Automotive Electrical Specifications?

[RomanM]

Hello,
I want to build something that passes the major automotive electrical specifications but I don't know much about automotive electrical specifications. I have to find out what they are so I can discuss them in a presentation. Currently I am very ignorant in this area. This is not for a classroom speech.

I checked out all the automotive forums here but there is not much on automotive electrical information. I'm going to surf the big 3 websites but I figured this would be a better place to get started.

I know SAE is a big name but I don't know which specifications I need to follow for input/output power integrity. I plan on building devices that draw from 2 - 30A depending on the device. They are all solid state and I don't know if I am supposed to draw 30A square pulses of energy from an automotive system.

And also, what kind of specifications do I need to know about for building something that can be sold overseas.


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[melone]

Unfortunately, there really is no exact specification that you can use as an absolute since even between the big 3, they often have contradicting test methodology and limits. More specifically, they tend to have very specialized requirements based on their "in-vehicle" observations and design flaws. I would highly recommend that you make your circuitry as robust, and platform independant as possible. Let us know what you are trying to do, and we can help suggest tests, and limits that should be acceptable to auto manufacturers. Don't forget, RF/EMC/EMI! You will be stopped dead in your tracks if you can't prove to your client that your circuit / module will not interfere with existing technology in the vehicle.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[buzzp]

Overseas requirements vary greatly from region to region (at least for voltages above 50VDC/AC). These types of products involve EMC testing and safety testing. I do not know of any standards that address voltages less than 50VDC, ie CE marking, or IEC standards.

 

[carnage]

a 30A square wave?
that is a scary thing for an auto charging system.
I noticed that in the delphi systems in the new suburbans that they are using a soft-start controler on the rear climate controll fan motor, and that has to be way less than 30A. I would look at trying to make sure the power draw is as constant as possible, if not your asking for trouble.
one thing to do is look at your target application vehicle and see how much excess charging capicity it has. this might give you an idea of what you have to start with.

 

[eduardom]

ISO 7637 transient inmunity test pulses are some of the standard test for automotive EMC.
You can find information on Schaffner web page.

 

[RomanM]

Thank You eduardom.

http://www.schaffner.com/index.asp?menu=emclib&pagemenu=homepage&scopy=wallchart

Is what I was looking for.