive sector must be cutting-edge, reliable, and adaptable to meet the demands of modern vehicles and testing environments. The industry requires these systems to be highly precise, scalable, and robust to support everything from engine control to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Modular solutions using CompactPCI-Serial and durable Box PCs offer flexible and scalable platforms, enabling seamless customization while maintaining a solid and dependable foundation.

In the automotive sector, embedded systems must endure constant vibrations, extreme temperatures, and electromagnetic interference to ensure accurate performance in vehicles. Whether it’s managing engine control units (ECUs), monitoring vehicle dynamics, or enabling autonomous driving features, these systems need to operate flawlessly under rigorous testing conditions.

The versatility of modular embedded systems allows for the development of tailored solutions to meet specific automotive research needs. This could involve real-time data processing for vehicle diagnostics, advanced simulations for safety testing, or precise control mechanisms for hybrid and electric powertrains. Overall, embedded systems play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency, safety, and innovation in the automotive industry, driving advancements that lead to more reliable and smarter vehicles.

Automotive Research Overview

EKF Services for Embedded Systems in the Automotive Sector

Compact Design

In vehicles, whether cars or trucks, space is at a premium. It is therefore necessary for the embedded systems to be space-saving in order to make optimum use of the limited space.

The 19” technology leads to a large pack size for the mechanical structure, while CompactPCI Serial speeds up the electrical side to PCIe performance via independent interfaces. The combination results in a compatible solution. High and complex data rates naturally demand careful design to support power consumption, but also to ensure heat dissipation. Since EKF has been providing 19” technology on various backplane standards for decades, many details about pitfalls and traps have been learned.

Robustness and Vibration Safety

Vehicles are often subject to strong vibrations and shocks during driving. The embedded systems must therefore be particularly robust in order to ensure reliable performance even under these conditions.

EKF offers maximum safety for solutions in the automotive sector. Interfaces are mechanically secured and special connectors are used for data and power supply. If necessary, all products can also be finished with a protective coating. This protects the products against strong vibrations or temperature differences.

EMC Protection (electromagnetic compatibility)

Vehicles are equipped with an increasing number of electronic systems and sensors, which can lead to electrical and electromagnetic interference. It is therefore necessary for embedded systems to be designed in such a way that they provide ideal electromagnetic shielding.

EKF manufactures products that have a high quality standard. The products are manufactured to ensure that they provide a reliable solution in the automotive sector. If certificates are required, EKF can assist with the process.

EKF Use Cases for Embedded Systems in the Automotive Sector

EKF embedded boards and systems have been used in different applications in the automotive sector for many years. Here is a brief overview of some of our past projects.

Data collection from sensors using a 19” system in the driver’s cab

Assistance with research projects on autonomous driving

Development work in research concerning autonomous driving

Equipment of cars with mass storage using the SV2 and SE4

Experience in the equipping vehicles with lidar, radar, ultrasound, infrared and camera

Automotive Research Overview

Custom System Design

Customer requirements are the highest priority at EKF.
EKF’s modular and flexible platform solutions can be individually designed according to customer demands. Thanks to the Intel Gold Partnership, we constantly offer the latest and most powerful CPU platforms on CompactPCI Serial and supplement these with FPGA design or other market-specific requirements. Modularity is a core competency of EKF, therefore we offer you unlimited possibilities to customize your end systems with different applications.

  • Mechanical Design

  • Special Connectors

  • Communication Protocols

  • Processor Platforms

  • Individual Support

  • IPxx Classes (up to 69K)

How can we help you?

Still have questions or want to know whether your requirements fit our expertise?

We are your partner and would like to offer you the best possible solution for your application. In the process, we offer you added value in the development of your individual solution and support you all the way.

Explore our Product Portfolio

CompactPCI-Serial-Teaser
Embedded-Teaser
Teaser-ModBlox7