Cutting-Edge Power Solutions: Your Lifeline in Emergencies

Tony Armstrong from Analog Devices discusses how to ensure power in emergency applications like eCall.

Electronic systems must operate under all conditions, without any interruptions, whether brief or prolonged. This requirement is essential in automotive electronics, which need constant power even when the vehicle is parked. Systems like remote keyless entry, security, and personal infotainment (including navigation, GPS, and eCall) must remain active.

You might wonder why these systems need to stay on when the car is stationary. The GPS component, for example, is crucial for emergency and security purposes, allowing external operators to take necessary actions if needed.

eCall is a safety feature becoming standard in new cars. It’s straightforward: if the car’s airbags deploy in a collision, eCall automatically contacts emergency services. It uses GPS to send details like the time, location, car model, and fuel type, and it includes a microphone for direct communication with call handlers. eCall also shares the car’s travel direction, helping responders locate the vehicle on highways efficiently.

This system enables rapid response from ambulance, police, and fire services, providing them with vital information beforehand. Additionally, eCall can be activated manually via a button, useful if someone feels ill or is hurt in a collision without airbag deployment.

Power Storage Mediums
Recognizing the importance of backup power, the next question is about suitable storage options. Traditionally, capacitors and batteries are used.

Capacitors have long been crucial in power applications, handling tasks like power factor correction and voltage balancing. Recent advancements have led to the development of supercapacitors (or ultracapacitors), perfect for energy storage and backup power systems. Although supercapacitors might have limited total energy storage, they are very energy-dense and can quickly discharge and recharge.

Supercapacitors are compact, durable, and reliable, making them ideal for short-term power-loss events. They can be connected in series or parallel to meet the required voltage and current for any application.

Compared to standard capacitors, supercapacitors offer much higher energy density and capacitance, while being similar in size and weight. Despite needing careful handling, they are increasingly replacing batteries in applications needing short-term, high-current backup power, such as data storage and UPS systems. Supercapacitors are also beneficial in high peak power and portable devices requiring short bursts of high current.