Eberspaecher Develops intelligent semiconductor switch for autonomous driving Levels 3 to 5

Leading automotive supplier Eberspaecher, has developed a new intelligent semiconductor switch for use in autonomous vehicles called the Autonomous Driving Safety Switch. This switch can be used for 12 volt on-board circuits having at least two energy sources. In fully automated vehicles, the Battery and Boardnet Safety Module facilitates intelligent distribution of current and ensures there is always adequate power for safety-relevant components. The new Autonomous Driving Safety Switch can be used for autonomous driving from levels 3 to 5.

The greater the level of autonomy, the more the number of electrical components and the electrical system would have a more complex design. Vehicles that would be designed in the future would not only have several energy sources, but also would have several different electrical system sections.

Commenting on the new switch, general manager Dr Massimo Venturi said that with its intelligent switching systems, the company is focusing on its core area of competence, which is fast and reliable separation of electrical circuits, and developing such a system in tune with the needs of future vehicles.

Recently, the first vehicles complying with automation level 3 of the SAE (SAE J3016 standard) have entered series production. Such vehicles call for the intervention of the motorist in certain scenarios, but the driver will not constantly have to keep tabs on the system. This becomes possible thanks to Eberspaecher’s Autonomous Driving Safety Switch (ADSS).

The bidirectional circuit breaker is used in 12 volt electrical systems having at least two sources of energy for level 3 or 4 autonomous driving and this can go up to 20-fold depending on the number of safety-relevant consumers. The switch can separate the two sections of the electrical system so that fucntions which affect safety like braking and electrical steering assistance will not be affected if voltage surges or sags occur. It has an integrated overcurrent detection feature, and depending on the needs of the customer, it can be supplied as an ASIL Level B or ASIL Level D device. The latter covers the highest safety requirements for development, testing, documentation and functionality.