Randy Frank is an SAE and IEEE Fellow, and he has been involved in automotive electronics for more than 25 years. He has been a contributing editor to Auto Electronics since its initial publication in October 2004. Email address: r.frank@ieee.org
3 results found for Randy Frank , displaying items 1 - 3
November 5, 2009[Technology Report] Li-ion Suppliers Try To Find The Right Chemistry With Car Buyers
Since Sony introduced them in 1991, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have transformed portable electronic products. Now, carmakers and would-be automotive battery suppliers are looking for a similar transformation to redefine automotive propulsion. Currently, well over 2 billion Li-ion battery cells are sold annually for consumer electronic applications, most notably cell phones and laptop computers. If cars become a significant market for Li-ion batteries, this...
August 27, 2009[Engineering Feature] Expanding Telematics For The Masses
Its simple three-button interface has not changed since its earliest years, but OnStar is making changes to its services at a pace much like that of consumers upgrading their cell phones—and perhaps even quicker. Over time, OnStar has added infotainment system aspects including satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and Destination Download. These additional features as well as improved voice recognition, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, tire pressure...
August 27, 2009[Engineering Feature] The Line Between Telematics And Infotainment Blurs Even Further
TTelematics and infotainment appear to be on a collision course within the automobile. The terms themselves have caused some confusion. Telematics refers to the combination of telecommunications and informatics, basically wireless communication. Infotainment indicates the combination of information and entertainment. Even the analysts can’t agree on what differentiates telematics and infotainment. “You call five different people, you are going...
