Automotive electronics are complex as multiple modules work together to maintain and optimise vehicle operations. Since the operating temperature can reach up to 125 degrees Celsius, automotive electronics are designed for specific temperature ranges, depending on the requirement.
As we move towards technological innovations, modern cars will see increased use of automotive electronics. The advent of self-driving cars has led to the need for more powerful computer modules using sensors, cameras, radars and satellites.
Innovation of Automotive Electronic Components
Cars have come a long way with the replacement of various mechanical parts with car electronic components. Such innovations have improved everything from driving experience to comfort. The trend is a definite stepping stone for the next generation of cars with self-driving capabilities.
Automotive Electronics Categories
Since numerous electronic components are distributed across the whole vehicle, it would be easier to categorise them and understand their impact.
Engine Electronics
The engine control unit (ECU) is responsible for the performance of most electronic systems used in vehicles. Starting at the combustion engine itself, ECU controls the fuel injectors, ignition system, cooling system and throttle control to offer optimum engine performance.
Vehicle modifications like turbochargers and nitrous oxide must be tuned with ECU to function correctly. This also helps diagnose engine problems with the help of an onboard scanner. As the engine check light could result from several problems, technicians can use the scanner to find the error code from ECU diagnostic trouble codes to identify and pinpoint the problem.
Transmission Electronics
There are types of car transmission systems that are responsible for the performance of a vehicle. The automatic transmission system is replacing the manual transmission, removing the need for much of the user input. The car transmission system features a transmission control unit (TCU) which is also a part of the ECU that ensures proper gear shifts with optimum performance and fuel efficiency.
Like ECU, TCU uses various sensors like vehicle speed sensor, wheel speed sensor, throttle position sensor and turbine speed sensor to gather data and predict when a gear shift is necessary.
Chassis Electronics
The chassis control system is responsible for traction controls, brake system, vehicle stability and suspension. Modern cars are now equipped with various electronic modules to improve brake performance and prevent slip, including an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic damper control (EDC).
Some high-end vehicles can adjust the suspensions by modifying the shock absorbers and struts electronically according to the road conditions for a smoother experience.
Safety Features
Automotive electronics have certainly improved the overall safety of vehicles. From airbags to seat belt tensioners, everything is controlled through sensors to offer maximum protection in case of collision.
Additionally, there are various modern car safety features in place including forward collision warning, emergency brake assist and hill descent control.
Driver Assistance
Active safety features work along with driver assistance to offer a safe and comfortable driving experience. Driver assistance features also rely on the ECU data through sensors and cameras to warn users while driving.
For instance, adaptive cruise control works along with lane departure assist, pre-collision assist, satellite GPS and other prediction systems to automatically make adjustments to vehicle speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Comfort Features
For the comfort of drivers and passengers, the climate control system in cars can monitor cabin temperature and adjust climate control as per temperature settings. High-end models are also equipped with electronic memory seat adjustment that can save the user setting.
Automatic windshield wipers are equipped with rain sensors to activate according to weather conditions. Automatic headlights use sensors to serve two functions. It can reduce light intensity to avoid blinding the passer-by or focus light when turning corners for better visibility.
Infotainment System
An infotainment system is sometimes a necessity to help drivers sustain long drives. Modern cars equipped with infotainment systems go beyond music and video capabilities. Nowadays, such systems work just like computers with their own operating system from the manufacturers.
The infotainment system is connected to ECU to integrate with other interfaces, including head-up display (HUD) or driver display and allows the pairing of smartphones, control vehicle modes and display satellite navigation.
The ECU controls multiple electronic systems and includes multiple modules such as the powertrain control module, body control module, suspension control module and brake control module. Modern vehicles can have over 80 ECUs, which will continue to increase as vehicles get more advanced.
Test out some of the luxury used cars for sale in the UAE to understand how ECU contributes to vehicle performance and comfort.
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Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blogs for more information on car parts, market trends and automotive technology.
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