South African company PFK recently developed the Autowatch wireless alcohol breathalyser (WAB) system to prevent alcohol-impaired drivers from circulating on public roads and endangering the safety of others. Before starting a vehicle equipped with the Autowatch system, the driver must breathe into a breathalyser which will analyse the sample, determine whether the driver’s alcohol concentration is above the specified legal limit, and transmit the result to a vehicle blocking system (VBS).
If the alcohol concentration is below the legal limit, the VBS will disarm the immobiliser and allow the vehicle to start, but if not, the vehicle will remain in the immobilised state. By adding a cellular connection to the Autowatch WAB, the system can immediately communicate exceptional events, such as an attempt to push start the vehicle, to a control station or a fleet manager.
The Autowatch exploits Sierra Wireless’ AirPrime WMP100 Intelligent Embedded Modules, with their ability to reliably connect to central systems in real-time. Sierra is represented locally by Arrow Altech Distribution and Trinity Telecomms.
These modules were also recently designed into a driving safety system developed by US company inthinc. This technology mentors teen drivers as well as commercial operators in real-time by comparing driver behaviour to preprogrammed conditions and notifying the driver when it senses unsafe driving events including speeding, aggressiveness and more. Simultaneously, thanks to the cellular connection provided by the WMP100, parents and fleet owners can be notified of the driver’s current location, actions and driving performance through text, voicemail or e-mail. All driving information is reported and stored on a Web portal for later review.
For more information contact Arrow Altech Distribution, +27 (0)11 923 9600, Trinity Telecomms, +27 (0)11 465 7377, PFK, +27 (0)31 274 7200.
Converter power modules for 48 V networks Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The economic and quality-of-life benefits of electrification is driving the adoption of HV to 48 V DC-DC conversion across many markets with 48 V power modules becoming more common.
Read more...Memory for asset tracking Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
The Page EEPROM, ST’s latest memory, has been designed for efficient datalogging and fast firmware upload/download in battery-operated devices.
Read more...Electronic News Digest
News
A brief synopsis of current global news relating to the electronic engineering fields with regards to company finances, general company news, and engineering technologies.
Read more...4000 A containerised DB for power project
News
Power Process Systems has successfully completed the design, fabrication, and commissioning of a 4000 A containerised distribution board for a wind/PV solar hybrid renewable energy project.
Read more...Datacentrix Industrial Indaba 2025
News
Datacentrix recently hosted its inaugural Industrial Indaba 2025, where industry leaders explored how digitalisation, resilience, security and compliance are shaping the future of sustainable industrial operations in Africa.
Read more...RS brings solar light to 150 000 people RS South Africa
News
The company’s three-year partnership with SolarAid aims to raise £1 million through corporate donations, matched funding, product contributions, and fundraising to accelerate access to safe, sustainable energy.
Read more...Microchip and AVIVA Links collaboration Altron Arrow
News
Microchip and AVIVA Links have achieved groundbreaking ASA-ML interoperability, accelerating the shift to open standards for automotive connectivity.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version