As the electrification of the automotive progresses, the demand for motor generators is on the rise. There is also a trend towards integration of electric motors and inverters, and the requirements with regard to compact dimensions and resistance against heat and vibrations are becoming ever more severe, while high reliability is also an important factor. In some cases, wiring inductance can lead to high surge voltages which requires countermeasures such as suitable wiring design and snubber capacitors. At the same time, noise countermeasures are also essential.

The methods of use of automobiles will change substantially in the future including autonomous driving and car sharing services, and the human machine interface (HMI) between drivers and their cars will also completely change.
The automobile industry is developing the digital cockpit in pursuit of an HMI that will provide safety and reassurance while freeing drivers from the burdens of driving and allow time to be used meaningfully and in comfort.
Below is an introduction to TDK product and technologies that enhance the value of the digital cockpit with the aim of achieving an HMI that ensures and enhance safety and reassurance through the driver's senses.

The evolution of sensing technology and communication network contribute to the realization of Autonomous driving society and its growth. In association with full-scale expansion of the "5G service" next-generation wireless communication standard, great attention is being placed on wireless technology intended for "vehicle-to-vehicle and infrastructure-to-vehicle communication" (V2X) to communicate data between automobiles and their surroundings. While the TDK Group can offer a lineup of various electronic components for V2X, this article introduces a selection of IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and high-frequency products for Telematics Control Units (TCUs).

Whether for smartphones, vehicles, industrial controls, home appliances or gaming consoles – the future belongs to piezo-based solutions with haptic feedback. TDK offers a unique portfolio of products that are suitable for every imaginable haptic application.

Surface treatment is indispensable for the secure bonding of plastic parts. Activation with cold plasma is an equally simple yet elegant solution. Relyon Plasma, a subsidiary of TDK Electronics, offers the piezobrush® PZ2 – a handy plasma source based on the TDK CeraPlas™ piezo plasma generator.

As electronic devices become more advanced, the power supply voltage of LSIs used in them is lowered, so their power consumption can be reduced and their speed increased. However, a decrease in the power supply voltage also causes the requirements regarding voltage fluctuations to become more severe, creating a need for high-performance DC-DC converters to fulfill these characteristic requirements, and power inductors are important components that greatly affect their performance. TDK has a widely varied lineup of power inductor products, and this article describes and explains effective methods for using power inductors, and key points for selecting them, according to the required characteristics of DC-DC converters.

The individual components in variable-speed drives cause earth leakage currents that cumulatively result in the tripping of the RCD. By using the upgraded EPCOS LeaXield™ active leakage current filter, these earth leakage currents be drastically reduced.

Industry 4.0 is being shaped by the continuing rise in the degree of automation, by the digitalization that includes the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and by high levels of energy efficiency. In this respect, TDK presents a wide range of innovative EPCOS and TDK key components.

From simple gadgets to complex devices for the industrial IoT – they all require compact, reliable and extremely safe power supplies. CeraCharge™, the world’s first rechargeable solid-state SMD battery, is a new technology that meets all these demands.

High-power loads are a major stress factor when fuses and components are switched on, as they cause very high currents to flow. To avoid this, TDK offers ceramic EPCOS inrush current limiters, based on NTC and PTC thermistors – a strong duo when used in combination.