Advanced Microsystems For Automotive Applications 2004

Microsystems applications (MST) in automobiles have become commonplace: they enable the introduction of a series of new functions and at the same time the replacement of existing technologies offering improved performance and better value for money. Microsystems are indispensable for fulfilling a complete transition from the mechanically driven automobile system to a mechanically based but ICT-driven system as part of a likewise complex environment. With the introduction of micro-systems a series of challenges arise regarding complexity, systems design, reliability, serviceability, etc. These challenges have to be addressed in order to meet high customer expectations concerning performance and price.

Microsystems are an important factor that contribute to an automobile model's success. To meet the customer's desire for safety, convenience and vehicle economy, and to satisfy environmental standards, microsystems play a critical factor. Microsystems applications (MST) have already resulted in improved performance and better value for money. But the advances implemented reveal only the beginning of a revolution in the vehicle sector, which aims at a complete transition from the mechanically driven automobile system to a mechanically based but ICT-driven system. The selected contributions from AMAA 2003 treat safety (both preventive and protective), powertrain (online measurement and control of engine and transmission subsystems), comfort and HMI (systems to enhance the comfort of passengers and human machine interface issues), and networked Vehicle (all aspects of intra car systems and ambient communication networks).

The automobile is going through the biggest transformation in its history. Automation and electrification of vehicles are expected to enable safer and cleaner mobility. The prospects and requirements of the future automobile affect innovations in major technology fields like driver assistance systems, vehicle networking and drivetrain development. Smart systems such as adaptive ICT components and MEMS devices, novel network architectures, integrated sensor systems, intelligent interfaces and functional materials form the basis of these features and permit their successful and synergetic integration. It has been the mission of the International Forum on Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications (AMAA) for more than fifteen years to detect novel trends and to discuss the technological implications from early on. Therefore, the topic of the AMAA 2014 will be “Smart Systems for Safe, Clean and Automated Vehicles”. This book contains peer-reviewed papers written by leading engineers and researchers which all address the ongoing research and novel developments in the field.

From the beginnings of the International Forum on Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Application (AMAA) to the recent 11th AMAA Forum, enormous progress has been made in reducing casualties, emissions and in increasing comfort and performance. In many cases Microsystems provided key functions for this progress. This publication is a cut-out of new technological priorities in the area of microsystems-based smart devices, taking a mid-term perspective of future smart systems applications in automobiles.

The automobile of the future has to meet two primary requirements: the super-efficient use of energy and power and the ultra-safe transportation of people and goods. Both features are increasingly enabled by smart, adaptive and context aware information and communication technologies (ICT), elect- cal or electronic components and systems rather than solely by the mecha- cal means of classic automotive engineering. The most advanced example of this trend is the electrified vehicle combining a full electric powertrain with completely electronic controls like smart power and energy managers, ste- by-wire technologies and intelligent networking capabilities allowing all p- viders and consumers of energy to work in efficient synergy. In the course of this year the first series production electric vehicles will finally come into the market. Automakers – unsure if electric vehicles would really sell – have long time been hesitant to make the necessary changes of their product portfolios. In the coincidence of economic crisis and growing concerns about global warming and energy security companies and public authorities jointly succeeded to overcome many obstacles on the path towards electrifi- tion.

This stimulating and inspiring book explores the present and anticipates the future of Automotive Microsystems. The past decade has seen enormous progress in the use of automotive microsysems; their effect has been dramatic in reducing casualties, controlling emissions and increasing passenger comfort and vehicle performance. The book is a snapshot of new technological priorities in microsystems-based smart devices that offers a mid-term perspective on coming smart systems applications in automobiles.