AUTOMOTIVE CONTROL

Modeling and Control of Vehicles

Mechatronic
Components and First
Driver-Assistance
Systems
What is
Mechatronic?
What is Mechatronic?

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of engineering that

combines elements of mechanical engineering, electronics,
computer science, and control engineering to design and
create intelligent systems and products. The term
"mechatronics" is derived from a combination of
"mechanical" and "electronics," highlighting the integration
of mechanical components with electronic and computer
control systems.
What is Mechatronic?

In mechatronics, the goal is to develop systems

that can perform complex tasks by seamlessly
integrating mechanical and electrical
components, sensors, actuators, and software.
 Mechatronic Components and
First Driver-Assistance Systems

Many automotive developments in the last three decades have

been possible through an increasing number of mechatronic
components in the powertrain and the chassis. Mechatronic
systems are characterized by an integration of mechanics and
electronics, where the integration is between the
components (hardware) and the information-driven
functions (software).
 Mechatronic Components and
First Driver-Assistance Systems

This development has a considerable influence on the

design and operation of the powertrain consisting of the
combustion engine and the drive train and the chassis
with suspension, steering, and braking systems. In
the case of hybrid drives, this includes also the
electrical motor and the battery.
 Mechatronic Components and
First Driver-Assistance Systems

The mechatronic components replace formally pure

mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic parts and use sensors with
electrical outputs, actuators with electrical inputs, and digital
electronics for control. The available electrical sensor
measurements open access to internal functions and thus
enable new possibilities not only for control but also for
fault detection and diagnosis.
Mechatronic Components and
First Driver-Assistance Systems

The first mechatronic components for the control of vehicles have

been wheel speed sensors and electro-hydraulic switching valves for
the brake system (1979), electrical throttle (1986), and semi-active
shock absorbers (1988). These basic mechatronic components then
allowed to develop control systems for anti-lock braking (ABS, 1979),
automatic traction control (TCS, 1986), electronic stability control
(ESC, 1995), and active body control (ABC, 1999).
Mechatronic Components and
First Driver-Assistance Systems

The next development steps were electric power steering (EPS, 1996)
and active front steering (AFS, 2003). These mechatronic systems
served mainly to increase safety and comfort and required many new
sensors with electrical outputs, actuators with electrical inputs, and
microcontroller-based electronic control units. Because they support
the driver in performing driving maneuvers, they are driver-assistance
systems.
Mechatronic Components and
First Driver-Assistance Systems

The addition of sensors for the surroundings enables parking-

assistance systems which measure the parking space and adaptive
cruise control (ACC, 1999) which measures the distance and relative
velocity to vehicles in front by radar sensors improving mainly the
comfort and convenience of driving. Driver-assistance systems for lane
departure warning or control operate with video cameras and improve
primarily safety. The introduction of ABS, ESC, TCS, and ACC has
proven to be a significant success with regard to avoiding
accidents.
Mechatronic Components and
First Driver-Assistance Systems

A common feature of these developments is the increase of

electrical sensors, actuators, and electronic control units,
their coupling through cables and bus systems, and
interconnection of the decentralized control units. Some of
the vehicle control systems give commands to the engine
control system, as, for example, TCS, ESC, and ACC.
Mechatronic Components and
First Driver-Assistance Systems

Parallel to the increase of electronic control

functions for the chassis, the engines and drive
trains have shown a similar development. This has to
be seen together with the improvements of the
combustion, fuel consumption and emission
reductions, hybrid and electrical drives.
Humana, Next Group Please