C h a p t e r 1
One of the major
advancements of the modern
EV is advanced actuation
systems, or smart actuators.
Smart actuators are integrated
systems that combine sensors,
controllers, and actuators to
perform precise and efficient
control tasks. Today, the design
of smart actuators is rapidly
evolving as vehicles increase
range and adopt trends like
autonomous driving and
additional actuators.
At the heart of these smart
actuators is the microcontroller
(MCU), which functions as
the brains of the operation,
handling mission-critical
tasks such as real-time motor
control, data processing, and
communication management.
In a smart actuator, the MCU
and sensors work together
to form a feedback loop that
continuously monitors key
parameters such as current,
speed, and voltage applied
to the motor phases. Sensors
gather this information and
send it back to the MCU. These
real-time data allow the MCU
to evaluate motor performance
and make necessary
adjustments to maintain
optimal operation.
In this context, one of the
most important computational
specifications of an MCU is its
sampling frequency. Higher
sampling frequencies allow
the MCU to capture more data
points per second, leading
to finer resolution and more
precise control. In practical
terms, by sampling current and
speed at high frequencies, the
MCU can immediately detect
deviations from the desired
ADVANCED ACTUATION SYSTEMS
IN THE VEHICLE CHASSIS
Manoj Kumar
Senior Engineer, Valeo
By orchestrating the intricate
movements of electric motors,
motor control systems elevate
comfort levels, enhance
controllability, and ultimately
instill a greater sense of
confidence behind the wheel."
6
11 Experts Discuss Advanced Motor Control for Modern Electric Vehicles
