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The Use of Sensors in The Automobile Industry

Sensors are integral components in modern automobiles, used extensively in manufacturing, functioning, and monitoring of vehicles. Sensors measure various parameters and relay information to the electronic control unit (ECU), which processes data and controls engine and other systems. The ECU allows for easier communication between sensors and vehicle components. Autonomous vehicles also rely heavily on sensors like LIDAR and cameras to map surroundings and avoid obstacles without human intervention. However, sensor technology must continue to advance for fully autonomous vehicles to operate reliably.

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47 views

The Use of Sensors in The Automobile Industry

Sensors are integral components in modern automobiles, used extensively in manufacturing, functioning, and monitoring of vehicles. Sensors measure various parameters and relay information to the electronic control unit (ECU), which processes data and controls engine and other systems. The ECU allows for easier communication between sensors and vehicle components. Autonomous vehicles also rely heavily on sensors like LIDAR and cameras to map surroundings and avoid obstacles without human intervention. However, sensor technology must continue to advance for fully autonomous vehicles to operate reliably.

Uploaded by

Vimal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Use of Sensors in the Automobile

Industry
A sensor is a device which detects or measures a physical property from its
surroundings and records, indicates or otherwise responds to it. Sensors
are used extensively in the electronics industry and specifically in
automobiles. Modern vehicles take large amounts of data at a time from the
sensors installed into their computer systems; these include engine
sensors, relays and actuators. The sensors are built to operate in harsh
conditions and provide as efficient results as possible.

Importance of Sensors in Automobiles:

Sensors are integral in the design, manufacturing and functioning of


automotives. For example, the manufacturing process involves the use of
robotic arms for painting the vehicles and bringing the design together. The
sensors are used to measure the thickness of the paint being sprayed on
instruments, the number of claddings and other parts in the internal
structures through sensors. During functioning, sensors measure the fuel
consumption in engines, emissions and allow for more efficient fuel usage.

Electronic Control Unit (ECU):


The sensors are connected to the Electronic Control Unit. The ECU
contains the hardware and software. The hardware includes the PCB and
MCU chips. The MCU helps in the processing of information taken from the
sensors. The introduction of ECU in modern vehicles has reduced the need
of extensive wiring, and errors in the engine as it helps to monitor and
control the engine easily.

Communication and Control:


As mentioned before the ECU has reduced the need of wiring between
components and therefore as made communication easier. It is easily
installed and connected to the nearest vehicle bus, and CAN (controller
area network), LIN (local interconnect network), FlexRay etc. A controller
area network allows MCUS, sensors and devices communicate with each
other easily.
Emission Monitoring and Control:
In some case, if the emissions reach a level which reduces efficiency of
your vehicle, then the sensors will help you bring your vehicle back to best
engine performance and reduce the emissions. This is usually done by
sending signals through the ECU to the relays and actuators, and ignition
circuits, spark plugs etc. which results in a reduction in emissions.

Functions of ECUs:
Usually a number of ECUs are present in vehicles, only a few in small cars
and more expensive vehicles may contain hundreds of ECUs. More ECUs
usually means more features. Some sensors include battery current, door
open warning, battery temperature, brake power booster, crankshaft
position, diesel emissions fluid temperature, humidity, hybrid circuit
breaker, mass air flow, oil level, oxygen, speed, steering angle,
temperature, windshield washer level, throttle position, cylinder head
temperature, fuel cutoff etc.

You do not have to know about all the sensors in your vehicle but you
should know the basics of important sensors in case of emergencies. For
example, the engine speed sensor helps to monitor the spinning speed of
crankshaft, the fuel temperature sensor helps to ensure the right amount of
fuel is injected to keep motion smooth, the voltage sensor helps to manage
car speeds etc.
Sensors in Autonomous Vehicles:
With the help of sensors the navigation of cars has become easier. A car
can easily avoid mishaps on the road and now even autonomous tech is
being introduced because of sensors. Autonomous cars use sensors, radar
and cameras etc. LIDAR is the basic sensor used which uses light
deflection to create a map of its surroundings. This helps to avoid any
objects detected in its path.

However if we wish for autonomous vehicles to be fully operative on


LIDAR, there are a number of requirements, for example, the car must be
robust and reliable, it should also involve the use of AI to detect obstacles
in the way. The complexity is also high in autonomous vehicles, specifically
in the way it processes data and makes critical decisions from the array of
sensors at once. The vehicles usually require a GPS, camera, MEMS-
based gyroscopes, accelerometers etc. In some cases, the sensor
technology is still limited due to which fully autonomous cars are still now
common.
Conclusion:
Sensors play an important role in modern electronic systems and
automobiles. They are helping by making our vehicles more reliable, more
sophisticated and of better quality. In the near future, it wouldn’t be
surprising to find fully autonomous vehicles around us.

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