Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Revamp Your Components with BGA Reballing
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Balancing Speed and Flexibility Without Sacrificing Control
SMT Perspectives & Prospects: Artificial Intelligence Part 6: Data Module 1
Maximising Performance and Reliability of Automotive Electronics With Conformal Coatings
November 20, 2019 | Phil Kinner, ElectrolubeEstimated reading time: 1 minute
While the value of the electronic systems in a modern vehicle typically exceeds 20% of the total vehicle cost, many estimate that this value will exceed 35% within the next five years. With the increased adoption of electronic vehicles and the development of the internet of things (IoT)—which has brought us driverless cars like those being tested by Google in California and BMW on the roads of Bavaria—the future of this industry is starkly different from that of the 1970s when electronic fuel injection systems were first introduced to mainstream production.
The proliferation of automotive electronics has been enabled by the development of powerful networked controllers and low-cost sensors. The development of low-cost, high-reliability electronic systems that have seen engine management, infotainment, and passenger comfort and safety applications becoming standard equipment in most modern automobiles have also contributed.
It is not uncommon for modern new vehicles to be supplied with five- and even seven-year warranties. This is challenging component suppliers to develop new designs that deliver long-term reliability at an acceptable cost. Automotive electronic systems are subject to temperature extremes, high humidity, and condensation and are increasingly exposed to corrosive gases. And with the growth of electric vehicles, where much higher voltages are the norm, increased dielectric protection is required to enable designs to be sufficiently dense to meet size and weight constraints.
The increased sophistication of these electronic systems often means they are more sensitive to contamination and adverse external environmental conditions. Moreover, as automotive electronic systems rely increasingly on their interconnection, failure in one assembly can compromise the operation of another. Unlike aerospace applications where two or three layers of redundancy may be built into these systems, automotive designs typically must work the first time, every time, through-out the life of the product.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the October 2019 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here or download the PDF to your library here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Defense Speak Interpreted: The Autonomous Plane Battle—Skyborg Vs. Loyal Wingman
10/07/2025 | Dennis Fritz -- Column: Defense Speak InterpretedI’m awaiting the updates for the U.S. Air Force's Skyborg and Loyal Wingman airborne driverless vehicles. As the hype of self-driving cars has given way to more mundane autonomous activities, so too has the hype of uncrewed planes given way to reality. In cars, the SAE International association classifies degrees of autonomy from 0 to 5, as do some defense aerospace applications of unmanned flight, which have been reduced to practice, while others remain under development.
Schweizer Ends Staff Restructuring Measures and Short-Time Working at the Schramberg Site
10/01/2025 | Schweizer Electronic AGSchweizer Electronic AG has implemented comprehensive measures to adjust its cost and personnel structure at its Schramberg site due to strong market fluctuations in the automotive and industrial electronics sector. Thanks to the successful restructuring, short-time working can now be ended with immediate effect. A stable order situation is expected for the fourth quarter, with signs of growth momentum returning in 2026.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Finding the Balance Between Cost and Quality
09/24/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn global sourcing, pursuing lower costs often takes center stage. It’s the shiny lure that gets buyers to cast their lines into unfamiliar waters. But seasoned professionals know that in the long run, sourcing is less about price tags and more about value. The real magic—and margin—lies in finding the balance between cost and quality.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
08/15/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007In our industry, my top reads include Prashant Patel’s overview and argument for reshoring, which I found to be a great general overview and breakdown. In further support of the onshoring/reshoring message, I’m highlighting Nolan Johnson’s interview on the survey and report by the Reshoring Initiative. Check out my interview with USPAE’s Jim Will on the state of the flat panel display (FPD) industry and the risks associated with it for U.S. defense and critical infrastructure products.
Global Electronics Industry Remains Under Pressure from Rising Costs
08/04/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe global electronics manufacturing supply chain remains under pressure from rising costs, with 61% of firms reporting higher material costs and 54% noting increased labor expenses. according to the Global Electronics Association’s Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report.