Power over Coaxial in Automotive: A Simplified Path to Advanced Vehicle Systems

PoC offers a solution to the growing need for power and data transmission.

February 6, 2025

Travis Thurman

PoC technology simplifies vehicle systems by transmitting power and data over a single coaxial cable, improving ADAS and autonomous driving. (TDK)

As automotive technology advances, modern vehicles increasingly rely on complex electronics such as cameras, sensors, radar, and lidar. These components are critical for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated driving. With the growing complexity of these systems, automotive manufacturers face challenges in efficiently transmitting both power and data while minimizing weight and system complexity. Power over coaxial (PoC) technology offers a solution by allowing the transmission of power and data over a single coaxial cable, significantly simplifying vehicle design.

Advanced inductors optimized for PoC filter applications are a key innovation. (TDK)

This article explores how PoC technology is transforming vehicle systems and the innovations in component design that support high-speed automotive communication.

The growing need for power and data

With the integration of more electronic systems, especially those required for ADAS and autonomous driving, the demand for power and high-speed data transmission in vehicles has surged. Modern cars now use multiple cameras and sensors, and as vehicle systems continue to evolve, the number of electronic components is expected to increase. This shift places significant demands on the transmission of both data and power across the vehicle’s electrical system.

Radar, LiDAR, and cameras generate vast amounts of data that must be transmitted quickly and accurately in modern vehicles. (TDK)

Traditionally, separate cables were required for power and data transmission. This approach added weight, complexity, and potential points of failure to the vehicle's wiring harnesses. Heavier wiring systems also increase the likelihood of electromagnetic interference (EMI), which could impair the performance of essential vehicle components.

PoC technology addresses these challenges by merging power and data transmission into a single coaxial cable. This innovation reduces the number of required cables, lightens the vehicle’s overall wiring system, and simplifies its electrical architecture. By streamlining the wiring, PoC technology cuts down on fuel consumption and enhances overall vehicle efficiency and reliability.

Advantages of PoC in automotive systems

PoC provides several key advantages that make it highly suited for automotive systems. First, the reduction in the weight of wire harnesses is crucial for manufacturers as they strive to meet stricter fuel efficiency standards. PoC’s fewer cables and reduced weight simplify the vehicle’s electrical design and make it easier to manufacture and maintain.

Smaller components enable PoC system integration into tight vehicle spaces without sacrificing performance. (TDK)

Another significant advantage is the reduction in electromagnetic interference. Automotive systems generate substantial EMI, which can disrupt the performance of critical components like cameras and sensors. Since PoC uses coaxial cables, which are inherently shielded, it offers superior protection against EMI compared to traditional wiring systems and ensures reliable power and data transmission, even in challenging environments.

Another factor driving the adoption of PoC technology is the increasing need for high-speed data transmission. As vehicles rely more on sensors and cameras for real-time data, systems like radar, LiDAR, and cameras generate massive amounts of information that must be transmitted quickly and accurately. PoC is well-suited to handle these data streams while providing power to each component.

PoC innovations

As PoC technology continues to gain traction in the automotive industry, advancements in component design are crucial to maximizing its potential. One of the key innovations involves the development of advanced inductors that are optimized for PoC filter applications. Inductors are essential for maintaining signal integrity and reducing EMI in PoC systems. Traditionally, achieving the necessary impedance characteristics required the use of multiple inductors. However, modern designs have delivered the same performance with fewer components, simplifying the overall system.

Advancements in component size have led to more compact designs, reducing the number of components and making space more constrained. Given the increasing number of electronic components in vehicles, modern inductors and chip beads are now designed with a smaller mounting footprint, making integrating PoC systems into tight spaces easier without compromising performance.

A major breakthrough in PoC technology is the introduction of bifilar winding, a wire-winding method with two closely spaced, parallel windings. This technique reduces DC resonance and maintains the required impedance across a wide frequency range. Bifilar winding enhances control over electromagnetic properties, which is essential for maintaining signal integrity in PoC systems, especially as they handle higher data speeds.

Furthermore, these inductors are designed to maintain stable impedance across a broad range of frequencies, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions, including extreme temperatures. With vehicles now expected to operate in temperatures as high as 150 C (302 F), maintaining reliable sensor and camera functionality is critical for safe operation.

Modern inductors are also optimized for high-current applications, a growing requirement as vehicle systems demand more power. The power needs of components like cameras and sensors have increased, and inductors must now handle higher current loads, from 1W to 5W, while ensuring stable performance.

Supporting compliance with international standards

As automakers integrate PoC technology to simplify their vehicle systems, compliance with international standards is essential. PoC technology helps manufacturers meet stringent regulations related to safety, performance, and environmental impact. The reduced vehicle weight resulting from PoC’s simplified wiring contributes to improved fuel efficiency, while the streamlined electrical system design minimizes the risk of errors and malfunctions.

Additionally, system-level support is available for automotive manufacturers, including tools like scattering-parameter data analysis. This support ensures that PoC systems meet the technical requirements of each vehicle design while complying with industry standards. Automakers can optimize their PoC systems for performance and regulatory compliance, ensuring that necessary benchmarks are met.

The future of PoC in automotive systems

PoC technology represents a significant step forward in the design of automotive electrical systems. It is a streamlined solution that supports modern vehicles' power and data needs by reducing weight, simplifying wiring harnesses, and minimizing electromagnetic interference.

TDK is at the forefront of Power over Coaxial (PoC) technology innovations, driving advancements that address the automotive industry's increasing demand for more efficient and reliable systems. Focusing on developing high-performance components like advanced inductors and filters, its solutions are optimized for the unique challenges of PoC applications.

Automakers and the automotive industry rely on cutting-edge inductors with innovations like bifilar winding technology that help reduce electromagnetic interference, maintain signal integrity, and enable high-current capabilities, all while minimizing space requirements. It’s necessary to work with partners to refine these technologies, empowering automakers to streamline their vehicle designs, improve system performance, and meet stringent industry standards, paving the way for more sophisticated and efficient automotive systems.

Innovations in components like inductors and the introduction of bifilar winding technology continue to push the boundaries of what PoC systems can achieve. PoC will play an increasingly important role in enabling future advancements in automotive technology, supporting the demands of ADAS and autonomous driving systems.

Travis Thurman is chief design engineer at TDK.