ADAS

Adaptive Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are new automotive electronic safety systems that provide a level of automatic driver and vehicle protection. ADAS enhances the driver's experience while providing an increased level of safety. ADAS systems and technologies are expected to significantly reduce automotive accidents.

INFO TAINMENT

The future of connected cars starts with infotainment systems. Infotainment systems integrate features commonly found on handheld smart devices—GPS navigation, internet connectivity, high-resolution displays, and touch controls—as well as vehicle status information such as oil pressure and battery voltage, bringing all of those features to the driver via the dashboard so drivers and passengers can safely stay connected on the road. Infotainment systems provide information and entertainment, and multi-media driver information functions in one module.

DIGITAL RADIO

Digital radio offers much better quality sound than FM receivers, and unlike analog radio, is almost immune to noise and interference. Digital radio works by converting sound into digital code, transmitting the code as a digital signal, and digital radio receivers are able to decode and filter all but the digital signals for static-free sound on the receiving end. Digital radios are also easier to use, and come with information about what is playing and menus for finding a station by name rather than by tuning into a station as is done with FM/AM radio.

REAR VISION SYSTEM

A rear vision system greatly improves a driver’s field of view, allowing one to see the area surrounding the rear of a car that would otherwise be impossible to observe with standard automotive mirrors. A rear vision system can be extremely complex, incorporating cutting-edge image processing algorithms and hardware, or alternatively can be of relatively simple design. A basic rear vision system consists merely of a rear-facing camera to capture video, and a dash-mounted touchscreen to display it.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

A car's instrument cluster houses the various displays and indicators that enable a driver to operate the vehicle. Among these are several gauges – often a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, etc. – as well as various indicators for system malfunctions and warnings. Instrument clusters provide drivers with a centralized and easily viewable location for displaying all critical system information.

HEV BATERY CHARGING

EV and PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicle) systems push the envelope of vehicle electrification by allowing high voltage battery banks to recharge from the mains. A high voltage charger converts electrical power from AC to DC, and controls the power flow to the high voltage battery. Electronics on board the car transform the wall power into the proper form to charge the battery. The power levels for these chargers range from 3 to 10 kW, and therefore require a front-end PFC circuit. There are 3 levels of charging that are classified by peak power capacity. Level 1 charging enables charging from any standard electrical plug, which in the United States is 120V and limited in peak amperage draw (8 - 15 amps) by local circuit breakers. Level 1 chargers are portable converters that may be placed in the trunk for use anywhere a standard outlet can be found. Charging can take up to 22 hours for a fully depleted battery. At Level 1 charging, a user might be inclined to plug in every time a charger is available, with cumulative partial charges extending driving range on an ongoing basis.

HEV START/STOP SYSTEM

Start-stop technology shuts down a car's engine when it's not needed, for instance, when it would otherwise idle, and starts the engine again when the driver accelerates. This simple fuel-saving solution has been available for years, and is a low cost efficiency improvement. The start/stop feature alone is enough to classify a vehicle as a “micro hybrid,” and can save 5 – 10% in fuel costs.

HEV MAIN INVERTER

Electronic power train control is key to fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The main inverter converts high voltage, high current DC to AC (the electric traction motor is a 3-phase AC load.) The main inverter controls the electric motor. The electronics in a main inverter are ideally designed to minimize switching losses and maximize thermal efficiency. The range of an electric vehicle is related to the efficiency of the main inverter. Efficiency is dependent upon the electronics in the inverter. The components should be able to withstand extremely high temperatures (125°C) and be as small and light as possible via means of better packaging or integration of external components to reduce overall part count.

BRAKING SYSTEM

An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a safety feature in vehicles that helps the driver maintain control during emergency braking situations. It does not necessarily make the car stop more quickly. Without ABS, more driver skill is needed to stop in unexpected situations, freeing the driver to concentrate on steering.

CENTRAL BODY CONTROL

The Automotive Central Body Controller(CBC), or body control module, supervises and Control functions related to the car body such as lights, windows, security, door locks and access control, and various comfort Control. The CBC also operates as a gateway for bus and network interfaces to interact with remote electronic control units (ECU) for other systems. Control of various loads comes directly from remote Electronic Control Units via CAN/LIN communication or directly from the central body module.

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

Electric power assisted steering (EPS) offers more assistance than traditional hydraulic power steering via the use of an electric motor that is coupled directly to the steering gear/column. EPS assists in the effort of steering a car that uses mechanical linkage. Sensors detect steering column torque and motion, and a computer module controls the electric motor.

SEAT CONTROL

A car's seat control houses the various displays and indicators that enable a driver to operate the vehicle. Among these are several gauges— often a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, etc. — as well as various indicators for system malfunctions and warnings. Seat Controls provide drivers with a centralized and easily viewable location for displaying all critical system information.

KEYLESS ENTRY

Remote keyless entry systems, now fairly commonplace devices, provide car owners with a degree of convenience, making the task of physically inserting a key unnecessary. A passive keyless entry (PKE) system uses advanced technology to take vehicle accessibility to a higher level. With PKE, car owners have simply to pull the door handle while the key fob is on their person; no searching through pockets or purses, no button pressing necessary.