Electronic Systems for Commercial Vehicles
Ing, W Z Ruecker · 2007
Electronic systems have an increasing impact on the functionality of commercial vehicles. Functions such as lower fuel consumption, better driving comfort, safety functions, body and chassis functionality including controls for trailers can only be performed by electronic controls embedded in electronic systems. Unlike passenger vehicles, manufacturers of commercial vehicles have to design a wide variety of trucks and special purpose vehicles in many permutations to meet the requirements of loads to be carried, working in a global context. An inset highlights the differences between the requirements of cars and commercial vehicles. The author explains the history behind electronic control units in commercial vehicles from their development in the 1980s. Nowadays there can be more than 30 control units and more than 250 sensors on a typical truck. The e/e architecture and network are explained, pointing out the necessity for a modular design to manage the high number of variants. The importance of driver assistance functions is outlined, and the Rucker Competence Centre Electronic Systems (CCE)'s core competences are explained. Looking to the future, the author outlines predicted developments including electronic facilitators which will allow trucks to drive safely in convoy, with the benefits of improved safety for drivers, fewer accidents, better traffic flow and less congestion.