eTaxi Matrix Charging at Taxi Stand Vienna. Foto: Easelink
The Graz-based high-tech company Easelink and the Dutch semiconductor manufacturer NXP Semiconductors with its Austrian site in Gratkorn have jointly developed a positioning system for automated charging based on UWB (Ultra Wideband) technology. This system is comparable to a particularly safe, precise and efficient parking aid that helps to position the electric car in the perfect position for fully automated charging using matrix charging during the last few meters of parking. The technology is already being used successfully on a daily basis in the world’s largest project for automated charging of e-taxis in public spaces.
The UWB technology used in the positioning system from NXP and Easelink is already known from applications such as the digital car key of selected car models and smartphones. NXP is one of the world’s leading companies in this field. UWB as a radio technology is particularly characterized by the secure, precise and efficient distance estimation between two electronic devices. It is particularly suitable for supporting functions such as parking, which is why it has now also been integrated into the two Matrix Charging components (connector in the vehicle underbody and charging plate/pad in the parking space) for precise positioning.
During automated charging with Matrix Charging, the so-called connector is lowered from the vehicle underbody in the area of the front axle onto the charging plate in the floor for charging. When accessing the charging plate in the floor, the position is shown on a display in the vehicle to assist the driver. This display receives the signals via the UWB modules installed in the Matrix Charging System and shows the driver the optimum parking and charging position.
The distance between the two is measured in real time using “time of flight” measurements via built-in UWB modules, both in the vehicle’s connector and in the charging plate at the parking space. The exact charging position is shown to the driver on a display inside the vehicle and, after clicking on the charging symbol to confirm, charging starts immediately.
Read the full article and other topics on electric mobility & autonomous driving in the current eMove360° magazine in german language – download free of charge or order the print version in the shop.
