The automotive industry is in an unprecedented efficiency race, from advanced driver assistance systems to new battery technology for hybrid and electric vehicles to slick infotainment systems. Smart controls power these advances. Specifically, powerful digital signal controllers. These controllers transform automotive systems like electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and integrated starter-alternator (ISA).
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Regarding automotive electronics, boosting fuel efficiency is top of mind. The technology offers advantages over traditional mechanical systems by increasing thermal efficiency, reducing resistance and power losses, and improving electrical energy conversion. In addition to lowering vehicle weight, electronics help maximize power and speed. For instance, an engine-control system allows the amount of fuel injected into the internal combustion (ICE) engine to be adjusted over a wide range. This increases the thermal utilization of energy and reduces emissions, which is especially beneficial for vehicles that require a lot of power, such as trucks or buses.
Amid rising awareness of the environment, people are increasingly looking for cars with low fuel consumption. In addition to the economic benefits, choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. Fleets that use telematics systems to monitor fuel consumption, maintenance schedules, and driver behavior can significantly improve fuel economy and asset utilization. For example, one short-haul trucker increased its average fuel economy by 15% by using a telematics system that tracks vehicle performance and helps drivers learn how to make driving more efficient. Another electronic system is a speed limiter, which helps prevent drivers from traveling at speeds above the optimum for safe and economical driving.
Reduced Emissions
With the help of automotive electronics such as those at Delta Electronics, manufacturers can optimize their engine performance and improve the overall efficiency of their vehicles. This can lead to lower emissions, which in turn helps reduce the impact on the environment. The use of automotive electronic systems also allows for more efficient fuel utilization, and this, in turn, results in reduced fuel costs.
The use of automotive electronics in automobiles can also increase the vehicle’s operational range, allowing for more distance to be traveled without stopping and recharging. Additionally, it can make the car more comfortable and safe for the driver and passengers. This is particularly important for long trips, where drivers and passengers will likely spend extended periods in their vehicles.
Due to the rapid uptake of automotive electronics technologies, the market for these devices is expected to grow significantly shortly. Additionally, strict government regulations regarding vehicle safety and fuel efficiency drive the industry’s expansion. One of car makers’ biggest challenges is the need to cram large numbers of electrical and electronic systems into a confined space. As a result, these systems generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) when they operate, which can affect other electronic components within the car, causing them to malfunction. Fortunately, EMI issues can be eliminated through optimal EMC design and proper EMI shielding materials.
Increased Safety
A car needs to rely on numerous electronic systems to function. These systems are the backbone of an automobile’s control system, which must be able to collect and process input from the vehicle’s sensors. They must also be able to respond to external conditions and communicate with other cars on the road. Therefore, the reliability of these electronics is a key factor in the safety and efficiency of a vehicle.
For this reason, automotive electronics are undergoing an unprecedented technological revolution. Modern cars are incorporating more and more Electronic Control Units (ECUs), which can number up to 100 per vehicle. These are responsible for the braking, steering, acceleration, dashboard, entertainment and other vehicle functions. With the introduction of connected car technology, EVs and X-by-wire systems, these electronics will perform even more critical tasks.
The automotive industry has already introduced quality excellence programs aimed at a zero-defect target to ensure the functional safety of these electronics. This is achieved by preventing systematic faults through well-established design principles and verification and detecting and controlling random hardware faults using safety mechanisms.
Moreover, the automotive electronics market will benefit from increasing demand for advanced driver assistance systems. These include systems that monitor a driver’s speed and position, air resistance, tire pressure and condition, and other environmental factors. These systems are designed to prevent collisions, reduce road accidents and increase overall passenger safety.
Improved Comfort
The automotive electronics market is expected to grow over the next 15 years due to rising consumer demand for safer, more efficient, and feature-rich vehicles. Manufacturers are increasing the number of electronic gadgets and gizmos that add convenience and comfort to passenger vehicles, which also helps boost sales and brand image. Passenger comfort in modern cars can be greatly improved using various electronic systems, including climate control, memory seats and music systems. In addition, safety can be enhanced with multiple electronic features such as airbags and hill descent control.
These systems are controlled by Electronic Control Units (ECUs), which are specialized for the specific functions of each design. For example, the Body Control Module (BCM) is an ECU specialized for actuating, monitoring and controlling the vehicle body functions. A transmission control module, on the other hand, manages and controls the car engine and powertrain. Typically, this module communicates with the engine control unit via sensors to transmit information and control data, such as temperature, speed and oil pressure. The automotive electronics industry relies on various components for effective performance, including microcontrollers and analog-to-digital converters. These microcontrollers are equipped with advanced technologies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of sensor readings and provide quick start-up. The analog-to-digital converters help reduce power consumption by converting the input signal into a digital output, which other circuits use for control.