The BQ79826Z-Q1 battery monitor enhances safety and extends battery life by detecting potential failures from within battery cells. The single chip tracks up to 44% more channels than previous generations. With this increase, the device significantly decreases the number of components required in a battery pack, reducing system complexity and cost without compromising reliability

“The electrification of transportation and the rapid expansion of energy storage are redefining what battery performance must deliver, and as a leader in battery management technology, TI is uniquely positioned to meet that challenge,” said Wenjia Liu, vice president and general manager, battery management systems (BMS) at TI.

“Our high-cell-count battery monitor with a built-in EIS engine helps ‘shine a light’ inside battery cells, delivering rich chemical-state data that enables systems’ software to make informed, real-time decisions on safety and performance of the battery pack, allowing engineers to address the most critical challenges in battery management.”

Delivering safety and performance with EIS technology 

EIS monitors a battery and delivers continuous, real-time insight that reveals the battery’s health and warns of issues before they become critical. Integrated EIS technology enables the BQ78926Z-Q1 to detect fault conditions earlier – from inside the cells – helping maintain safety and notifying passengers of potential vehicle hazards such as thermal runaway.

Maximizing efficiency with industry-leading cell count

According to the company, the BQ79826Z-Q1 supports up to 26 cells per device – eight more than competing solutions. By reducing the number of monitoring devices required, it lowers bill-of-materials costs, simplifies system architecture and minimizes board space requirements, delivering significant cost savings per channel without compromising quality or reliability.

When paired with the BQ79881-Q1 pack monitor and optional TI communications bridge, these devices create a powerful chipset that works across different module sizes, battery chemistries and mechanical designs, giving engineers the flexibility to design once and deploy everywhere.

Calculating charge readings with the best-in-class accuracy

With a voltage accuracy of <2mV across a full temperature range of –40°C to +125°C, higher resolution analog-to-digital converters and ultra-low noise, the BQ78926Z-Q1 enables more accurate state-of-charge calculations, directly addressing one of the biggest concerns for EV drivers: range anxiety.

Using EIS technology, this device enables more accurate temperature and state-of-charge estimation, helping designers achieve longer battery life and faster charging without compromising battery health.

With an EIS measurement time that is five times faster than previous solutions, this device delivers the highest functional safety voltage reading per cell. Compliance with Automotive Safety Integrity Level D and International Organization for Standardization 26262 gives designers a smarter, more efficient path to safer, longer-lasting batteries.

Related news, rFpro launches AV Elevate In Cabin driver and occupant monitoring simulation tool

To address this, rFpro has launched the AV Elevate In Cabin add-on package that enables automotive OEMs, Tier 1s and sensor developers to tune, train and test driver and occupant monitoring systems in simulation to improve the speed and consistency of in-cabin testing.

“Euro NCAP’s 2026 scoring changes make in-cabin monitoring one of the most consequential areas of vehicle safety development,” said Matt Daley, technical director at rFpro. “When you combine that with ADDW becoming mandatory, it is clear that the demand to develop and validate these systems faster and earlier in the program will only grow. We have taken our proven exterior simulation solution and applied the same techniques to the interior. AV Elevate In Cabin is a physically accurate, engineering-grade  simulation environment enabling thousands of tests to be conducted before anything physical has even been built.”

AV Elevate In Cabin addresses three core areas of in-cabin simulation: the fidelity of the virtual cabin environment, the control of occupant behavior within it and the physical accuracy of sensor perception.

Interior fidelity

rFpro has improved the fidelity of its vehicle interior models by adding sub-structures that are invisible to the human eye and to cameras but are detected by radar. The metal framework within seats, for example, is now modeled to ensure radar-based sensing systems encounter realistic returns.

The object library has been expanded to include items commonly found inside vehicles, including rucksacks, laptops, child seats, pets and other personal belongings. Skin simulation has also been improved, with higher-detail facial models to support systems that assess driver state from facial features.

Controlling the virtual environment 

A high-density bone rig within rFpro’s human models enables fine control of facial and limb movements, supporting simulation of the macro and micro expressions that driver monitoring systems must detect. This includes ‘owl movement’, where the driver turns their head, and ‘lizard movement’, where only the eyes shift away from the road.

“We have even considered details like opening and closing vehicle windows,” said Daley. “That is not something you need to think about for external sensor simulation, but it fundamentally changes how light and radar energy travel through the cabin. If you are developing an in-cabin system that needs to work reliably in the real world, these are the kinds of variables you have to account for.”

Sensor modeling

Most in-cabin systems use a mixture of radar sensors, visible light cameras and IR cameras, that see using their own IR energy source. rFpro’s new IR camera sensor integration accurately models the energy emitted by the camera and how it interacts with every cabin surface.

Specific IR reflectivity and radar properties have been assigned to all interior materials, including the driver’s skin, seats and windows. These material characteristics have been correlated with laboratory measurements conducted under the Sim4CamSens research program, with the National Physical Laboratory and Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult involved in the testing. Skin reflectivity, for example, has been characterized down to the difference between a nose, chin and cheek to improve the realism of IR camera data.

“Looking further ahead, understanding who is in the cabin and what they are doing is essential for autonomous vehicle operations, not just for safety, but for the passenger experience,” said Daley. “If you know where occupants are, you can optimize everything from airbag deployment to noise-cancelling audio. We are looking to partner with sensor developers and OEMs to help drive the direction of this capability further.”

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“VDA 4.1 is the result of listening closely to our customers’ needs,” said Mike Weglarz, ATI’s executive director for software products. “Engineers told us they needed greater flexibility in how they view and compare data across multiple monitors, native access to CAN and LIN bus trace data without switching tools, and smarter ways to collaborate on large MDF4 datasets across distributed teams. VDA 4.1 addresses all of this – and more.”

One of the key features is the floating and dockable workspace. Pages and tabs can be freely undocked into independent windows and repositioned across multiple monitors. Panel pages enable side-by-side views of graphs, data grids, GPS maps and CAN/LIN bus trace data simultaneously. Chain cursors link navigation across all open windows in real time, significantly improving multiscreen analysis workflows for rapid MDF4 file analysis.

VDA 4.1 introduces native display of CAN and LIN bus messages recorded within MDF4 files, complete with message filtering, a time slider and cursor synchronization with trace pages. Furthermore, engineers can now inspect raw bus traffic correlated directly with measured signals inside the single VDA 4.1 application – eliminating the need for a separate CAN analysis tool.

ATI’s new software includes a new dashboard page and live gauges. The new page type hosts circular and linear gauges, data lists and text boxes that can be locked once configured and linked to trace page cursors. VDA 4.1’s dashboard provides a quick view of different data and a professional, presentation-ready data view purpose-built for test debriefs and live review sessions.

It also comes with optional Vision Enterprise integration. VDA 4.1 integrates fully with the forthcoming optional Vision Enterprise (VE) 1.0 collaboration platform, which will provide centralized MDF4 file storage, powerful 21-criteria metadata search, folder notifications, tag/property editing and upload/download with progress tracking. Vision Enterprise is available as a separately licensed add-on and is expected to launch later this year.

In terms of performance and reliability, more than 30 targeted bug fixes address stability across calculated channels, MDF file handling, GPS visualizer with KML export, layout reapplication and ASCII export.

Vision Data Analyzer 4.1 is available as a subscription-based software license for 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11. Site licenses for corporate volume deployments are available on application. The soon-to-be-launched Vision Enterprise collaboration module requires a separate VE server license.

“For engineering teams already using ATI Vision data acquisition hardware, VDA 4.1 is the natural next step,” noted Peter Knivett, executive VP for commercial at ATI. “And for teams using any MDF4-compatible datalogger, VDA 4.1 offers a professional-grade analysis environment at a price point that is highly competitive with far more complex toolchains. The combination of flexible workspace, CAN/LIN trace viewing and optional future Vision enterprise collaboration makes this a compelling choice for control system development teams.”

VDA 4.1 is designed for test engineers, calibration engineers, data analysts and validation teams at OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and engineering service providers. It supports automotive powertrain, chassis, EV/HEV and ADAS development, as well as heavy truck and bus, agricultural, marine, aerospace and off-highway applications – wherever ASAM MDF4-format test data is used.

Look out for a feature on data acquisition, the data pipeline and other aspects such as edge computing in the June edition of ATTI – due to land soon. Read the latest issue for FREE here

With the new BAC module for CAN-FD/LIN, these interfaces can now be tested for functionality during production. The Bus Access Cable (BAC) is connected to one of the five slots on the Scanflex multi-port bus I/O Module 9305. This enables access to the complex test functions of the Scanflex boundary scan controller, which then takes over the simultaneous generation and dynamic distribution of the vectors and control sequences to the interfaces.

What is Scanflex? 

Scanflex is a modular JTAG/boundary scan controller. Based on state-of-the-art multi-core processors and FPGAs, it enables users to execute test and programming technologies from embedded JTAG solutions. Its multifunctional architecture enables these technologies to be combined flexibly and with high performance on a single platform.

Related news, AVL and VCarSystem in technology tie-up to advance E/E testing

Guided by a shared vision of fully automated, CI/CD-connected development environments based on open standards and modern software practices, the suppliers aim to make HIL testing truly ‘soft’ – meaning software-driven –  as well as being flexible, scalable and seamlessly deployable. This is central to supporting the evolution toward software-defined vehicle architectures.

Gianluca Vitale, software global unit manager at AVL, said, “At AVL, our software strategy continues to evolve with a clear focus on accelerating development through end-to-end solution responsibility, positioning ourselves as an open integrator that enables customers to move faster and more efficiently.”

“Together with VCarSystem, we are introducing disruptive, end-to-end approaches that radically speed up software release cycles and E/E integration, offering a new benchmark for testing efficiency and development agility,” said Qi Chen, president of VCarSystem. “Partnering with AVL marks a significant step toward reshaping the future of vehicle development in the era of software-defined vehicles.

“As the industry shifts from hardware-bound architectures to software-driven mobility platforms, validation must evolve at the speed of software. Together with AVL, we are building an open, scalable testing ecosystem that accelerates function validation, shortens development cycles and enables continuous innovation throughout the SDV lifecycle – creating long-term sustainable value for our global customers and partners.”

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The solution, which was developed in partnership with Odosolutions, was designed to address the challenges of data acquisition and management in today’s development landscape. As Kuhn’s equipment has evolved to incorporate advanced electronics and sensor technologies, the company identified growing limitations in traditional approaches to gathering field data and customer feedback, which were no longer sufficient to support modern product development and performance optimization.

Earlier trials with low-cost data logging tools lacked cloud connectivity, integrated dashboards and turnkey usability, according to Odosolutions. More advanced systems required extensive manual processing and were difficult to share across teams, while also lacking the durability required for harsh agricultural environments. At the same time, Kuhn needed a way to provide global teams and suppliers with timely access to machine data to support collaborative R&D and troubleshooting.

Following a successful demonstration of Odosolutions cloud loggers and dashboard technology, Kuhn introduced ruggedized, mount-ready loggers across both legacy and newly developed equipment. Once installed, the devices began transmitting live operational data directly to a secure cloud dashboard accessible across departments and international sites. The system integrated into Kuhn’s existing development and testing workflows with minimal configuration, enabling teams to begin analyzing and sharing data within days.

The impact was immediate. Within the first week of implementation, the new system eliminated the need for at least one costly test trip, saving several days of travel, accommodation and associated expenses. Engineers reported a significant reduction in the time previously spent on manual data handling and report preparation, while remote access to live machine data created further potential for cost and time savings across Kuhn’s global test locations.

Beyond operational efficiencies, the platform has enhanced Kuhn’s software development, testing and validation by enabling faster debugging and performance optimization. Real-time visibility of machine data has improved cross-department collaboration, allowing engineers, designers and software developers to work simultaneously from the same dataset and accelerate decision-making. The system has also strengthened collaboration with international suppliers by enabling shared access to performance data for joint analysis.

“Odosolutions has been essential for us in the software development process. We can log in and monitor information coming from our machines in real time, which helps us make changes faster and get solutions more quickly,” said Jake Peterson, product evaluation lab test engineer, Kuhn USA..

“It’s also improved visibility across departments and with our international partners, so everyone can access the same data without extra processing. The system has already saved development time, and it will continue to help us build smarter, more reliable equipment.”

Related news, Odosolutions CAN-to-cloud technology backs UK’s Drive35 and CAM Pathfinder ambitions

Signal Plot is a free, downloadable extension for CanKing 7.4.0 or later that allows engineers to track multiple signals simultaneously, zoom into events, compare values using cursors and switch between live and pause modes. The extension provides engineering-unit graphing directly within the CanKing workspace, making it particularly useful for HIL bench bring-up and on-site debugging.

“Our goal with Kvaser CanKing has always been to give engineers the clarity they need with as little friction as possible. Signal Plot does exactly this; turning raw CAN and LIN data into clear, meaningful visuals in real time. It’s a simple yet powerful upgrade that delivers an immediate boost in understanding and efficiency,” said Martin Sventén, CEO of Kvaser.

The update is designed to provide engineers with faster, more intuitive insights into system behavior, making real-time monitoring and debugging of automotive networks simpler and more efficient.

The extension is the first built on Kvaser’s CanKing Extensions SDK, which was launched last year, to enable users to create web-based GUI extensions such as dashboards, gauges and custom interpreters without modifying the core application. The SDK leverages React and is compatible with both Windows and Linux systems.

CanKing 7.4.0 also adds support for LIN message logging and replay using MDF4.x files. Improved MDF4.x compatibility ensures that LIN data frames are correctly recognised, enabling the Message Logger and Message Replay nodes to function seamlessly across both CAN and LIN traffic.

CanKing 7.4.0 was unveiled at at Embedded World 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany.

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Traditional tire pressure monitoring systems alert drivers only when pressure drops significantly, offering limited insight into tire performance. BANF’s solution, by contrast, measures acceleration, pressure, temperature and tread depth at thousands of samples per second inside the tire. Key signals – such as wheel-nut loosening, slip events or reduced friction – are processed within the tire, reducing communication load and improving response time before sending alerts to the vehicle.

“Tires generate terabytes of data related to friction, load and mechanical stress, but until now there was no viable way to capture and transmit that information in real time,” said BANF CEO Adam Sunghan You. “By combining Silicon Labs’ BG22 with our wireless power technology, we have unlocked a new level of tire intelligence.”

The system uses Silicon Labs’ Secure Vault technology to protect tire data from tampering or spoofing, a critical requirement for autonomous vehicles and fleet operators. Powering the sensors has historically been a challenge due to heat, mechanical stress and centrifugal forces inside the tire. BANF addresses this with a proprietary wireless power transfer solution: a Smart Profiler mounted on the vehicle’s fender delivers continuous energy to the battery-free iSensor, enabling uninterrupted data acquisition at thousands of hertz.

“Compute is no longer confined to the CPU – it extends across intelligent peripherals and sensors,” said Ross Sabolcik, senior vice president of product lines, Silicon Labs. “BG22 enables reliable, secure connectivity even in extreme environments, empowering innovators like BANF to digitize traditionally analog systems.”

BANF plans to use the collected data to expand into predictive maintenance, route optimization and insurance-linked services. By converting tires into intelligent, data-generating assets, the company aims to redefine vehicle operations and fleet management.

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Measuring just 20mm x 20mm x 5mm, the compact four-channel device delivers high-fidelity pressure data rapidly from the vehicle’s CANbus network to a webserver.

Built for the harsh realities of track-side and on-car environments, with an operational temperature range of -20°C to +135°C, its ultra-compact, fully encapsulated design enables seamless integration into tight spaces on wings, diffusers and other critical aerodynamic surfaces where traditional sensors cannot fit.

“The EvoScann P4-A is a game-changer for teams that rely on precise, real-time pressure data to validate their CFD models and optimize vehicle performance,” said Iain Gordon, general sales manager for EvoScann.

“By providing a direct CANbus-to-webserver data path in a package this small, with a level of accuracy which surpasses other scanners, we’re giving engineers unprecedented access to live, actionable insights from the heart of the action.”

Related news, Kistler launches RV-5 wheel vector sensor

Wheel position and orientation measurements are critical for applications including wheel arch and component clearance verification, elastokinematic simulation validation and chassis and tire development. Stable and reproducible data is especially important in motorsport and vehicle dynamics control systems such as ESC, torque vectoring and advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving, particularly under challenging conditions including dust, water spray and high vibration.

Efficient measurements

The heart of the sensor, consisting of several encoders and electronics, has been completely redesigned, with magnetic encoders replacing the previous optical encoders.

The RV-5 connects directly to the wheel carrier structure and measures the wheel vectors at the source. Consequently, measurements remain stable and reproducible in rain, dust, splash water or abrupt changes in light. The factory calibration in the vehicle coordinate system remains stable across temperature and vibration changes; recalibrations, as required with camera-based setups, are not necessary.

The sensor resists optical interference and delivers reliable, high-precision, low-latency data on rough roads, curbs and under high lateral and vertical accelerations, even where camera- and optics-based systems struggle.

Magnetic encoder

The magnetic encoders provide higher linearity and stability, delivering clean, high-resolution data across the full range, even under dynamic loads. Lower sensor noise produces smoother raw signals that require less filtering and are available with reduced latency.

Oliver Plenter, business development manager at Kistler, said, “Magnetic encoders make our wheel vector sensors even more robust and precise without disrupting customers’ established setups. Plug in, configure, measure – everything as usual, but with even higher quality.”

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