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6 NEWSSoftware predicted to drive future developmentsSoftware is going to bethe main driving force forautomotive technology in thecoming years, believes RudolfStark, head of Continental’stransmission business unit.“What has become veryimportant in automotive is thesoftware,” he said. “Softwarewill make a big difference in thefuture.”He said that a lot of the targetsthat automotive companies weresetting themselves could only beachieved by the correct use ofthe software components. Theseincluded, he said, an improveddriving experience and betterfuel consumption.For example, he said the Asianmarket had a lot of small carcompanies all with differentideas for features within the car.The only way to serve such amarket in a cost effective waywas to have a platform ECU asthe core and build round thatdifferent features for the differentcustomers.“This is a very cost effectiveway to do this,” he said. “Wecan ensure high quality and lowvolume.”He said what was importanthere was finding the rightcombinations of the differenttechnologies as there was notone combination that would suiteveryone.“They have to be tailored tothe market requirements,” hesaid. “Software will be the mainfactor here. It will make a bigdifference because it is easier tochange to adapt to the needs ofthe customer.”Software, he said, would alsohelp in matching the differenttrends in different parts of theworld. The USA, he said, was moreinterested in driver comfort thanperformance driving whereas inEurope sporty driving was moreimportant. Japan, like the USA,was comfort drivenwhereas drivers inChina wanted thelatest technologies.“So in Asia, weare implementingthe platformapproach to keepcosts down,” hesaid. “We arevery focussed onsoftware to make itefficient and tailormadefor the customer.”• Continental’s latest enginemanagement system platformshould hit the market by theend of 2012. Called EMS3, itshould provide both flexibilityfor future petrol and dieselengines as well as supportinggreater electrification of thepowertrain.The unit will use Powersar,which is Continental’s implem–entation of Autosar.“We will be the first with aI-spy still wins over video gamesDespite the growing amountof high-technology distractionsin the average car, I-spy is stillthe most popular way parentschoose to entertain children onlong car journeys, according toresearch by Manheim Auctions.Over a third of parents playI-spy with their children onlong car journeys, choosing topass the time with the popularword game rather than allowthem to watch a DVD or playvideo games.Findings from the researchalso showed that listeningAudi chooses Autosar softwareVector Austosar basic softwareto music, talking to otherpassengers and taking a naprated highly in the studyinto children’s car journeypastimes.But despite the figures, 90%of Brits expect children of todayto opt for computer games andDVDs to pass the time on a longjourney, rather than traditionalword games or pastimes.“As the schools break upand families embark on theirsummer holidays, parentswill be looking for ways toentertain their kids on long carAudi has awarded TTTech andVector an international contractfor Austosar basic software. Thecall for bids covered modulesfor communications over Can,Lin and Flexray, including RTEand end-to-end protection forsafety-related ECUs.Choosing one supplier for thebasic software of all ECUs couldRudolf Stark: “Softwarewill make a bigdifference.”journeys,” said Craig Mailey,client services and marketingdirector at Manheim Auctions.“It’s refreshing to know thatdespite all of the technology atour finger tips, the traditionalgames are still the mostpopular.”I-spy has stood the test oftime, with 60% of parentsremembering playing it duringcar journeys when they werechildren. The game is thoughtto have originated over 100years ago to encourage childrento use their imagination.benefit both Audi developersand ECU manufacturers byreducing integration andtesting effort and shorteningdevelopment times.Vector’s modules comply withAutosar 3.1, provide efficientimplementation and are adaptedto VW Group requirements inthe diagnostics area.Gerd Winkler with aprototype of the EMS 3engine management system100% Autosar product,” saidGerd Winkler, director of enginesystem development. “But weneed to enhance the Autosarstandard to cover what we planto do. We are ahead of whereAutosar is so we need to enhancethe standard.”The platform will use differentmicroprocessors depending onthe type of car and the marketsit will serve. Processors fromFreescale, Infineon and STMicroelectronics will all be used.Daimlertakes KleerrouteKleer is being used for rear-seatentertainmentSMSC’s Kleer wireless audiotechnology has been selected byDaimler as part of the rear-seatentertainment system for thecompany’s 2010 Mercedes-BenzE and S Class models.Kleer technology transmitsCD-quality digital wirelessaudio from two video screenson the seat back to multipleheadphones. Each screen candisplay different content andoccupants can select whichstream the headphones receive.Volvo plans self-drive trucksVolvo has developed aradio-controlled scale model of theConcept Truck 2020The truck of the future willdrive itself while the driver rests.At least according to RikardOrell, one of the brains behindthe Volvo Truck’s vision for thefuture, Concept Truck 2020.Long rigs hooked up withwireless links and controlledby autopilots rush across thecontinent at 90km/h. This isthe vision of the future behindthe Volvo Concept Truck 2020design concept. But will it reallylook like this in just ten years?“That is the whole point,” saidOrell, design director at VolvoTrucks. “Much of the technologyin the Volvo Concept Truck 2020is already available.”The focus is on increasingsafety on the roads andimproving the efficiency oftransport services by givingtrucks their own lanes.With green corridors, transportservices will require less spaceand produce less road wear. Fuelconsumption and CO 2emissionswill drop thanks to reduced dragwhen a truck is in the slipstreamof the vehicle in front.The driver can take statutoryrests while the truck is moving,cutting transport times.The cab has plenty of spacefor the driver. The lighting istailored for all the various incabtasks and the traditionalinstrument panel has beenVocational trainingis key to economicrecovery in automotiveThree quarters ofautomotive employers believework-related education andtraining will be vital in the UK’seconomic recovery, accordingto a report from City & Guilds.The report – “The SkillsEconomy – the new frameworkfor prosperity” – details asurvey of more than 1200employers across 26 industryareas in England. It revealsthat businesses see skills as atop priority for supporting thecountry’s future prosperity.Almost nine in ten automotiveemployers view vocationallytrained staff as vital to success,and 80% claim vocationaleducation delivers the practicalskills essential for today’sdynamic economy.And 61% of automotiveemployers believe the biggestbenefit of people with vocationalqualifications over graduates isthey already have the skills andexperience to work for theirbusiness from day one.Three-quarters of automotiveemployers believe vocationallyqualified employees make themmore competitive, while 81%agree that work-related skillsare vital to ensure the UK cancompete globally.And two thirds of automotiveemployers say they rely on theirvocationally trained staff togive them the skills they needfor the future.“Our research revealsthe extent to which UK plcrecognises the vital importanceof skills through vocationallearning for the country’s futureeconomic prosperity and globalcompetitiveness,” said ChrisJones, director general and CEOat City & Guilds.replaced with a thin film panel.“It is operated like a touchpad,”said Orell. “We have saved a lotof space.”The driver’s seat with its thin,ventilated mesh backrest alsosaves space. Behind it is a sofathat can be turned into a widebed. To improve eye contactbetween the driver and otherroad users, the cab is surroundedby large glass panels that can beblacked out electronically.The exterior of the vehiclehas also been changed and theperception of the vehicle’s sizehas been conjured away with asleek shape that reduces drag. Inaddition, the rear-view mirrorshave been replaced by camerasthat project their images ontothe inside of the windscreen.The front of the vehicle has asoft nose that is gentler on anoncoming vehicle in a head-oncollision, and it also improves theaerodynamics of the vehicle.NEWS 7Hard timesstill with usThe automotive industrywill continue to suffer hardtimes this year, accordingto a report from Research &Markets.Some vehicle markets remainat historically low volume andsome companies will continueto be financially stressed, saysauthor Dave Leggett.The report provides a globaloutlook on key trends, issuesand changes to expect in 2010.The structure of the carindustry will change further, thereport says. And there will be afurther movement of the centreof gravity to the east as Asiacontinues to fare better thanthe west in terms of economicperformance.For the developed world, atleast, the uncertainties are lessnow than they were a year ago,it says.automotive electronics | june/july 2010www.automotive-electronics.co.ukwww.automotive-electronics.co.uk june/july 2010 | automotive electronics
8 NEWSNEWS 9NEWS in briefCitroën connectslatest modelsCitroën has announced on-boardwireless internet connectivity for itsnew C3, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Picasso,C5, C6 and DS3 models. Availableas an accessory, the Wifi On Boardsystem enables multiple devices toconnect to the internet while onthe move, or when the vehicle isstationary.Wireless parkingproject in SpainSpanish company World Sensingis leading the Xaloc infrastructureproject funded by the AutonomousGovernment of Catalonia to developa platform based on a wirelesssensor network that can detectoutdoor free parking spaces so itcan guide drivers to parking spacesavailable in an area of interest. Alsoinvolved are the Centre Tecnològicde Telecomunicacions de Catalunyand the Universitat Autònoma deBarcelona.Alerts improve fleetmanagementTelogis has added fleet managementalerts to its Telogis Fleet platform,providing maintenance andutilisation information on a fleet’svehicles. The alerts are generatedbased on sensor data includingodometer, engine hours and batteryvoltage. The module lets fleetmaintenance managers receiveconfigurable automated alert emailson a range of parameters, includingbattery status, oil change, tyrerotation, tune up, over temperatureand PTO use.Mitusbishi and Peugeotjoin forcesMitsubishi Motors and PSA PeugeotCitroën have started a feasibilitystudy for the development andsupply of powertrains for electricvehicles, including an analysis onthe packaging of batteries andits business viability. The firstapplication of this agreement willfocus on light commercial vehicles.Airbag control forlow-price vehiclesBosch is extending its airbag controlunit portfolio with an economymodel. The AB light has beendeveloped for low-price vehicles inemerging markets such as China,India and Brazil. Series production isabout to start in Suzhou, China, forDongfeng Motor models.Birmingham and Coventry leadin charging point networkElectric car drivers inCoventry and Birmingham cannow use easy-access chargepoints in the latest stage of theUK’s low carbon vehicles trial.The network of charging pointshas been installed by E.On onbehalf of the Cabled (CoventryAnd Birmingham Low EmissionDemonstrators) project, a trialof 110 vehicles being tested byreal-world users over the next12 months.In June, a convoy of eco-carstravelled between the two citiesto launch the project officially.Electric vehicles includingMitsubishi, Tata and Modecmade the 32km journey betweentwo sets of charging pointsinstalled in city centre streets.“Coventry and Birminghamwere the birthplace of the Britishcar industry and it’s great thatthese two cities are now leadingthe way in bringing low-carbonmotoring to our streets,” saidEV growthneeds helpGovernment support forinfrastructure development,consumer incentives andmanufacturing will catalysemarket growth, concludedparliamentarians and industryleaders at Frost & Sullivan’ssecond annual Electric VehiclesUnplugged event in London.However, investment in R&Dand in battery and related EVtechnology manufacturing iscrucial if the UK is to benefitfully from the opportunitiespresented by this sector.The workshop affirmed theage of electric mobility is rapidlydawning, providing significanthigh tech manufacturingopportunities in the UK.During the parliamentarydebates at the House of Lords on22 June, Lord Palmer confirmedgovernment support must belong-term.Charles Bradshaw-Smith, headof innovation at E.On.There are seven chargingpoints in Coventry which areready to use with more plannedin the future for domesticvehicles. Coventry City Councilhas purchased 45 electricvehicles as part of an ongoingprogramme to replace its fleetvehicles. These will be in usefrom September, and more areplanned in the years ahead.“This is a big step forward inthe initiative to reduce harmfulcarbon emissions and encouragepeople and businesses to useelectric vehicles,” said LindaBigham, cabinet member for citydevelopment at Coventry CityCouncil. “These vehicles willproduce fuel savings of almost20%, while also reducing carbonemissions by 20%.”Last year, Birmingham CityCouncil committed to buy onlyelectric or LPG vehicles byElectric vehicle being driven roundBirmingham’s Bullring shopping centre2015.“Our challenge for the futureis to be at the forefront of lowcarbonvehicle technology, andthe development of a chargingpoint network for the Cabledinitiative is a vital step towardsthis goal,” said Paul Tilsley,deputy leader of BirminghamCity Council.Turn left, you willThe Force is strong with Tomtom drivers thanks to a StarWars deal. Lucas Film has agreed that the satnav company’scustomers can be guided by Jedi Master Yoda.Joining Darth Vader and C-3PO, Yoda is the latest officialStar Wars voice to launch exclusively for Tomtom devices.Han Solo will complete the line-up of fan favourites inAugust.“With incredible Jedi powers, Yoda is the ideal voice toguide Star Wars fans on their journeys,” said Alain Pakiry,senior vice president for marketing at Tomtom. “Yoda is oneof the voices most frequently requested by the Tomtomcommunity. “Yoda’s navigation instructions include: “After 700 hundredmetres hmm, keep to the right then take a sharp left. Control,control, if a Jedi you wish to be.”The Yoda voice comes with ghostly encouragement fromObi-Wan Ben Kenobi taken from the original films andembedded into the navigation commentary.Automotive key for combinedoscilloscope and data recorderSo confident is Yokogawathat the automotive industry ispicking up that is has launcheda special version of its latestScopecorder – a combinedoscilloscope and data acquisitionrecorder – for that sector.The first versions – the DL708and DL706 – were introduced in1997 followed by an upgrade –the DL750 – in 2002. This thirdgeneration product – the DL850– is primarily aimed at the powerutility sector, though a versionhas also been introduced speciallyfor the automotive market.Called the DL850V VehicleEdition, its capabilities includeCan bus monitoring.“There has been some pick upon the automotive side,” saidTerry Marrinan, Yokogawa’s salesand marketing director. “This hasbeen mainly on electric vehicledevelopment. Companies such asRenault are very interested in ourproduct.”He said the main interest waswhere there were developmentsin electric vehicles and hybrids,but surprisingly not in Germany.“The pick up is mostly outsideGermany,” he said. “They haveTerry Marrinan: “Companies such asRenault are very interested in ourproduct.”been a little slow in Germany.There is a lot more activity fromthe Nordic areas with Volvoand from France with Peugeotand Renault. We are also seeingactivity from the componentsuppliers to the automotiveindustry.”Using the DL850V, an engineercan decode the Can signal andretrieve information on physicaldata such as engine temperature,wheel speed and braking from theCan bus signal and compare thiswith the data coming from realsensors. The result is time savedcompared with other approachessuch as analysis on a PC or usingEuro NCap puts latesttechnologies to the testEuro NCap aims to providecar buyers with clear guidanceabout the safety benefits thatnew technologies offer.The guidance will includefeatures such as lane departurewarning, blind spot monitoring,attention assist, autonomousbraking and emergency call.The reward system,complementing Euro NCap’sexisting star rating scheme,will recognise and rewardmanufacturers who promotesafety technologies that havea scientifically proven benefit.By rewarding technologieswhich may be fitted only onluxury models or as options,it will provide an incentive toaccelerate the standard fitmentof important safety equipmentacross entire model ranges.“With these rewards EuroNCap will add a new dimensionto its mission,” said Michielvan Ratingen, secretary generalof Euro NCap. “From nowon consumers will be able tolearn more about the benefitsof advanced safety systems intheir car and consult Euro NCapfor advice before deciding onpurchase.”Euro NCap has developed amethod that lets the potentialsafety benefits of any newtechnology be determined.other software.Though only for Can at themoment, Marrinan said thecompany was hoping to havea Lin version out but not for atleast six months and eventuallythere would probably be aFlexray version.With acquisition speeds up to100MS/s, it achieves ten timesthe sample rate, display andmemory handling speeds of itspredecessor.The DL850V can accommodateup to 128 channels of assortedtypes including isolated,simultaneously sampled modules.For users who do not requirethe highest sample rates, a16-channel multiplexed moduleor a choice of three universalvoltage input modules allowspeed to be traded off againsthigher 16bit voltage resolution,better accuracy and wider inputranges.Users can arbitrarily combineeight different modules out of arange of 15 unique module types,supporting direct input of popularsensors such as thermocouples,accelerometers, strain gaugesand tachometers.Millbrookshake upMillbrook has added threefacilities at its Bedfordshire site.Additions to its labs and testtracks comprise electromagneticshaker technology, increasedoff-road gradient and tilt tablecapabilities.The electromagnetic shakertechnology, installed within asemi-anechoic chamber, has beendeveloped to provide advancedcapability for performing noiseassessment testing.The chamber absorbs andexcludes unrelated soundenabling more preciseidentification of small amountsof sound from the testing than ispossible with other shakers.Automotive TestingExpo14th-16th September 2010Beijing, Chinawww.testing-expo.comAutomechanika14th-19th September 2010Frankfurt, Germanyautomechanika.messefrankfurt.comParis Motor Show2nd-17th October 2010Paris, Francewww.mondialautomobile.comTelematics Japan13th-14th October 2010Tokyowww.telematicsupdate.com/japanECarTec19th-21st October 2010Munich, Germanywww.ecartec.euSmart Grid TechnologyEurope26th-27th October 2010Londonwww.smartgridupdate.com/smartgridtechnologyeuAutomotive TestingExpo26th-28th October 2010Detroit, USAwww.testing-expo.comTelematics Munich3rd-4th November 2010Munich, Germanywww.telematicsupdate.com/munichPlugin Electric VehicleInfrastructure16th-17th November 2010Munich, Germanywww.evupdate.com/electricvehicleeuropeInternational Materials& Handling16th-19th November 2010Birmingham, UKwww.imhx.bizEssen Motor Show27th November-5th December 2010Essen, Germanywww.essen-motorshow.deDIARY DATESautomotive electronics | june/july 2010www.automotive-electronics.co.ukwww.automotive-electronics.co.uk june/july 2010 | automotive electronics
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