With the continuous advancement of electric intelligence in automobiles, the application scenarios of micro-motors are increasing in order to enhance the comfort and convenience of car use, as well as to expand the value-added space of vehicles. Subsystems that were previously controlled manually, such as door locks, windows, seat adjustments, rearview mirrors, and door handles, are gradually transitioning to motor-driven operations, realizing the mechatronic integration of automotive control devices. In recent years, the widespread use of intelligent electric components such as power tailgates, electric door handles, electric side mirrors, electric charging port covers, and rotating screens has greatly enhanced the user experience and the sense of technological advancement of the entire vehicle.

奥迪activesphere 概念车旋转仪表板和方向盘

1、 What is an automotive micro motor system

The automotive micro motor system is a crucial component in vehicles, comprising multiple micro motors and electric actuators that perform a variety of mechanical operations and control tasks. Micro motors are typically managed by an electronic control unit (ECU) or the vehicle's computer system to achieve precise control and regulation, supporting a multitude of functions and systems. Characterized by miniaturization, intelligence, multifunctionality, high integration, and suitability for mass production, they are primarily used to enhance comfort, convenience, intelligent comfortable driving, and intelligent precise control. They have been adopted by many OEMs and are gradually becoming standard equipment in new energy vehicles.

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2、 The application of micro motor systems in automobiles

The micro motor system, as one of the key systems in automobiles, is primarily used in the powertrain system, chassis, electronic control body, on-board information system, and accessories of the vehicle. It is gradually becoming an important component of the power system in new energy vehicles.

Partial distribution diagram of automotive micro motor system 

1. Applications in the powertrain include:

The applications in the powertrain include the starter, electronic fuel injection control system, radiator, alternator, among others.

2. Applications in the automotive chassis and frame include:

Applications in the automotive chassis and frame include the electronic suspension control system, electric power steering system, vehicle stability control system, automotive ACC cruise control system, anti-lock braking control system, and more.

3. Applications in automotive electronic control body components include:

Electric sunroof, dimmable glass, automatic headlights, smart front face, power tailgate, electric door handles, charging port door, electric suction doors, electric windshield wipers, and more.

4. Applications in the on-board information system include:

Steering column adjustment, rotating screens, air conditioning/air freshener systems, intelligent seating, and other components also make use of micro motor systems.

3. Composition of the Automotive Micro Motor System

The micro motor system consists of components such as micro motors, gearboxes, micro actuators, micro sensors, and microcontrollers. Among these, precision gears and micro motors have higher barriers to entry and are expected to develop towards system integration (similar to the transition from electronic expansion valves to thermal management modules). The trend of domestic substitution is the most certain, with the potential to benefit from four drivers: increased penetration rate, expansion of SKU (Stock Keeping Unit), upgraded modules, and domestic substitution. At the same time, the Tier1 segment has high value, and domestic substitution is also accelerating.

1. Micro Motors:

In general, the motors used for control in automotive micro motor systems are divided into two types: brushless DC motors (BLDC) and brushed DC motors. These motors are used to perform functions such as detecting, analyzing, amplifying, executing, or converting electrical and mechanical signals or energy. They can be paired with various gearboxes to achieve the purpose of changing output speed and torque.

Features: High torque, low noise, compact size, light weight, ease of use, constant speed operation.

Brushless DC Motors (BLDC Motors):

图源搜狐智能建筑电气技术杂志

The working principle of brushless DC motors (source: Sohu Intelligent Building Electrical Technology Magazine)

Brushed DC Motors:

（图源R 课堂）

有The principle of a brushed DC motor (source: Sohu Intelligent Building Electrical Technology Magazine)

2. Micro Gearbox:

Refers to the integrated body of the reducer and the motor (electric motor). It is also commonly referred to as a micro reduction motor. It is used to reduce speed and increase torque to meet the needs of mechanical equipment operation. This combination can also be referred to as a gear reducer or gear reduction motor. Generally speaking, micro gear reduction motors are assembled by reduction motor manufacturers and supplied as complete sets. If the two parts are purchased separately, the integration will be greatly compromised.

‍（微齿轮箱 图源：西格传动）

Features:

1.Compact structure, strong reliability, long service life, high load-bearing capacity.

2.High efficiency, with planetary gear reduction motors achieving over 95%, low energy consumption, and superior performance.

3. Low noise, high precision, precision machining ensures positioning accuracy.

3. Micro Sensors:

The micro gearbox is a key component of the micro motor system. It is the primary link in achieving automatic detection and automatic control. It is responsible for capturing data about the environment or system state and transmitting this information to the control system.

（电流传感器 图源健科电子）

Features: Small size, light weight, low cost, low power consumption, high reliability, suitable for mass production, easy integration, and facilitation of intelligentization.

4. Microcontrollers:

The microcontroller in the automotive controller is the core of the entire system and needs to have good high-temperature performance and stability. The automotive controller controls actuators through control signals and electrical energy conversion, achieving control and regulation of various systems in the car.

（汽车车窗控制器 图源健科电子）

Features: High processing performance, capability to handle a large number of network nodes, extensive interface support capabilities.

5. Micro Actuators:

An essential component in automatic control systems. It receives control signals from the controller, and through the micro motor and gear transmission reduction, drives the output gear to rotate, converting the control signals into mechanical motion. The equipment produces a physical response according to the controller's signals.

（微执行器 图源：海拉）

Features: Small size, simple structure, noiseless, easy installation.

4、Automotive Micro Motor System Industry Chain

The core components of the micro motor system include micro motors, gearboxes, controllers, sensors, actuators, and more. Suppliers in the micro motor segment include Johnson Electric, Ningbo Hengshuai Co., Ltd., Denso, Brose, among others. Well-known suppliers in the actuator segment include Koboda, Fagner, Chongqing Heds Lazo, Ningbo Jinghua, and others. Typical suppliers in the gearbox segment include IMS, Zhiwei Electrical Machinery, and so on.

5、 Conclusion

1. From the perspective of micro motor applications:

With the continuous development of automotive technology, people's demands for car comfort, environmental friendliness, and intelligence are increasingly rising. The variety and specifications of automotive motors are also increasing. Micro motors for vehicles are widely used in automotive engine systems, chassis systems, body systems, and accessory systems. With the development of new energy vehicles, micro motors are also used in automotive thermal energy management systems and electric vehicle main drive motors.

2. From the perspective of the development background of micro motors:

The micro motor industry is a technology-intensive field that originated in European countries such as Germany and Switzerland and was further developed in Japan. Since the reform and opening-up policy, China, as a developing country, has undertaken the transfer of the automotive micro motor industry from developed countries such as Germany and Japan. The technology diffusion has gradually shifted to China.

3. Future Development Trends:

Global automakers have put forward requirements for the application of active safety, intelligence, and comfort technologies. The micro motor system needs to continuously develop new structures, adopt new materials, and improve machining processes to meet the increasingly demanding application requirements. In the future, micro motors for vehicles will evolve towards lightweight, high efficiency, low noise, and intelligence. Through the driving of micro motors installed in various parts of the vehicle, the goals of active safety, intelligence, and comfort of the car can be achieved.

The article is compiled online and will be deleted if there is any infringement.

In the next issue, the editor will bring you "Part II: Introduction to the Automotive Micro Motor System - Actuators and a Supplier Overview." Stay tuned!

To strengthen communication and cooperation with upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain, Ai Bang has established an automotive micro-motor system industry chain exchange community. Please scan the following QR code to join the industry chain WeChat group and directory.

Activity recommendation two:The 2nd Automotive Intelligent Dimming Glass Industry Forum 2024 (June 6, Shanghai)

Recommended activities three:邀请函：第六届车载抬头显示HUD技术论坛（8月15日 合肥）

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The original article was originally published on WeChat public account (automotive new technology information):Key Component of Electric Vehicle Intelligence - Micro Motor System