Wireless technologies for the smart car

The 2013 fleet of new vehicles differs in design, passenger capacity, and driving abilities, yet all of the vehicles come with technologies that make them “smart.” Sensors for safety, fuel economy, and comfort, not to mention a wide variety of wireless communications options, are becoming more ubiquitous in vehicles of all makes and models. What is even more exciting is what smart-car technology will look like 10 years down the road. Car-to-car and even car-to-infrastructure communication, known as V2X, will be in future vehicles. Much of this current and futuristic technology is owed to advancements in automotive-grade components, which aid automakers in their pursuit of smarter cars.

Taking a closer look at current automotive wireless communications is easy, as it has become a larger part of most drivers’ experience. Bluetooth capability, for hands-free dialing, Wi-Fi, and cell phone connectivity (think OnStar) are included in many vehicles option packages. Now some auto manufacturers use the driver’s smartphone to provide wireless communication, eliminating the need to integrate cell function into their own systems.

Wireless communications doesn’t just refer to the ability to sync a phone to the car. RF technology provides important safety and fuel economy capabilities. For example, radar is used for adaptive cruise control and forward crash avoidance. Ultrasonic sensing provides back sonar (also known as rear obstacle detection) and automatic parking. For fuel economy and reduced emissions, real-time traffic information, through cloud communication to the navigation system, helps avoid traffic congestion. Thus, wireless communications has grown to mean more than just an on-board GPS.

Innovations in fuel economy, entertainment, and comfort will continue to advance, but 10 years from now, cars will have more wireless communication systems that focus on safety. There are international in-field trials and approximately 3,000 vehicles currently being tested in Ann Arbor, MI, for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I). This V2X capability will help prevent accidents and even aid emergency responders in reaching their destination without having to fight through traffic and congestion. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle program is expected to consider making this type of technology standard. Looking even further ahead, cars could ultimately have Auto Drive capabilities by using a cloud connection and various sensors.

Automotive-grade components

None of these features would be possible without the use of automotive-grade components. To be clear, much of the technology behind the wireless communications mentioned above can be used in consumer electronics. For use in automotive applications though, the same components found in televisions and mobile devices must meet much stricter automotive standards. An automotive environment is harsher compared to the consumer one, with higher temperatures, longer heat cycles, more intense vibrations and shocks, as well as humidity. The guts of wireless communications in automotive applications must be more robust in order to properly function.

Another difference between automotive grade and consumer grade is the product life span. People easily replace phones, laptops, televisions, and other consumer products every few years either because the product no longer works or because they want to upgrade to a newer model. However, cars and trucks are not so easily or inexpensively replaced. Given that, the technology inside automotive equipment needs to last much longer.

Despite the challenges automotive wireless communications present, the importance of improving safety and the over-all driving experience will continue to push forward innovative technologies