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North American Technology Trends in Automotive Electronics
Frost & Sullivan, May 2004
Manufacturers Use Modern Electronics Technology to Equip Automotives with Mobile Infotainment Gadgets
Advances in digital technology, wireless communication, processing technologies, and software have widened the dimensions of product development in the automotive industry. These developments are redefining the infotainment experience with DVD-based rear-seat entertainment, voice-based navigation, and satellite radio systems. Wireless data-link technologies can enable communication between different devices in a vehicle as well as with those at the work place. With the convergence of audio, video, and data, files stored in a home computer in these formats can be downloaded over a wireless link and distributed over the same link to multimedia output devices in a vehicle.
This Technical Insights study examines the developments in automotive electronics technologies in North America. It analyzes important automotive applications for electronics in sensors as well as discusses the potential impact of these technologies on car design. It lists various challenges and issues in handling advanced automotive systems. The study also profiles the research efforts at approximately 50 organizations.
Exciting Developments Influence Various Aspects of Automotive Design
The electronics revolution has influenced almost every aspect of automotive design including the power train, fuel combustion, crash protection, and the creation of a comfortable cabin and nearly wireless environment. Almost 100 sensors covering various car sections from under-the-engine hood to the exhaust stream ensure safe, clean, and economical vehicle operation. In fact, sensors account for almost 30 percent of the manufacturing cost of a car. While the benefits of some electronics are not apparent and have to be justified as cost-saving modules for the parts they replace, some others such as voice recognition and night vision systems have obvious marketable advantages.
Some hidden electronics such as the smart junction box that uses a single set of wires to route commands to different parts of the car simplify construction of some car parts. A network of inter-connected microprocessors, micro-electromechanical systems, voice-activated technology, and a whole gamut of sensors that multiplex are coming together to make ‘intelligent’ vehicles, says the analyst.
Electronic System’s Benefits Include Safer and More Efficient Motoring
Electronics technology in a car provides a constant flow of data to drivers and passengers using multimedia delivery platforms and user-friendly voice- and touch-screen-based human-machine interfaces. These devices not only provide entertainment to passengers but also improve navigation by sharing data across components in the car. Advanced electronics also control a car’s subsystems to improve the driving experience or make the car more efficient.
Advanced electronics technology also provides the cover for an emergency so that the driver, passengers, and pedestrians have a chance of remaining safe when an accident occurs, observes the analyst. Radar systems are used to gauge the distance between vehicles and alert the driver if he/she gets very close to another vehicle. Electronics also improve fuel conservation and air quality. They control valves, electronic clutches/steering and braking systems, as well as heated catalysts that can reduce emissions, notes the analyst.
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