SuperCap-based Energy Back-up System for Automotive Electronic Control Units

The E-latch is a new automotive mechatronic device that substitutes the door closure mechanical system with electro-actuated parts plus an embedded electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the main vehicle network. Due to severe automotive safety-critical requirements for door closure, an energy back-up system is required. A solution based on supercaps and boost converter is proposed in this work to ensure E-latch operation even in case of main battery failure. An in-depth thermal, electrical and durability characterization of the supercaps proves the reliability of the energy back-up unit for automotive applications. A Components Off the Shelf (COTS) approach has been followed for the E-latch prototype and test phases. A migration towards an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) design approach is envisaged for future large volume production