Abstract: A set of devices are coupled to a control area network (CAN) bus. At least some of the devices include switchable resistors that can apply a termination resistor to the CAN bus. Identification pins are used to identify devices on the CAN bus, and also to identify which device or devices are at the ends of the CAN bus. If a device is at an end of the CAN bus, the switch of the switchable resistor is set to couple the termination resistor to the CAN bus. Otherwise, the termination resistor is not coupled to the CAN bus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection system provides enhanced object detection capabilities. The ultrasonic detection system can generate complex ultrasonic waveforms based on excitation voltage waveforms constructed using high frequency components. In certain embodiments, an ultrasonic detection system may be capable of producing multiple different waveforms, e.g., different waveforms output by different transmitters, or multiple time-multiplexed waveforms output by the same transmitter. The ultrasonic detection system may be included in an autonomous vehicle (AV) for object detection in the environment of the AV.

Abstract: An AV sensor can be cleaned by charging a conductive layer over a sensor surface. The conductive layer may be positively or negatively charged and can repel contaminants having the same polarity away from the sensor. The charging of the conductive layer can be triggered by a determination that the sensor needs cleaning, which can be based on sensor data captured by the sensor or a different sensor. The charging of the conductive layer may include one or more charging cycles, each of which includes charging the conductive layer with two opposing polarities. Another conductive layer may be over the conductive layer. The other conductive layer can be charged with an opposite polarity from the conductive layer so that an electric field is present between the two conductive layers. A piezoelectric layer between the two conductive layers can vibrate under the electric field. The vibration can enhance the cleaning.