Engineering and consumer-level solutions needed
Optimization of EV performance, cost, and development speed is essential

As a result of a discussion among various experts on automotive technology trends, they all agreed that solving the problems arising in the evolving EV industry is a global challenge.

On the 8th, e4ds Webinar hosted the 'TI LIVE! Tech Exchange' webinar by the design engineering team of Texas Instruments (hereinafter TI).

The participants in the discussion all agreed that in the evolving EV industry, not all problems can be solved in a single way, and that this is a challenge for the whole world, not just a problem for TI.

Everyone supported the argument that the EV industry would be significantly strengthened only if there were not only customized solutions at the engineering level, but also tailored solutions for infrastructure and purchasing at the consumer level.

For vehicles that satisfy consumer demands for connectivity and safety to become a reality, the pace of technological innovation in semiconductors and the resulting automotive systems must accelerate.

Accordingly, the pace of collaboration among semiconductor suppliers, Tier 1 suppliers, and the automotive industry is expected to accelerate.

In line with this trend, TI aims to optimize performance, cost, and development speedHe said that he is making an effort.

TI identified high-voltage batteries as one of the key components of electric vehicles.

Precise and accurate monitoring is required to ensure the flexibility to drive a longer distance between charges.

We are continuously advancing our ability to accurately assess the charge status and overall condition of battery systems through our portfolio of battery monitors and sensors.

The wireless high-voltage battery management system is flexibly designed to eliminate the need for bulky wiring while improving overall range, performance, and maintenance.

In the case of wired battery management systems, there are thousands of feet of cables between the vehicle's exterior and interior for high-speed, secure communication and battery management.

This is a stable method, but because it is very heavy, it affects battery efficiency.

TI sought a shift to a wireless BMS protocol as a solution to reduce weight.

It is an effective method to reduce or eliminate cables associated with the BMS system in order to communicate directly with the control unit.

The system can monitor voltage, temperature, etc., and continuously provide consumers with necessary information.

It is a method in which each cell and microcontroller communicates at 2.4 GHz using TI's star network method.

It is a different approach from the daisy-chain method, where inherent delays occur through the architecture in wired implementations.

In addition, new technologies such as GaN help meet the demand for more power and less space in automobiles.

Because GaN has a fast switching speed, it allows for a reduction in inductor size, which has the advantage of simultaneously reducing weight and cost. />
It cannot be solved with GaN alone.

Powertrain integration can be enabled by using real-time MCUs such as TI's C2000.

Various algorithms and software that can be executed by the MCU to optimize efficiency enable high density and high efficiency.

Silicon and software are actually replacing copper and iron in terms of wiring, cabling, and magnetism.

It is reducing heavy and expensive old technology.

TI is accelerating vehicle electrification through technologies that enable new automotive architectures, and the TI engineering team stated that it is important to ensure that everything, including voltage and current sensing, software, and efficiency, is connected so that it can operate reliably.

It also included information that DC charging develops along two vectors.

There are high power chargers capable of charging up to 350~500kW per unit and DC chargers capable of up to 22kW.

Henrik Mannesson, General Manager of Global Grid Infrastructure and Industrial Systems, stated, “These bidirectional DC chargers will be used in homes and public places and will become power hubs that can make EV vehicles more affordable.”

He went on to express optimism that many charging standards are emerging and are expected to help with their adoption.

Methods are being considered where consumers pay with a credit card only for the amount of electricity charged at EV charging stations, similar to modern gas stations, as well as time-based pricing schemes.

Time-of-use pricing can benefit both power companies and consumers because it effectively operates the grid and prevents overload.

One debater It emphasized global cooperation regarding scope and safety.

Currently, investment and support for the establishment of extensive public charging networks are being provided globally.

"Enabling charging where people live or work to make it more convenient will help accelerate EV adoption," said General Manager Henrik Mannesson. "OEMs and TI are focusing on creating smaller and more affordable charging environments."