Precise measurements of quiescent and operating currents help developers to identify and optimize energy-hungry components in vehicles. Based on such current characteristics control unit firmware can then be optimized, for example with regard to complex sleep modes and their transitions.

This is why the recording of such profiles requires exceptional current range dynamics.

For these measurements we present the CAN-based measurement module imc CANSAS IHR. It offers developers two independent channels for current measurement with auto ranging and a max. measuring range of 50 A and a minimum resolution of 50 nA in one single uninterrupted measurement with very high resolution. This is made possible by the use of two current measurement shunts of different sizes, which are switched dynamically depending on the current intensity.

Agenda: 

• Multiple ECUs networked within vehicle electrical systems 

• Challenges with current measurements covering wide range dynamics 

• Solution with auto-ranging concepts 

• Innovative product imc  CANSAS-IHR 

• Typical applications and further „oddities“