🧠 Microprocessors & Microcontrollers in EVs

Session 6: The Brains Behind Electric Vehicles

💻

Microprocessor

CPU that requires external components (memory, I/O) to function

Internal Components

  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Control Unit
  • Registers
  • Cache Memory

External Requirements

  • External RAM for data storage
  • External ROM for program storage
  • I/O interface chips
  • System bus connections

Key Characteristics

✓ More complex and powerful
✓ Higher processing speed
✓ Suitable for multitasking
✓ Greater power consumption
✓ Higher cost
✓ Larger physical size

Common Examples

Intel Core series
AMD Ryzen
ARM Cortex-A
Apple M-series

🚗 Applications in Electric Vehicles

1. Infotainment System
Processes multimedia, navigation, connectivity
Handles complex UI, maps, streaming, smartphone integration
2. Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS)
Processes camera and sensor data for safety features
Lane keeping, collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control
3. Autonomous Driving Computers
High-performance computing for self-driving
Real-time decision making, path planning, object recognition
4. Vehicle Diagnostic Systems
Complex fault diagnosis and logging
Analyzes multiple system data, predictive maintenance
⚙️

Microcontroller

Compact IC with CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals on a single chip

Internal Components

  • CPU (Processor Core)
  • RAM (volatile memory)
  • ROM/Flash (non-volatile memory)
  • I/O Ports
  • Timers/Counters
  • ADC/DAC converters
  • Communication interfaces

External Requirements

  • Power supply
  • Crystal oscillator (sometimes)
  • External sensors/actuators
  • Programming interface

Key Characteristics

✓ Designed for specific tasks
✓ Integrated memory & peripherals
✓ Low power consumption
✓ Lower cost
✓ Compact size
✓ Real-time operation

Common Examples

Atmel AVR (Arduino)
PIC series
ARM Cortex-M
ESP32
STM32 series

🚗 Applications in Electric Vehicles

1. Battery Management System (BMS)
Monitors and controls battery pack
Cell voltage monitoring, temperature sensing, cell balancing, SOC calculation
2. Motor Control Unit (MCU)
Precise control of electric motor
PWM generation, speed control, torque management, position sensing
3. Charging Controller
Manages battery charging process
Charging protocol, current/voltage regulation, safety monitoring
4. Body Control Module
Controls lights, wipers, locks, windows
Switch inputs, relay control, CAN communication
5. Sensor Interface Modules
Process data from various vehicle sensors
Temperature, pressure, proximity, acceleration sensors
6. Thermal Management
Controls cooling systems
Fan speed control, pump control, temperature monitoring

Microprocessor vs Microcontroller Comparison

Feature Microprocessor Microcontroller
Integration CPU only - requires external components Complete system on chip
Memory External RAM and ROM required Built-in RAM and Flash memory
I/O Ports Requires external interface chips Integrated I/O ports
Power Consumption Higher Lower - ideal for battery operation
Cost Higher (CPU + external components) Lower (integrated solution)
Size Larger system Compact, single chip
Best Use in EV Complex computing, infotainment, ADAS Real-time control, embedded systems, BMS
🚗

Complete EV Electronic System Architecture

Modern electric vehicles integrate hundreds of processors and controllers working together seamlessly

⚡ High Voltage System

Battery Pack (BMS with MCU)
Motor Inverter (IGBT + MCU)
DC-DC Converter
On-board Charger

🔋 Low Voltage System

12V Battery
Body Control (MCU)
Lighting Control (MCU)
HVAC Control (MCU)

🌐 Control & Communication

Vehicle Control Unit (Processor)
CAN Bus Network
Ethernet Backbone
Gateway Modules

📱 User Interface

Infotainment (Processor)
Digital Cluster (Processor)
HMI Controls (MCU)

🛡️ Safety & ADAS

ADAS ECU (Processor)
Camera Processing
Radar Processing
Sensor Fusion

📚 Course Summary

Session 1: Electricity fundamentals, Ohm's Law, circuit basics

Session 2: Measuring instruments, voltage generation methods

Session 3: Semiconductors, diodes, rectification

Session 4: Transistors (BJT, MOSFET, JFET)

Session 5: IGBTs, integrated circuits, power electronics

Session 6: Microprocessors, microcontrollers, system integration

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