NTC sensor elements are the functional basis for all kinds of temperature measurements in all major applications. TDK develops and manufactures high accuracy temperature sensors with excellent media resistance and long-term stability for the automotive, industrial, home and heating appliances markets. TDK offers standard portfolio epoxy resin and glass-encapsulated elements for temperature ranges up to 300°C, complimented by NTC chip thermistors.

TDK has expanded its portfolio with new EPCOS pressure transmitters whose performance profiles are specially tailored to the requirements of industry 4.0. These low-profile pressure sensors are characterized by their compact design, high accuracy and excellent long-term stability.

Automakers are incorporating more multifunctional capabilities into automobiles as they seek to make autonomous driving a reality. Electronic control units (ECUs) for advanced driver assistance systems are consuming more power, and the latest trend is toward ECU integration—installing an ECU close to the engine room or other working part.
For these reasons, the number of electronic devices and components built into cars these days is on the rise, and the reliability of the electronic components used in the electronics is having a growing impact on the reliability of the vehicle overall.

Conventional semiconductors based on silicon are being replaced by wide band-gap (WBG) technologies based on GaN and SiC. These demand a great deal from the passive components – particularly the DC link capacitors. Thanks to its supreme competence in materials and design, TDK offers innovative solutions, enabling the advantages of the new semiconductors.

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.

DK Corporation (TSE:6762) presents the EPCOS Compact S14 AdvanceD-MP series of metal oxide disk varistors that feature smaller dimensions with the same excellent performance as comparable S14 AdvanceD-MP types. The disk diameters of the new B72214P2* varistors range from 13 mm to 14 mm, a reduction of approximately 3 mm.

In conjunction with the increased use of GaN semiconductor, which can operate a high frequency, higher frequencies for switching power supplies have become feasible. Ferrite materials are used in transformer products, but core loss (iron loss) varies greatly depending on the driving frequency, and they are key components in transformer design. This article presents information on the features of PC200 material, which was developed by using GaN, and key points concerning its use.

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).

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) presents the new B2568* series of EPCOS MKP DC link power capacitors, which offer outstanding robustness under harsh environmental conditions. The new capacitors are designed for voltages of between 900 and 3000 V DC and cover a capacitance range from 50 to 4000 µF.