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Driving PEMD improvements through software at CENEX

Date: 26.11.2024

Person holding a tablet displaying a 3D model of an electric vehicle chassis with graphs and data on the screen. - CSA Catapult

In September, head of business development at CSA Catapult, John Robins chaired the ‘Driving PEMD improvements through software’ panel at CENEX 2024.  

Vehicle manufacturing has previously seen software programmed to hardware modules to carry out specific functions. In software-defined vehicles functionality is not limited to certain hardware. Instead, software, applications and updates run like on phones and laptops.  

Software-defined vehicles provide the capability to improve and add functionality throughout a vehicle’s lifetime and integrate with systems to enable advanced connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and user interfaces that will enhance safety and overall sustainability as the industry moves towards Net Zero.  

Here, John gives his key takeaways from the panel and shares his insights on the requirements needed to drive forward software-led next-generation power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD) applications.  

A person plugs a charging cable into a white electric car at a charging station. The background shows green trees, indicating an outdoor setting. The focus is on the hand holding the charger and the vehicle. - CSA Catapult

1. Collaboration is key

Technology is accelerating and changing at a huge pace. The UK can complement the innovation value chain with its fundamental expertise in applied research, design, engineering and software services that can be fed into the automotive supply chain.   

Software, and the components of software defined vehicles, will enable the transfer of design expertise into industry to accelerate the delivery of PEMD products that will help achieve Net Zero.  

The call to action is for companies across the UK landscape to collaborate – start-ups and SMEs through to Tier 1 organisations. UK companies might be smaller in size, but the automotive supply chain can benefit from their skillsets and niche capabilities, for example in advance neural network test and validation to drive down costs. 

2. We’re going nowhere without integration

Integration is key, in terms of improving efficiency, cost and space.  

For example, digital twins, digital chassis, processing, and car services (MAAS) that meet industry demand for speed, usability and data. Also, embedded software that creates a functional vehicle system but needs discrete hardware components to be successfully integrated into eMachines or into battery management. 

To achieve system validation targets you need a simple system (complex systems will take more time to develop) and high-density, energy efficient power electronics. 

3. Design (digital twins) and simulation can unlock and accelerate entire system benefits

Solutions are being developed to harness electric vehicle motor performance for full through control optimal strategies. 

Once simulation is collected, analysed and used for motor mappings it can be fed back into hardware and used to inform future traction motor designs. 

Digital twins can enable design efficiency, power consumption, and smart intelligence used for enhanced vehicle safety. This all combines to give an entire system benefits, including connected vehicle services. 

4. eMachine digital controls enable power efficiency innovation

There is a trend towards high-speed, high pole count motors which operate with high electrical frequency. 

But there are challenges, including the computational time required to execute the traditional control algorithm.  

Variable torque sensors are now being designed to unlock next-generation propulsion systems, which comes back to a system approach. Software can speed up this process, harnessing the latest techniques based on AI and machine learning. 

5. CSA Catapult can help accelerate PEMD through software – in component prototype, manufacturing, validation, and testing

CSA Catapult can help businesses de-risk the design process in our open access lab. We also offer modelling, characterisation, integration, and pre-compliance validation services so anyone offering commercial investment knows the product is robust and validated by our team of world-class experts.  

 A trusted neutral convenor of supply chains, we have good relationships across the automotive supply chain, from SMEs to large organisations, linking with research organisations, and funders.  

 We can accelerate the engagement of companies into the supply chain with compound semiconductor-based designs that will accelerate the UKs journey to Net Zero whilst helping grow the UK economy by working on collaborative R&D projects.  

 To find out how we can help you develop better products, get in touch today. 

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