SAE/Delphi Press
Automotive Electronics: The `Enabler' of Future Vehicle Options; Topic
Addressed at SAE 2000 World Congress
What types of vehicle options will consumers demand in the next century? While
no one is quite sure, one thing is certain -- consumers will want entertainment
features that are easy to operate and affordable, and automotive electronics
will enable this to happen.
In "A Vision of the Future of Automotive Electronics," Daniel K. Ward and Harold
L. Fields of Delphi Delco Electronics Systems, address these issues in a paper
presented at SAE 2000 World Congress.
Ward and Fields say electronic technology will enable the vast majority of
automotive improvements desired by consumers. While this is great news for the
auto electronics industry, they say the real challenge is to produce electronic
systems that are not only desirable, but also marketable and able to be
manufactured.
In the paper, they stress the importance of a clear visioning process to
identify and develop innovative products that consumers will actually want to
buy. They also share Delphi Automotive Systems' list of "next century winners"
such as X-by-Wire Control Systems, Collision Avoidance, and Advanced Energy
Systems.
-- X-by-wire systems will help eliminate the need for excessive
maintenance over the life of a vehicle. X-by-wire systems, which can
control steering, throttle, braking and suspension, eliminate
mechanical links from driver's controls to the control actuator. By
eliminating mechanical links, X-by-wire systems reduce raw material
and labor costs in the manufacturing process. They also help improve
fuel efficiency because vehicles can be made lighter.
-- Collision avoidance systems inform drivers of impending danger such as
a possible crash or a dangerous out-of-control situation. Consisting
of radar and vision sensors, warning displays, brake, throttle,
steering control systems (X-by-wire), and processors and software,
collision avoidance systems could eventually control the vehicle,
making corrective action to advert danger.
-- Advanced energy systems provide power and range required by the highly
automated vehicles of the future. To power new options such as in-car
computing, new energy generation/storage and control systems are
needed. In addition, as engines move toward hybrid and fully electric
designs, new motors/generators, converters/inverters and storage
batteries must be developed.
To attend SAE 2000 World Congress, the world's largest showcase of automotive
engineering technologies, visit www.sae.org or call 1-877-SAE-CONG (723-2664);
outside the U.S. and Canada, 1-724-772-4027. Or experience the event on-line at
www.sae.org.
SOURCE Society of Automotive Engineers
(C) 2000 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
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CONTACT: David L. Schwartz of SAE, 724-772-8516, or davids@sae.org
KEYWORD: Pennsylvania
Michigan
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: AUT
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