Here is introduction about automotive electronics and electrical systems
After discussing the emission control strategies, the next section focuses on the basics of automotive electronics and electrical systems.
The present car is an intricate assembly of electronic as well as electrical systems that deliver power control, comfort, convenience, entertainment, and safety. If the car owner has basic knowledge of automotive electronics and electrical systems, it will be easier for him to fix the car on their own.
What Are Automotive Electronics?
Automotive electronics is the electronics used in automobiles such as cars, trucks, SUVs, and other automobiles. Some common automotive electronic systems include:Some common automotive electronics systems include:
- - Engine control modules (ECMs) – This is the governing system of the vehicle as it controls ignition time, fuel injection and even other system of the vehicle.
- - Sensors – These are devices that keep an eye on conditions of a particular vehicle such as temperature of the engine, speed of the wheels, and so on, and provide input signals to other electronics for instance the ECM. Some of the common sensors are oxygen sensor, coolant temperature sensor, and crank shaft position sensor.
- - Actuators – These are components that are supplied with signals from an electronic control unit and operates mechanically. The examples of actuators include fuel injectors, relays, and electric motors.
- - Prestige accessories - These include the dash radio, CD/DVD players, navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity and other entertainment/information automotive electronics.
- - Safety system technologies – Air bag control modules, ADAS, and other crash prevention technologies are seen as auto electronics in safety.
What Are Automotive Electrical Systems?
The electrical system provides the power required to run all of the electronics as well as other electrical components in a vehicle like lights, heated seats, windows, etc. Key parts of vehicle electrical systems include:The electrical system provides the power required to run all of the electronics as well as other electrical components in a vehicle like lights, heated seats, windows, etc. Key parts of vehicle electrical systems include:
- - Battery – When the engine is turned off, it provides electrical power to operate the vehicle’s electrical system. Lead-acid batteries are the most frequently used type, but some hybrids employ nickel-metal hydride batteries.
- - Battery – Stores energy for starting the engine, recharging from the alternator when the vehicle is in use.
- - Starter motor – Utilizes electrical energy from the battery to crank the engine during starting.
- - Ignition system – Delivers precisely timed powerful electric sparks to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside engine cylinders. These are the ignition system components which include the ignition coils, spark plug wires and spark plugs.
- - Circuits – Wires, connectors, contacts, and buses convey electrical power and data from one component to another.
- - Fuses – Overcurrent protection device that interrupts the circuit when current is too high.
- - Relays and switches – Regulate power and signals to all components including the starter, lights, wipers, etc.
- - Electrical components - All the lights in a vehicle including the headlights, tail lights, break lights, and turn signals are electrical. Modern systems even have sophisticated electronics that intend lights around curves and even adjust the intensity of light / darkness.
Interaction Between Systems
Modern cars have mechatronics systems which are the intersections of electronics and electrical systems that depend on signal processing and control. For example, the powertrain control module can set a lower limit to the amount of power that can be output to the wheels if the anti-lock brake module senses that the conditions are slippery. Or a bad coolant temperature sensor will illuminate the check engine light and send diagnostic trouble codes within the engine computer. The relationship between systems is crucial to the diagnosis process and, therefore, its repair.
Specialized Training for the Automobile Electronics
Previous automobile electrical system included simple mechanical/mechanical and analog devices where the existing automobiles are controlled, monitored, and optimized through digital electronics with computer processors which need appropriate diagnostic tools and skilled professionals for repair. A significant number of trade schools and community colleges provide courses in automotive electronics, and tradespeople with an understanding of computerised engine control systems, sensors, software, and other elements of digital networks are sought after in the auto repair and service industry.
Vehicle Electronics in the Future
As the automotive design is shifting to focus on efficiency, responsiveness, and self-driving ability of the car, electronics and electrical systems will advance too. Hybrid and electric cars can be regarded as alterna-tive energy vehicles that are based on the concept of using battery and electrical drive systems. OTA, IV2X network, ADAS computation, and future self-driving capabilities are all predicated on the modern development of automotive electronics controller and component. The organizational leaders of firms in this technology-intensive and evolving industry will drive advances in the next several decades..
