The move in the automotive industry towards autonomous cars with ADAS systems and EVs with full smart glass exteriors is creating a need to ensure that safety system sensors are fully operational for de-icing and de-fogging during winter or harsh weather conditions. CHASM’s development of a transparent heater employing its AgeNT™ hybrid film technology, which is compatible with optical, RADAR, and LIDAR systems is the result of an evolution in technology over multiple years, responding to more demanding product requirements which have required deeper technology development and validation of the performance as application challenges were encountered. This presentation will describe the development process, which included significant make/buy analysis to meet commercial goals for the initially conceived structure and design aimed at optical sensor applications. The growth of RADAR and LIDAR, in addition to optical systems, introduced an additional set of challenges due to signal attenuation and noise, which was ultimately addressed with further film structure design changes, without compromising the improved film stability. A key element in the evolution was the enablement of rapid design change implementation based on heater performance models, a low-cost printing manufacturing process, and a well-established downstream supply chain to quickly build prototypes for product validation by customers. The various stages of the evolutionary process will be described, linking process, product structure, performance, and in-use requirements.
