The transmission technology research department conducts research related to the transmission of electromagnetic waves for a wide range of frequencies from microwave to light. Electromagnetic waves can be transmitted as energy, but our research department mainly handles signal transmission. There are wired and wireless signal transmission methods. It is necessary for each transmission method to satisfy signal quality requirements. When an electromagnetic wave signal is transmitted, its signal quality changes depending on transmission characteristics of devices and transmission lines due to frequency response (amplitude or phase). Especially at high frequencies, those characteristics are influenced by slight shifts in dimensions, materials, capacitors, resistors, and so on. After establishing a theoretical understanding of the influences on frequency, we conduct research to cope with the in-vehicle and connected car environment and for new structure/mechanism and transmission methods taking into consideration the latest research trends while maintaining quality.

At present, we conduct research related to in-vehicle and connected car communications technology for connected cars　with various services using automatic driving technology and outside-vehicle communications. We are working on research not only to speed up in-vehicle information and communications but also to realize seamless connections to the outside. By realizing these technologies, we hope to contribute to improving the convenience and safety of vehicles.

We have been conducting joint research with researchers in the materials and chemistry fields of national research institutes (hereinafter referred to as NRI) with the aim of establishing highly reliable and high-performance "connection technology" for future cars. The connection technology referred to here is to prevent functional deterioration such as an increase in electrical resistance in the wire harnesses (W/H's) that connect electronic devices in automobiles and the connection parts of the connectors that connect the W/H's. This technology is becoming more and more important for hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles which use high voltages and large amounts of current.

I was in charge of research for generating a new nano-material on the surface of copper which is the base material of connector terminals. The surface of copper, which is easily oxidized, is usually metal-plated to prevent functional deterioration, but the use of nanomaterials has the potential to provide surface treatment that is less likely to oxidize, is thinner, stronger, and is easier to conduct electricity at low cost. I was researching the identification of nanomaterials suitable for Yazaki's products and the surface treatment methods that would contribute to their practical application.

To realize a safe and secure society in the future, Yazaki is pursuing reliable fundamental technology that will surely earn the trust of our customers. We will ensure the reliability of the components and its materials of Yazaki products and the connecting parts that connect them which are required for an era when autonomous driving will be ubiquitous. We will further ensure system reliability to avoid loss of function. We will also establish electrical evaluation techniques for large-scale electric circuits. Correct evaluation makes it possible to prevent electrical defects and optimize part design based on empirical rules.

When the autonomous driving comes in practical use the first priority is not to cause an accident. In order to handle any situation, it is also necessary to anticipate when each component may fail. We are pursuing technology for accurate measurement in order to ensure the reliability of evaluations when customers are having to provide help in in the event of an emergency.