Electrical vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular due to lower emissions produced, and accurate position measurement of the vehicle rotor is critical for efficiency and performance. However, in-wheel motors are very challenging to integrate with motor speed sensors. The Celera Motion IncOder™ Series are printed circuit board angle position sensors, designed with a large hole in the middle to significantly reduce height and weight – extremely suitable for integration with in-wheel motors and existing motor drive systems.

The Challenge

Electrical vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular due to lower emissions produced, compared to petrol or diesel fueled vehicles, which is better for the environment. Hydrogen fuel cell-based cars offer an alternative option for generating electricity onboard the vehicle, rather than a plug-in system, to charge or maintain the battery for the motor drive power source. Regardless of onboard energy storage type (battery or hydrogen fuel cell), electric traction motors will become more present in cars manufactured.

Electric vehicles use traction motors that can be integrated as direct drive or geared motors. Some vehicles use direct-drive in-wheel motors, which offers the highest flexibility for vehicle design and occupant space.

Accurate measurement of real-time position of the rotor is critical for efficiency and performance. With a large diameter, reduced thickness, and no conventional shaft on the output, in-wheel motors are very challenging to integrate with motor speed sensors. In-wheel motors also integrate automotive wheel-bearings, therefore the sensor must be thin and have a large inner diameter.

The Solution

Celera Motion IncOder™ Series encoders use the same robust and reliable inductive position measurement principles as resolvers, but replace bulky windings with printed copper tracks in a laminar PCB design. The printed circuit board angle position sensors have a large hole in the middle and can be designed without a housing, to significantly reduce height and weight – extremely suitable for integration with in-wheel motors. The inductive encoders deliver high resolution position output in a rugged, compact, low-profile form factor, providing continuous operation in harsh environments.

The Benefit

The IncOder™ enables the design of a thinner, lighter motor, with optimized vehicle suspension pickup points. Precisely controlling the motor provides optimal noise reduction and ensures the motor runs efficiently. This sensor delivers reliable measurement and exhibits robust shock and vibration performance, required for vehicle applications.

IncOder offers a wide range of size, mounting, and connector options. Experience the best-in-class encoder that can be easily integrated with your existing motor drive system.

Specifications

Resolution 22 bits possible
Accuracy Up to 19 arcsec
Internal Diameter (ID) 5 mm - 526.7 mm
Outer Diameter (OD) 37 – 595 mm
Shock IEC 60068-2-27 100 g for 11 ms
Vibration IEC 60068-2-6 20 g for 10-2000 Hz