A review of current sensor technologies and applications within automotive and traffic control systems

Abstract

This paper reviews the current practice in sensors and sensor applications for automotive and traffic control systems. Sensors to control engine fuelling, ignition and transmission (known as the powertrain) are reviewed, and the likely course of future development is discussed in the light of regulatory and market requirements as well as trends in sensor design and manufacture. Sensor needs for suspension, braking and traction control are also reviewed, and the likely introduction of wheel and tyre sensors to enhance driving safety is discussed. The recent trend towards vehicle-mounted devices to sense the vehicle environment (such as radar, optical, ultrasound, capacitive and image-based systems) is discussed, and the sensor implications of the introduction of safety-critical automotive systems such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) are discussed. Sensors for initiating the deployment of safety systems such as airbags are reviewed, together with transducers for disconnecting fuel pumps and vehicle batteries in the event of a crash. The paper includes a brief discussion of highway-based sensors for measuring vehicle speed and presence, and concludes with a discussion of the likely future developments in the field.