CUSTOMER CHALLENGE
Electronic control units (ECUs) are the brains behind every electronic system in an automobile. The typical ECU includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and electrical connectors, contained within a module housing. With the exploding popularity of e-mobility, ECUs are more prevalent than ever and can be found in electric drive units, steering systems, battery management, critical safety systems, and various other electromechanical systems.
These systems often work in conjunction with each other, and as a result, electromechanical system designers are tasked with integrating a wide range of functionality into one control unit.
During the development phase of a new ECU, the customer engineering team realized that there were electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues with adjacent systems and furthermore, a system cost that exceeded commercial targets.
The customer also knew that the electrical connectors would have to be improved to reduce assembly while improving environmental sealing and robustness. To address these challenges, the customer focused on the ECU’s plastic housing design and turned to Parker Chomerics for their expertise in EMI shielding mechanisms and injection molding experience in the manufacture of a wide range of plastic housings.