Components & Connectors

High-temperature autonomous systems require active cooling to ensure proper, long life performance. Laird Thermal Systems has designed thermoelectric coolers specifically to operate in high temperature environments such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and other autonomous systems applications.

Active cooling is required to ensure the reliable operation of the imaging sensors, cameras and lasers used in ADAS and autonomous vehicles. The reason for this is that most of these optical devices, including CMOS sensors and laser diodes, are heat-sensitive and rely on high resolution images for proper operation.

“ADAS systems cannot operate without the continuous capture of high-resolution images. In autonomous vehicle applications, for example, as many as 12 imaging sensors are operating simultaneously to create a 360 degree view around the vehicle, so failure is not an option,” said Andrew Dereka, product director at Laird Thermal Systems.

Image quality can quickly deteriorate as the device temperatures rise above 60 degrees C, advises Laird. In ADAS applications, where temperatures can reach +85 degrees C, passive cooling of laser and CMOS sensor using thermal greases and heat sinks can lead to premature system failure, threatening road safety.

Using thermolectrics for active cooling pumps heat away from sensitive electronics while the surrounding environment remains hot. Laird Thermal Systems’ HiTemp ETX series of thermoelectric coolers are specifically designed to operate in high-temperature environments.

The solid state heat pump devices do not have moving parts, fluids or gasses. Utilising the Peltier effect, thermoelectric coolers offer an efficient cooling system for a wide range of optical sensors used in ADAS, collision avoidance and other autonomous system technologies. The HiTemp ETX series thermoelectric coolers have a cooling capacity from 7.0 to 322W to effectively cool components in temperatures up to +120 degrees C. While standard thermoelectric materials can reach temperature differentials up to 78 degrees C with Th of 50 degrees C, the HiTemp ETX thermoelectric cooler creates a maximum temperature differential of 83 degrees C, reports Laird.

Serving applications with tight geometrical space constraints, the HiTemp ETX thermoelectric coolers have a compact footprint. The thermoelectric coolers can be integrated directly into the laser or CMOS sensor assembly to provide more effective spot cooling. A heat sink or other heat exchanger rapidly dissipates heat away from sensitive components. The HiTemp ETX thermoelectric cooler’s design also prevents thermal shorting and protect sensors from moisture intrusion and outgassing.

The HiTemp ETX series includes more than 50 models with a variety of heat pumping capacities, sizes and voltage inputs.

https://www.lairdthermal.com

Amphenol Industrial Operations has enhanced its Max-M12 product line to include an X coding, high-speed connector with support for 10Gbits per second (1000M Ethernet with CAT6 cable) data transmission and S coding for a safer connection with ‘first mate last break’. The connectors are for use in the rail and mass transit (RMT), heavy equipment vehicles, industrial automation and robotics markets.

When used on RMT door systems, on camera and communication systems, as well as on heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, the Max-M12 can transmit high speed data in environments where there is high vibration, moisture, salt, dirt and debris. It can also be used for off-road vehicles, ruggedised factory automation and robotics signal applications.

The Max-M12 family of connectors is based on IEC 61076-2-101 and SAE J2839. They are backwards-compatible and can be mated with any standard M12 connector with the same indexing, assures Amphenol. The Max-M12 features several mounting options, including front or back lock/flange and wire termination styles, including solder, crimp and printed circuit tails.

The Max-M12 is rated to 4.0A and can endure extreme temperatures ranging from -55 to +125 degrees C.

All Max-M12 connectors have an IP67 rating making them dust and waterproof. They are resistant to high pressure wash downs and water immersion.  Amphenol has plating designed to endure salt spray testing for up to 240 hours for use in harsh environments.

Amphenol’s Max-M12 connector in-line mated pair can withstand 444N of connector-to-cable retention forces and contact retention forces to 110N. Housed in an HDM 12 EX impact resistant metal or plastic shell, the in-line mated pair is available as a 90 degrees right angle or straight versions. When shielding is required the Max-M12 metal version is available in multiple shell styles for a variety of interconnect requirements.  Both the four- and five-pin configurations are available with A, B and D polarity codes.

Amphenol Industrial Operations is headquartered in Endicott, New York, USA, providing a range of high reliability power/signal connectors and interconnection systems specifically for the industrial markets including rail/mass transit, process control, automotive manufacturing, heavy equipment, wireless base stations and petrochemical/power generation.

Its product range includes ruggedised-for-industry cylindrical, fibre optic, rectangular, and industrialised versions of Amphenol’s MIL-DTL-5015 cylindrical, MIL-DTL-26482 miniature cylindrical and GT reverse bayonet cylindrical connectors. It is ISO9001, TS96949 and MIL-STD-790-certified.

Amphenol Industrial Operations is a division of Amphenol, one of the largest manufacturers of interconnect products in the world.

http://www.amphenol-industrial.com