Drive-by-wire systems for ground vehicles

A significant innovation effort in ground vehicles´ technology is represented by the replacement of the traditional mechanical-hydraulic systems with all-electric systems, termed by-wire systems, for the transmission and execution of the driving commands. According to the experience in the aerospace environment, such replacement is expected to give appreciable benefits, even though it poses several problems. This paper provides an overview of the key components of by-wire systems, i.e. the electric actuators and the communication networks, especially for steering and braking operations.