A
UTOMOTIVE
dent relays that only function when the gen-
erator is running can be controlled. Thanks
to a software tool featuring a GUI, the devel-
opers can run initial experimentation modes
and familiarize themselves with Epona-based
systems to provide a good starting point for
developing the customized overall system.
The tool GUI generates parameter records
and sections of the C-Code, which can then
be loaded directly with the offline tool chain
of the microcontroller.
The generator regulator is not only of inter-
est for new vehicle designs, but also for the
spare parts market when generators need to
be replaced. Many companies specialize in
reconditioning old generators, for example
replacing the bearings or the electrical and
electronic systems in the generator. Thanks to
Epona, these companies can now even boost
the efficiency of generators. But in order for
efficiency-increasing measures to be imple-
mented sensibly and rationally, a universal
concept is needed. And this is exactly what
the generator regulator offers.
Even older cars can be made to run more
efficiently if a reconditioned generator with
Epona is installed – and that even applies to
vehicles without a battery or engine manage-
ment system. The acceleration vector, even
for older vehicles, can be determined using
software by measuring the change in speed
of the generator. Since the engine is to deliver
power to the driven wheels with minimum
deterioration as the speed increases, it is not
a good idea to charge the battery while the
vehicle is accelerating because this would
represent an additional load. If the acceler-
ation vector is zero or even negative (decel-
erating, braking), however, it makes sense to
charge the battery during this phase. With
some clever programming, this results in a
type of small-scale recuperation effect. In
modern cars, an external controller is usu-
ally responsible for load-dependent gener-
ator control as part of battery management.
EBV Elektronik assumes that around 20% of
the Epona supply volume will enter the after-
market segment. The structure of the “alpha”
customers also reflects this: of the five “alpha”
customers, one is in the aftermarket business
while the others supply new vehicles.
Figure 2. Example for positive and negative
control options
Product News
Maxim integrates benefits of
IO-Link into proximity sensor and
16-channel digital-input hub
Two new subsystem reference designs from
Maxim Integrated Products provide very
accurate, low-power optical proximity sens-
ing and enhance distributed control with a
compact digital-input hub. Both of these
new space-saving subsystems integrate the
IO-Link standard for industrial applica-
tions. The MAXREFDES27# proximity sen-
sor employs the IO-Link protocol to provide
efficient two-way communication between a
controller and a remote optical sensor.
News ID 1925
