Automotive networking systems

A. Outline the operating conditions of transmission speed sensors

●Extreme ambient temperatures between -40 and +150 °C

●An aggressive operating environment caused by the transmission oil, also known as ATF (contains
special additives for transmissions and has a low condensate content)
●High mechanical stress with vibrational accelerations up to 30 g. Abraded metallic materials and a
build-up of particles in the transmission

B. With an aid of a well labelled diagram, describe the operating principles of transmission speed
sensors

Transmission speed sensors use the differential Hall effect. The difference between the Hall voltages
from two Hall plates on the ASIC is determined. The difference signal is first amplified on some ASIC
types, then converted into a digital signal by trigger algorithms of varying complexities. This constitutes
the controlled variable for modulating the output current by means of a power source. A digital signal
with two current levels (typically 7 mA for the low level and 14 mA for the high level) is obtained, the
modulation frequency of which corresponds to the frequency of tooth change on the trigger wheel and
thus represents the speed of rotation.
The sensor signal is evaluated in the electronic control unit by means of a measuring shunt RM, which
converts the sensor current IS into the signal voltage URM.On principle, it does not matter for the
operation of a differential Hall ASICs whether the sensor is operated with a steel trigger wheel or on a
multipole wheel (Figs. 4a and 4b).
Some transmission controls include functions that require detection of a standstill. For this application,
the sensor must have as great an immunity as possible against vibration-induced variations in the air gap
and the torsional vibration of the trigger wheel. This property of the sensor, known as immunity against
vibration, can only be implemented to a very limited degree in differential Hall sensors with only two
Hall plates, by the use of adaptive trigger thresholds, for example. Two phase-shifted differential signals
become available with the use of a third Hall plate. This makes both the detection of the direction of
rotation (Figs. 4c to f) and additional function algorithms for increasing immunity against vibration
possible.

C. With a well labelled diagram, outline the automotive actuator chain

Actuators form the interface between the electronic signal processor and the actual process . They
convert the low-power signals conveying the positioning information into operating signals of an energy
level adequate for process control. Signal transducers are combined with amplifier elements to exploit
the physical transformation principles governing the inter relation ships between various forms of
energy.
electr.>>>> mech>>>>. hydr.

D. Describe the following types of automotive actuators

i. Electro-mechanical actuators

The energy emanating from the source is transformed into magnetic or electrical field energy, or
converted to thermal energy. The individual force-generation principle is determined by these forms of
energy, and is based on either field forces or certain specific material characteristics. Magnetostrictive
materials make it possible to design actuators for applications in the micropositioning range. This
category also includes piezoelectric actuators, which are built according to a multilayer design similar to
ceramic capacitors, and are actuators for high-speed fuel injectors. Thermal actuators depend
exclusively on the exploitation of characteristics of specific materials.
ii. Fluid- Mechanical actuators

fluid-mechanical actuator drives are in the form of hydro-static energy converters. These operate
according to the displacement principle, converting the pressure energy of the fluid medium into
mechanical work and vice versa. Fluid-mechanical amplifiers control the conversion of energy from fluid
to mechanical state. The regulating mechanism must be designed for control with only a very small
proportion of the energy flow required for the ultimate positioning operation.Switching valves open and
close the orifice governing the flow to and from a fluid-mechanical energy converter. Provided that the
control-element opens sufficiently, the throttling losses remain negligible. Pulse-width-modulated
opening and closing can be applied to achieve quasi-continuous control of the fluid-mechanical energy
conversion process with virtually no losses. In practice, however, pressure fluctuations and mechanical
contact between the valve elements result in undesirable vibration and noise.