Embedded systems are prevalent everywhere, and no sector is devoid of them. And clearly, the automobile industry is no exception. As it is itself a huge mainstream market, technological innovation has been a part of this domain. Today, the automobile sector is making greater use of embedded systems. It manages every aspect of a vehicle, from tiny wiper controls to massive, intricate anti-lock brake systems.
But the above application is just a small aspect of an embedded system. It is transforming the automobile industry in a big way. Let’s see how the automobile industry is making great use of embedded systems and why it is considered to be a boon for the automobile industry.
Embedded Systems – A Boon to the Automobile Industry
Over the past few years, embedded technologies have spread their wings in the automotive sector. Every year, this industry incorporates embedded technology for various purposes, such as security, audio, and ignition systems, improving the energy efficiency, network prowess, and safety of the car.
Due to the surplus benefits that hardware engineering services bring to the organization, embedded technologies are regarded as a boon for the vehicle industry.
Some of the Latest Application of Embedded systems in the Automobile Industry
- Anti-Lock Braking System
Anti-lock braking systems are used in automobiles to prevent vehicles from sliding, particularly on slick roads. It helps the vehicle’s wheel to form a better traction on the road surface. The majority of this system’s components are speed sensors, valves, a pump, and a controller.
The central part of the Anti-lock braking system includes:
- Speed Sensor: As the name suggests, it helps sense the speed and gives information about acceleration and deceleration.
- Valves: Valves are situated at the brake line in three different positions. The first valve allows pressure to reach from the cylinder to the brakes. The second valve lessens the pressure buildup while driving, preventing the drivers from using heavy braking. And the third valve enables the vehicle to release the pressure through the brakes’ valves.
- Controller: This is used to manage the speed and valves of a vehicle.
- Pump: A pump is used to exert pressure on the brake when the valves get released.
- Satellite Radio
Satellite radio is an emerging trend that offers high-quality radio programmes to improve the connectivity between people. The radio signals get picked up by the satellite and connect the driver with the speaker on the other side. You can take the benefits of such a smart application for both free or by subscription.
- Drive By Wire
Drive by wire is a one-stop solution that replaces the old mechanical control system like steering columns, coolers, pumps, hoses, vacuum servos, intermediate shafts, master cylinders, and converted into a one component that uses only actuators and HMI (human-machine interfaces).
This system controls various ranges of operations like braking, steering, throttle and acceleration which gives drivers much better flexibility while driving. Moreover, with less moving parts consuming the engine oil make the vehicle more fuel-efficient.
- Airbags in Automobile Industry
An airbag is a safety device that protects against a head-on collision. This is intended for the individual sitting in the front. An electric signal is pushed to the ignition system when the crash occurs. When the ignition system hits the critical temperature, the airbag inflates. It safeguards the head against harm in this way. All of this happens in the span of 0.1 seconds.
- Navigation System
When was the last time you studied a map before hitting the road and asked a stranger which path to take? Those times are long gone as embedded navigation systems in the latest vehicle models are gaining immense popularity globally. It shows the best way to reach the destination which is free from traffic and keeps you on the track.
The primary part of a navigation system includes a gyroscope, integrated circuitry with a GPS receiver, a DVD-ROM, a display system, and the main controller. These systems use a GPS receiver to gather latitude and longitude information, which they then compare to the stored maps in the car, and give guidance of the road and speed.
This system consist of:
- Navigational Aid
- Map Database
- GPS receiver and antenna.
- Sensor
- Screen
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control is one such application that makes automotive driving possible, just like Google Driverless cars. This technology enables cars to maintain sufficient distance from other vehicles during busy roads, allowing drivers to set a certain speed and distance on the road while driving.
Also, a Microwave Radar Unit or Laser Transceiver is embedded in the front of the car, automatically detecting and giving information about the distance and speed of the other vehicles running on the road.
- Automatic Car-Manipulating System
This is an automatic car parking system that allows the vehicle to move from the traffic lane into the parking lot to perform perpendicular, angular, and parallel parking. This system mainly uses different methods to perform tasks and utilizes sensors to detect the obstacles in the area.
Whenever any barrier comes across a vehicle a sensor sends a signal which the car computer receives and helps decide its position. Then the car gauges the parking space and distance from the side of the road, allowing the driver to park the car safely.
Wrapping Up!!
So, this is how embedded system technology is transforming the automobile industry. The modern embedded system has been a blessing for the automobile industry, changing every aspect of it. From designing to manufacturing, the automobile industry has come a long way, making driving easier and safer for people. And in the future, it will continue to do so.
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