The automotive industry is undergoing profound transformations, transitioning from traditional fuel-powered vehicles to new energy vehicles, while continuously enhancing its intelligence and connectivity. In this process, electronic components have become the core elements driving automotive technological advancements. They are widely applied in various automotive systems and play a crucial role in improving vehicle performance, safety, and user experience.

Powertrain System

Engine Control System

In the engines of traditional fuel-powered vehicles, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is a core component. It integrates electronic components such as microprocessors, memories, and input/output interfaces. The microprocessor accurately calculates parameters such as engine fuel injection quantity and ignition timing based on signals collected from sensors like the air flow sensor, throttle position sensor, and oxygen sensor. By controlling actuators such as fuel injectors and spark plugs, it enables the engine to operate efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. For example, the air flow sensor, using the hot film or hot wire principle, converts the air flow rate into an electrical signal, providing an important control basis for the ECU.

New Energy Vehicle Powertrain System

In electric vehicles, the Battery Management System (BMS) is of great significance. The BMS consists of battery monitoring chips, microcontrollers, communication modules, etc. The battery monitoring chips collect real-time parameters of the battery, such as voltage, current, and temperature. The microcontroller performs equalization management and charge/discharge control of the battery based on these data, ensuring the safety and service life of the battery. For example, Texas Instruments' battery monitoring chips can achieve high-precision voltage and current measurements. Meanwhile, the drive motor control system of electric vehicles uses a large number of power semiconductor devices, such as Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) modules. The IGBT converts the direct current of the battery into alternating current to drive the motor to rotate, and precisely adjusts the motor's speed and torque by controlling its on and off time, achieving efficient power output.

Safety System

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS monitors the wheel speed in real-time through wheel speed sensors. Wheel speed sensors generally use electromagnetic induction or Hall principles to convert the wheel speed into an electrical signal. The ECU determines whether the wheels are about to lock based on these signals. When a locking tendency is detected, it immediately controls the brake line pressure through solenoid valves to keep the wheels rotating and prevent the vehicle from losing control. For example, during emergency braking, ABS can significantly shorten the braking distance and improve driving safety.

Airbag System

Collision sensors, including acceleration sensors and pressure sensors, are key components of the airbag system. When a vehicle collision occurs, the collision sensors detect acceleration or pressure changes exceeding the set threshold and quickly transmit the signals to the Airbag Control Unit (ACU). The microprocessor in the ACU judges the severity of the collision based on the sensor signals. If the triggering conditions are met, it immediately triggers the gas generator to rapidly inflate and deploy the airbag, protecting the vehicle occupants from harm.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC integrates information from multiple sensors, such as the steering wheel angle sensor, yaw rate sensor, and lateral acceleration sensor. The steering wheel angle sensor is used to detect the driver's steering intention, the yaw rate sensor measures the vehicle's rotational angular velocity around the vertical axis, and the lateral acceleration sensor monitors the vehicle's lateral acceleration. The ECU intervenes in the vehicle in real-time by controlling the braking system and engine output torque based on these sensor data, preventing dangerous situations such as vehicle skidding and tail-swinging and improving the vehicle's driving stability in complex road conditions.

Infotainment System

In-vehicle Display

The display on the car's center console has become an important interactive interface of the infotainment system. Common ones include Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) and Organic Light Emitting Diode Displays (OLEDs). LCDs have the advantages of low cost and mature technology and are widely used in various vehicle models. OLEDs, with their self-luminous, high contrast, and wide viewing angle characteristics, are gradually being popularized in high-end models, providing users with clearer and more vivid image displays for functions such as navigation map display and multimedia playback.

In-vehicle Audio System

The audio power amplifier is one of the core components of the in-vehicle audio system, used to amplify audio signals and drive speakers to produce sound. Class D audio power amplifiers are widely used due to their high efficiency and low distortion. In addition, as the sound output device, the performance of the speaker directly affects the sound effect. Different types of speakers, such as subwoofers, mid-range speakers, and tweeters, are combined reasonably to create a high-quality auditory experience for vehicle passengers. At the same time, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) is used in the in-vehicle audio system for audio signal processing, such as sound effect adjustment and noise reduction, optimizing the audio according to the in-vehicle acoustic environment and user preferences.

In-vehicle Communication Module

With the development of vehicle connectivity, the in-vehicle communication module has become indispensable. 4G and 5G communication modules enable vehicles to achieve high-speed network connections, supporting functions such as real-time traffic information acquisition, online music playback, and remote vehicle control. The Bluetooth module is used to achieve wireless connection between the mobile phone and the in-vehicle system, facilitating users to make calls, play music, etc. In addition, the Global Positioning System (GPS) module in the in-vehicle navigation system accurately determines the vehicle's position by receiving satellite signals, providing navigation services for users.

Chassis and Body Control System

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

EPS detects the torque magnitude and direction applied by the driver when turning the steering wheel through a torque sensor, and the sensor transmits the signal to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit controls the output torque of the assist motor through the motor drive module according to information such as vehicle speed, providing appropriate steering assistance for the driver. Torque sensors generally use magnetoresistive or photoelectric principles and have high precision and reliability. Compared with traditional hydraulic power steering systems, this system has the advantages of low energy consumption and fast response.

Automatic Air Conditioning System

The temperature sensor and humidity sensor in the automatic air conditioning system monitor the in-vehicle environmental parameters in real-time, and the sunlight sensor detects the sunlight intensity. The air conditioning control unit automatically adjusts the cooling, heating, ventilation, and other functions of the air conditioner based on these sensor data, providing a comfortable environment for vehicle passengers. For example, the temperature sensor uses a thermistor or thermocouple to convert temperature changes into electrical signals, providing accurate temperature information for the air conditioning control unit.

Window and Door Lock Control System

The window lift motors and door lock motors are controlled by motor driver chips to achieve window lifting and door locking and unlocking. These systems are usually also equipped with position sensors to detect the position status of the windows and door locks, ensuring the safety and reliability of operation. For example, the window position sensor can prevent the window from pinching passengers during the closing process. At the same time, the central door lock control unit achieves centralized control of all vehicle doors by receiving signals from the remote control or in-vehicle buttons.