Automotive electronics

The rapid development of electronic technology in the last twenty years has now brought it to a point where it is practical to use electronic control systems, with suitable associated sensors and actuators, to directly replace a number of existing mechanical or electromechanical systems in the motor vehicle. This is being done where there is a need for the improved accuracy, speed and reliability available from electronics, and also to provide new functions and features where these are necessary either to meet legal requirements, to provide new competitive product features, or to improve the performance or operation of the vehicle. The review describes the applications of electronics which have already taken place and also looks at the automotive electronic systems which, it is expected, will be introduced over the next few years.