Designing Automotive Mirror Controller PCBAs

Processor selection, motor control, LIN/CAN communication and EMC considerations for compact automotive control electronics.

Start with the required functions

Automotive mirror controllers combine several functions within a compact assembly. The design may need to support angle adjustment, folding, heating, light sensing and communication with the vehicle network. The processor and memory requirements depend on which functions are included.

Coordinate power and control

Motor drivers and current monitoring help control movement and detect a stalled mechanism. Power-management circuitry supplies the logic and sensors, while LIN or CAN interfaces connect the controller to other vehicle systems. These blocks need to be planned together within the available space.

Design for the operating environment

Component selection, EMC performance and thermal behavior are part of the engineering review. Electrical validation should be considered alongside the mechanical installation, connectors and software behavior, so the assembled controller can be evaluated as a complete system.

Adapted from JIEJIA’s original Chinese article.