OEM&Lieferant Ausgabe 1/2018

106 Images: © HUBER*SUHNER AG IT-based vehicle systems and applications for which an instantaneous response time is critical, such as imaging radar, pre-crash de- tection, and V2X communication, are increas- ingly becoming key focus areas in the R&D departments of automotive manufacturers. These complex system solutions will require a high level of integrated processing power and the central evaluation of raw data in the on- board vehicle network. The data volumes and electrical power required by such systems will place entirely new demands on the system ca- bles, shielding and connectors. In addition to placing demands on the innovative capacity of automotive manufacturers themselves, the digital transformation will also require more intensive technology partnerships with highly specialised suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in order to maintain a competitive edge over the international com- petition. Already around one third of innova- tions in the automotive sector originates from OEMs. Swiss specialist HUBER+SUHNER, one of the leading global suppliers of electrical and op- tical connectivity solutions, has repeatedly demonstrated its innovative strength in the transportation and automotive sectors, and is thus helping to drive market acceptance of a mobile future. Based on an ongoing pro- cess of fundamental research and material development, HUBER+SUHNER works closely with automotive manufacturers and OEMs to develop key components for e-mobility, sensor technology and next-generation com- munications. This includes products such as waveguide antennas manufactured using a modern injection-moulding process that provide a very interesting alternative to the PCB solutions used in radar systems. These antennas provide automotive manufacturers with a new degree of freedom in 3D design and enable the RF antenna technology of high-resolution imaging radar applications or V2V-communication systems to be integrated seamlessly into modern designs. Not only is the multilayer manufacturing process based on metallised plastics extremely flexible, cost efficient and lightweight, it also enables rapid development through to series produc- tion and the direct integration of intelligent switches or sensors in the antenna housing. As a specialist in connectivity systems, HUBER+SUHNER is also developing impres- sive, forward-looking solutions in the areas of charging technology and energy distribution. One example is the high power charging (HPC) system for rapid charging that HUBER+SUH- NER developed in 2016. This actively cooled charging cable for electric vehicles, which was awarded the Bavarian State Prize, great- ly increases maximum power throughput compared to conventional charging cables and thus enables a charge of 80 per cent to be achieved in under 15 minutes. The actively cooled system allows charging currents of up to 500 amps. The new development also im- proves the efficiency of modern high-perfor- mance charging stations for electric vehicles, which are designed to work with a power of 400 kilowatts and charging currents of over 400 amps for passenger cars and up to 630 amps for utility vehicles. In addition, the HVDU high-voltage distri- bution unit from HUBER+SUHNER provides a modular distribution system for modern electric vehicles. This unit distributes energy between the battery, generator, motor and auxiliary equipment. The company devel- ops custom HVDUs that are tailored to the relevant project specifications. HV systems can be supplied in fully pre-terminated and QA-tested form, or provided as a just-in-time service. Due to the specific construction HUBER+SUHNER Connectivity for the mobility of the future By Frank Rothe, HUBER+SUHNER AG The automotive sector has seldom felt the impact of the digital revolution as acutely as in the past year. In the opinion of market experts and analysts in 2017, electric drives are on course to conquer the markets and the future will be shaped by autonomous driving and IT-based service models. Established automotive manufacturers and international major players from Silicon Valley are working hard to convert this vision into reality in the next few years, and are engaged in an exciting neck-and-neck race to achieve innovation leadership and bring the technology to maturity. eMobility