Auto Electronics  •  Sensors See the Light

Trends: Ingenious Electronics
The European Union is working to reduce traffic fatalities by half in coming years, while strict emissions limits in the U.S. will require new solutions. It all adds up to tremendous challenges for the automotive industry. Siemens VDO is responding with innovative technologies, including sensor-supported driver assistance systems and environmentally friendly engine controls
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Driver Assistance: Sensors See the Light
Human eyes are sometimes just not enough on today’s busy roads. Assistance systems can help reduce stress and improve safety by monitoring traffic conditions and warning drivers of potential dangers. Siemens VDO has developed pro.pilot, a system that unites a number of automotive assistance systems. The technology was showcased at this year’s International Motor Show in Frankfurt
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Facts and Forecasts: Electronics: Driving Automotive Innovation
Demand is increasing steadily for a broad range of active driver assistance systems. According to a study conducted in 2004, ABS and ESP will account for the lion’s share of a 3.5 bill. € European market in 2010
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Braking Systems: Wonder Wedge
A revolution in braking technology is in the making. A new electronic wedge brake currently being developed for market launch by Siemens can be used for any type of vehicle. But that’s not all. The new brake is also faster, less expensive and more efficient than conventional hydraulic systems
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Equipping Cars to Understand their Environments
Interview with Hans-Georg Metzler, head of the Laboratory for Active Safety and Driver Assistance Systems at DaimlerChrysler
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Vehicle Communications: My Car Understands Me
Automobiles are becoming increasingly intelligent. In tomorrow’s cars, engine performance will become less important as their ability to process and relay information grows. For example, a virtual passenger will talk to the driver, warn of impending traffic danger and even hunt down music on the Internet. To this end, Siemens is merging information and communications to generate infotainment
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Software: We’ve Upgraded Your Car
Systems requiring maximum reliability are proliferating in vehicles. A new, open standard developed by the automobile industry will ensure that such systems speak the same language and can be economically combined and upgraded. A new software architecture from Siemens is designed to do the same for automotive infotainment systems
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In Brief
Developments, contacts, links, literature
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