SAE INDIA 0301035

Role Of Electronics And Computers In Modern Automobiles

Ritesh Malhotra
B.E. Electronics, Pune, India
Copyright2003 SAE International

ABSTRACT Electronics and Computers are being increasingly used in development of various subsystems in a modern automobile Vehicle Manufacturers all over the world are spending fortunes on research work in this field of Automotive Electronics. The intent of this paper is to explore and discuss some of these modern electronic systems, how they have influenced modern automobiles and helped them evolve to their present state. INTRODUCTION Since the invention of the first automobile mechanical systems have dominated in the design of every acclaimed machines. Over the years these systems ereimproved and perfected for optimum performance. Whilst these mechanical systems were evolving, winning accolades for their contribution towards the development of the many fine machines secondary systems such as the electronics took a back seat and their use was limited to the most basic of function. The turning point in this scenario came about with the development of integrated circuits and microprocessors as electronic systems gained in girth. Now Electronic Control Systems are increasingly replacing their mechanical and hydraulic counterparts in systems such as Overall Engine Management, Diagnostics, Transmission and Gearshift controls, braking mechanisms and emissions control systems. The main reason for this shift to electronic systems lies in the levels of accuracy and speed, with which these systems respond to changes in the input conditions. At lightning speed of operation these controls result in better performance, higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

*Number in parantheses[ references at the end of paper

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Each of these systems has 3 parts: The Input Sensors the information gathering section for the computer circuit .It provides the computer information about the operating conditions at all sensors by converting physical properties to electrical signals which the computer will understand. The computer processes input information and arrives at a decision based on its programming to send an output to the actuators. The Output Actuator based upon the computers decision modifies the working conditions at the targeted actuators. POWER TRAIN & VEHICLE CONTROL Power train control modules referred to as PCM are one of the key components in engine management systems they employ advanced computing power to make numerous measurements and modify the working of the engine to deliver maximum efficiency and performance along with smooth automatic transmission. COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROL in vehicles were introduced to enhance engine performance, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emission levels. These aims are achieved by providing accurate ignition timing and precise air/fuel mixtures for different driving conditions. All computer engine control units employ sensors in the form of Throttle Position Sensor, Engine Knock Sensor, Engine & Vehicle Speed Sensors, Engine Vacuum Pressure Sensor, Barometric Pressure Sensor And Engine Coolant Temperature Sensors. [2]* These sensors provide the Computer unit with

the corresponding information in the form of electric signals. Memory units range from EPROM to the latest F LASH Memory sticks. The computer measures the operating conditions of the engine and selects from the memory The correct air/fuel mixture ratio, ignition timing etc. to provide optimum driving conditions. Computer systems also control many engine operation like electronic spark advance torque converter clutch applications, cooling fan operation, air intake management and certain other related systems.[1,2] ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) is used because it provides optimum vehicle control by reducing wheel skidding in the event of sudden braking. Skidding causes a high percentage of vehicle accidents on the highway .The system utilizes Wheel Speed Sensor a magnetic sensor that uses wheel rotation to produce a weak alternating current which is fed as input to the ABS Computer, a microcomputer that functions as the "brain" of the ABS system. The computer receives wheel rotation data from each wheel speed sensor. When the wheels try to lock, the computer delivers commands the in the form of necessary electric current to a pair of Normally Closed / Normally Open Solenoids to control brake pressure by opening and closing the two solenoids in a cyclic manner. Solenoidal Valve Actuator are a pair of electrically controlled solenoid valves that modulates the amount of braking pressure going to a specific wheel circuit by periodic switching between the two solenoids of the pair.[1] TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS (TCS) are instrumental in enhancing driver control in events of sudden acceleration. Unlike ABS where brakes are released for a split second TCS applies the brakes to the wheels which are accelerating faster than the others eliminating wheel spin, ensuring complete safety & control. Certain variants of the same systems selectively misfire some cylinders to provide the wheels with optimum power but eliminating wheel spin. This is made possible by bidirectional communication between TCS, PCM and the ECU (Electronic Control Unit).[14] AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (ATC) is perhaps one of the most essential features of any passenger vehicle on road. Advancements have been made in this area

since the introduction of computers and ECUs in automobiles. Intelligent Air-conditioning systems also referred to as Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) have been developed. A set of thermistors serve as sensors to convey the in cabin as well as the outside air temperature to the computer. Based upon passenger selection the systems regulates airflow, air temperature and air composition inside the passenger cabin. Systems are now being introduced which allow passengers in different seating positions to customize the ATC as per their convenience making road journeys much more comfortable. ADVANCED FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEMS (AFS) is intended to help improve visibility and driver awareness at night and in bad weather. Sensors in the car monitor parameters such as car speed, steering angle, and driver action. Based upon the data acquired from the sensors an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) processes the data and activates the adaptive lighting system switching the lights to appropriate Full-Beam, Dipped or Cornering settings. As a result the driver notices the difference upon approaching a severe bend or curve on the road enhancing visibility thereby reducing chance of an accident. Engineers have also realized that low power consumption headlamps contribute greatly to increasing fuel efficiency. Recently engineers from Hella charged with designing the Volkswagen 1L (fuel consumption approx 0.89L diesel /100Km) used BI-XENON /LED (Light Emitting Diodes)[3] Headlamp units designed for minimal power consumption thereby contributing to their goal. Night Vision Systems developed mainly for military use and aviation industry finds its way into passenger cars. Autoliv inc. has developed such a system to be used in the Volvo safety concept car.[4] The system incorporates a camera placed in the driver cabin at approx. the same place as a drivers head duplicating a drivers eye view of the road. The camera works on heat detection and picks up heat wavelenghts liberated from human and animal bodies. As the system is not dependent on the headlight beam it provides the driver with a clear view of any obstacles on the road even if they are not covered by the headlight beam. PASSENGER SAFETY SYSTEM is one area which has been undergoing constant

modifications since the advent of the most important in cabin safety feature for the crewThe AirbagBosch systems has integrated high precision electronic impact sensors and airbag ECUs to develop one of the fastest and good decision precision airbags.[5] The systems has upfront acceleration sensors in the vehicles deformation zone and side impact sensors

reference. The system also incorporates Servo Units for throttle control and Control Switches for driver control and the brake pedal release switches. Selected luxury cars like the Mercedes Benz S-Class are being equipped with an extension in the form of Adaptive Cruise Control. This is achieved through a radar headway sensor, digital signal processor and longitudinal controller. The autocruise radar system have a forwardlooking range of up to 492 feet The Radar scans 20 to either side of the vehicle laterally upon detecting an object. It transmits information on distance, angle and the releative velocity to a 32-bit computer.[6] The computer instantaneously determines if collision is inevitable, and sends signals to the ECU responsible brake control slowing the vehicle down and maintaining a safe distance from the obstacle. Trials are on for developing cruise control systems to follow magnetic field patterns set up along roads to eliminate even the slightest required feedback from the driver.

Fig 1. Bosch Optimized Air Bag Control System[5] Attributing to the very high speed and accuracy of the electronic components the system detects the impact speed of a frontal collision at a very early stage with the help of the "upfront" sensor. These upfront sensors transmit signals by which the ECU calculates early and precisely the energy absorption as well as the velocity of vehicle deformation. The speed of operation is so fast that in just 15ms the ECU is able to decipher between a minor crash and a critical one requiring deployment of airbags this in contrast to the current decision speeds of 50ms would bring down the causality rate in a high -speed crash.[5] In case of a side impact the signals from the side sensors are checked . The concept not only guarantees early deployment of all airbags, tensioning of seatbelts but also an accurate one, which means that the chances of injury due to undue deployment of these systems is eliminated. Such an arrangement would not be possible if it wasnt for the high speed of operation of the ECU as well as the high precision sensors. CRUISE CONTROL is a driver aid facility is a standard feature in most luxury cars. In the event of highway driving the system may be activated to maintain constant speed without any feedback from t he driver. Most computer controlled cruise control use the vehicles speed sensors as input to the ECU for speed

Fig 2. Adaptive Cruise Control Developed By Daimler Benz[10]

System

ROLE OF ELECTRONICS IN PROMOTING ALTERNATE FUEL VEHICLES HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEVs) combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle, resulting in twice the fuel economy of conventional vehicles. This combination offers the extended

range and rapid refueling that consumers expect from a conventional vehicle, with a significant portion of the energy and environmental benefits of an electric vehicle [11] . Essentially, a hybrid combines an energy storage system, a power unit, and a vehicle propulsion system. The Primary Energy Storage option is the battery, Hybrid Power Unit options include Direct Injection Engines, Spark Ignition engines or fuel cell powered plants. Propulsion Systems come in the form of power delivered from a motor in terms of Series OR Parallel connection.[11] The practical benefits of HEVs include improved fuel economy and lower emissions compared to conventional vehicles. Although battery operated vehicles introduced long back have been in operation they suffer from the inherent problem of short trip distance due to battery power limitation. HEVs are the apt reply an onboard generator, powered by an internal combustion engine, ensures that the vehicle be used for longer trips. Now HEVs are being developed and successfully used for longer trips whilst use of electric vehicles are mainly limited to short distances. One great benefit of these HEVs is their role in reducing the level of pollution and contributing to the green revolution. However due to their internal combustion engines HEVs would never be zero emission vehicles but their emission levels are amazingly low.[11] Fig 3 (below) an illustrative to depict the work cycle of a HEV under different working conditions.[12] A: Vehicle runs only on battery power when the engine shuts down. B: Vehicle running on power delivered from the engine unit C, D: The power splitting device divides the engine's output between the generator for the battery system and the wheels FUEL CELL VEHICLES most of the current HEVs use an IC engine as the use a hybrid engine that relies on a fossil fuel to power an internal combustion engine (ICE), with supplemental power supplied by a battery. These battery systems have relatively low power capacity and are charged via the ICE or through regenerative braking. Although more fuel efficient than a regular ICE automobile, they contribute substantially to emission of harmful gases due to combustion of these fossil fuels. The answer lies in the use of Fuel Cell powered Hybrid Units which use hydrogen produced by an onboard reformer as a fuel to drive an electric motor or charging of the battery units. The reformers are used to extract hydrogen out of fuels like Methanol, gasoline, natural gas etc. When hydrogen comes in contact with negative electrodes (just like the ones used in batteries) it splits into protons and electrons of which the protons are carried

across a Proton Exchange Membrane to produce electricity. The only waste generated in this case is water due to combination of Hydrogen and Oxygen thereby attaining zero emission levels. NETWORKING AUTOMOBILES & TELEMATICS IN

of routing audio, video, communications and control signals simultaneously throughout the automobile. Such networks allow the passenger to control multiple, navigation and entertainment features by enabling complete integration of the listed systems over a Multimedia Interface Unit. Automobiles are also being connected to the world wide web adding a completely new dimension in mobile communication. What is needed is an interface between a computer and some form of wireless internet access. The resultant system is capable providing the users with voice dialing, e-mail, fax services ,news and navigational services such an arrangement is referred to as Telematics.

As more and more systems of an automobile are now being controlled by computers theres more computing power onboard a modern automobile than what was there on the Apollo space craft which took man to the moon. [8] Yet unless there is some integration and some deliberate interaction between these independent ECUs their full potential cannot be harnessed. Work has started in this direction, vehicle ECUs are now being connected using car control networks like VEHICLE AREA NETWORK (VAN) OR CONTROL AREA NETWORK (CAN). What is needed is for the development of such multiple device networks is a layered software structure in a networked environment with all ECU functioning stacked one on top of the other arranged as per their functionality. One such network for brake control could be basic brake control software at the bottom, stability control software on top of it and safety systems control software on the topmost. Another requirement is high-speed buses having universally compatible hardware design[9]. Automotive engineers are now pushing this networking technology to support the emerging DRIVE BY WIRE solutions. Electrical signals are sent by wire from the joystick to the actuators, which move the control surfaces and control engine power etc. One application of drive by wire is Steer By Wire where the steering wheel is connected to the steering actuators using an electrical cable so there is no need for a physical steering column. Another application is Brake By Wire where car network wiring connects the brake computer at each wheel to the brake pedal computer and braking is controlled by sending electrical messages across the 'brake-by-wire' network[8] MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) is the finest and most advanced example of the triumph and absolute superiority of electronics and computing power in an automobile. A MOST network replaces copper cables with a single plastic OFC (optical fiber cable) capable

Fig 4 Delphi Mobile Productivity Center [5] Delphi Automotive Systems Mobile Productivity Center (MPC) is one such system which interfaces Ericsson cellphones with a palmtop computer enabling passengers to make hands free phone calls and access a host of other information by voice activated commands[5] CONCLUSIONS Based on the above we can conclude as follows: 1. Electronics are now playing a key role in the design of various control systems in a modern car . 2. Advanced controls & computers on board are providing optimum performance, better fuel economy, reduced emissions & higher safety.

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Emerging technologies like drive by wire, multimedia interface etc.will use electronics & computers in a big way. Alternative technologies like hybrid vehicles & fuel cells will require electronic systems & computers.

(13)Aluminium Power Inc. Press Release Application of fuel cell in vehicles (14)A review of antilock braking and traction control systems-website astm.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Author is extremely thankful to Prof. M.K.G.Babu of IIT,Delhi for kind help & guidance in preparation of this paper. REFERENCES (1) Automotive Computer Sysytems & Circuits by EDWARD J. RALBOVSKY (2)Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems by JAMES D. HALDERMAN) (3)SAE Automotive Engineering Magazine dec-2002 (4)SAE Automotive Engineering International Online 03/19/2001 Focus on Electronics by Kevin Jost. (5)SAE Automotive Engineering International online. 03/21/2001 Focus On Electronics by Kevin Jost)

(6) How Cruise Control Sytems Work by Karim Nice-www.howstuffworks (7) Adaptive cruise control takes to the highway by Peter clark-EE TIMES.) (8) University Of Limerick ECE DEPT.Research Article on Automotive Electronics Systems (Electronics-Network Of Networks By Patrick Ponticel) (10) Daaimler Benz Research (11) Website-office of transportation technologies U.S. Department Of Energy (12) Source:IEEE Spectrum November 1998 Volume 35 Number 11 (c) Copyright 1998, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.