Automotive Electronics Direction Analysis Report
After 16 hours of work, this report is finally finished.
Automotive Electronics Direction Analysis Report
Zongjian He October 23, 2004
I. Introduction to Automotive Electronics
1.1 Development of the Automotive Industry
In 1885, German mechanical engineer Karl Benz invented the world’s first practical internal combustion engine automobile. Since then, automotive electronics has evolved tremendously. Today, cars are not just transportation — they are cultural symbols, toys, works of art, and indispensable tools of modern life.
By 2002, 57,700,000 new cars were sold worldwide. With rapid economic growth in emerging nations (including China and India, whose combined population is one-third of the world’s total), it was estimated that by 2005 there would be 2 billion cars worldwide.
1.2 The Birth of Automotive Electronics
As society developed, higher demands were placed on automobile performance and environmental friendliness. Traditional mechanical devices could no longer solve certain functional requirements. Thus, electronic technology was integrated into automobiles, giving birth to modern automotive electronic control technology.
Automotive electronics is now widely applied across all aspects of vehicles, improving power, economy, safety, driving stability, and comfort.
1.3 Characteristics of Automotive Electronics
1.3.1 Broad Technical Scope
Automotive electronics spans traditional mechanical engineering and electronic information technology. Domestic universities rarely cultivate talent specifically for automotive electronics.
1.3.2 Wide Application Levels
Applications range from engine control (electronic fuel injection, ignition, EGR, idle control) to chassis systems (ECAT, ABS, electronic power steering, adaptive suspension, cruise control), to in-vehicle multimedia, navigation, GPS, electronic maps, smart instruments, mobile communications, and Internet access.
1.3.3 No Unified International Standards
Various bus systems compete: J1850, ODB-2, CAN, LIN, IDB. Embedded operating systems used include VxWorks, Embedded Linux, Windows CE, Windows Automotive, and OSEK.
II. Current Status and Prospects
2.1 Automotive Electronics Technology
2.1.1 Smart Controllers, Sensors, and Actuators
Sensors detect parameters like rainfall, tire pressure, sunlight intensity. Data is sent to processing units that trigger actions — automatic wipers, tire pressure warnings, climate control.
2.1.2 In-Vehicle Computing Systems
Navigation systems use GPS with digital maps. Telematics enables wireless communication between vehicles and external networks. Infotainment systems combine entertainment and information services.
2.1.3 In-Vehicle Networks
Common bus standards include J1850, ODB-2, CAN, LIN, IDB. CAN (Controller Area Network) is the most widely used, with multi-master operation, non-destructive arbitration, short frame structure, and strong anti-interference capabilities.
2.2 Automotive Electronics Market
2.2.1 Domestic Market
China’s automotive electronics market is growing rapidly. By 2005, the market scale was expected to reach 2500-3000 billion RMB. However, over 70% of the market is occupied by foreign companies like Delphi, Denso, and Bosch.
2.2.2 Market Prospects
In 1980, a typical car had about $250 worth of electronics. Today it’s about $700. By 2010, it was projected to exceed $1000 per vehicle.