A driving simulator for teaching embedded automotive control applications

This paper presents the multi-disciplinary nature of embedded control system design and how a course developed at the University of Michigan addresses the broad set of topics needed for embedded control system design to senior engineering undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds. The lab component uses a typical automotive power-train micro-controller and teaches topics in system dynamics through programming assignments involving dynamical systems simulations. Students interact with and feel their virtual environments though a haptic interface. We present the final project in the course, in which students build a fixed-based driving simulator to test advanced automotive control system designs. This course was developed partially in response to industry demand for students with experience in embedded control. The course has generated remarkable student interest and former students have provided positive feedback about projects and have reported better opportunities in the job market as a result of their experience in this course.