News & Events

Instrument Clusters for Autos and EVs: Consider These Factors

Written by MCC | Nov 14, 2023 6:55:08 PM

Designing for Real-time Reliability 

Automotive instrument clusters display mission-critical data for safe operation, ranging from the status of vehicle systems to driving conditions. These dashboard data centers can be as simple as a series of gauges or as complex as hybrid 2D and 3D systems.

 

Instrument clusters enable communication between driver and machine using an interface fitted into the dashboard to showcase a myriad of crucial metrics to the driver. The interfaces and the metrics they display will vary by vehicle, and likely include:

  • Speedometer - how fast the vehicle is currently driving
  • Tachometer - the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPMs) 
  • Odometer - lifetime mileage of the vehicle to date
  • Fuel gauge - how much gas is left in the tank
  • Trip odometer - distance from Point A to Point B
  • Temperature gauge - current temp of engine’s coolant
  • Warning lights - alarms for issues with engine temperature, oil levels, tire pressure, airbags, anti-lock brakes, engine, seatbelt, or battery
  • Indicator lights - status indication for turn signals, driving gear, and more

Additional data that may be included in some instrument clusters:

  • Miles per gallon/fuel economy - current MPG rating
  • Remaining driving range - how long before the vehicle needs to refuel or recharge
  • Clock - current time displayed on the dashboard
  • Temperature - current outdoor temperature

 

How do instrument clusters work?

Dashboards or instrument clusters are made up of several switch inputs and sensors for various functions. These inputs, such as the tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, temperature, speedometer, and other parameters are connected to a multiplexer (MUX), which provides inputs to the processor/controller. 

As the brains of the operation, the controller processes these inputs and then utilizes LED drivers, load drivers, motor drivers, stepper motors, and audio DAC to transmit data to the dashboard featuring a series of indicators, backlit LED screens, and illuminated gauges.

CAN and LIN transceivers enable connectivity to help protect the device from ESD or overvoltage. 

A wiring harness connects the instrument cluster to the electronic control unit (ECU) or controller.

All of these functions must take place in real time to maintain driver safety.

Automotive Instrument Panel Block Diagram

 

Engineering Tips

  • Power Management TVS - reverse working maximum voltage (VRWM) should be higher than the supply voltage (V supply)
  • Power Management Schottky Barrier Rectifier - at minimum, you need twice the output voltage of the switch-mode power supply (SMPS)
  • Output Drivers - the drain-source voltage (VDS) must be at least twice the V supply

Design Considerations

  • Efficient power management - minimizing losses and enhancing efficiency is essential for all components powered by the vehicle’s battery, including the instrument cluster
  • Reliability in harsh conditions - designs must be able to withstand a range of operating conditions commonly found in auto applications
  • ESD/EMI protection - ensuring there are no disruptions from electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic interference is crucial for safe, reliable operation 
  • Surge protection - safeguards need to be in place to suppress transients and prevent overvoltage
  • Fast switching - instrument clusters require fast and frequent switching and need components that can keep up without compromising speed or efficiency
  • Low forward voltage drop - maximizing efficiency is important for the instrument cluster and other automotive devices
  • Thermal stability/heat dissipation - optimal thermal performance is needed for safety and efficiency
  • Applicable industry standards - for auto applications, components must adhere to stringent requirements, including AEC-Q101 qualification

 

Recommended Products 

Power Management

Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SMD36HE1Q

  • 60 VRWM
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-123HE1 Package

View Product

Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SMD24PLQ

  • 40 VRWM
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-123FL Package

View Product

Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SK54AQ-L

  • 40 VRWM
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SMA Package

View Product

Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SK56BQ-L
  • 60 VRWM
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SMB Package

View Product

TVS: SMA6J60AQ
  • 60V, 600 Watt
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SMA Package

View Product

TVS: SMBJ60AQ
  • 60V, 600 Watt
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SMB Package

View Product

TVS: SMCJ14CAQ
  • 14V, 1500 Watt
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SMC Package

View Product

 TVS: SMF14AQ
  • 14V, 200 Watt
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-123FL Package

View Product

 

Connectivity (CAN / LIN / Wireless)

ESD Protection: ESD1524D3BHE3A

  • 15-24V
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

View Product

ESD Protection: ESD24VD3BHE3

  • 24V
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

View Product

ESD Protection:  ESDSB5V0D3BHE3

  • 24V
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

View Product

Signal Conditioning & MUX

ESD Protection: ESD12VD3BHE3

  • 12V, 28V Clamp
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

View Product

ESD Protection: ESDSB5V0D3BHE3

  • 5V, 17V Clamp  
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

View Product

 

TVS: SMF5.0AQ

  • 5V, 200 Watt
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-123FL Package

View Product

 

TVS: SMF12AQ

  • 12V, 200 Watt
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-123FL Package

View Product

 

 

Display Module

ESD Protection: ESDSB5V0D3BHE3

  • 5V, 17V Clamp
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

View Product

ESD Protection: ESDSLC3V3D3B

  • 3.3V, 8V Clamp
  • SOD-323 Package

View Product

ESD Protection: SRV33-4L

  • 3.3V, 14V Clamp
  • SOT23-6L Package

View Product

ESD Protection: ESDLC3V3D5

  • 3.3V, 14.5V Clamp
  • SOD-523 Package

View Product

 

 

 Output Drivers

MOSFET: 2N7002KDWBQ

  • 60VDS, 0.22A
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOT-363 Package

View Product

MOSFET: SI2102AHE3

  • 20 VDS
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOT-323 Package

View Product

MOSFET: SI2310AHE3

  • 60 VDS
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOT-323 Package

View Product

 

MCC Semi has a broad range of discrete semiconductors to enhance the controllers in your automotive instrument cluster designs without sacrificing reliability or quality.

 

Explore our robust portfolio designed for excellence in automotive design:

 

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Body Control Module (BCM)

Interior Lighting

Exterior Lighting

Infotainment

On-board Charger (OBC)

EV Charging Station

Battery Management System (BMS)

DC-DC Converter

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

Seat Control

 

Have questions? Use the MCC website chatbot to contact us.