Historical Overview of Electronics and Automobiles: Breakthroughs and Innovation by Electronics and Electrical Technology
Mitsuharu Kato · Encyclopedia of Automotive Engineering · 2014
Abstract This chapter describes the relationship between automobiles and electronics. The fledgling automotive technology that sprung up in Germany in the 1880s took shape as an industrial product in the form of the Model T Ford released in 1908. This vehicle was entirely made up of mechanical parts and epitomized the mechanical engineering trends of the day. Although the age of electronics was heralded by the invention of the transistor by William Shockley, this was not until 1947, some 40 years after the Model T. The electronics industry then began to take off with the practical application of diodes and transistors, the invention of the integrated circuit by Jack Kilby, and the development of the microcomputer by Intel Corporation. Rapidly adopted in vehicles, these innovations quickly became indispensable for reducing emissions and fuel consumption, as well as for improving safety and usability. Electronics are continuing to evolve and are already finding new applications in automotive communication technologies.