Bosch Engineering GmbH employs Bosch mid-range and long-range radar sensors for surround sensing in rail vehicles. “In rail transportation, there are interlocking plants with switches and signals to make sure there are no accidents. But on many secondary lines and industrial railways, during shunting, or when passing through construction sites, it is up to the train driver alone to do this,” says Bernhard Bihr, president of Bosch Engineering, explaining where the new technology will be applied. “We use Bosch radar technology, that has proven itself in automotive applications, and develop software functions specifically to support the work of train drivers.” Employing radar technology in rail vehicles makes it possible to implement functions such as predictive detection of obstacles and collision warning, detection of overhead power lines, and speed sensing over ground. Stationary radar sensors could also be fitted for rail infrastructure, for example at construction sites. For each of the functions, Bosch Engineering develops the design to match specific applications and specific customers, adapts the sensor software accordingly, and offers support during the entire system’s testing and approval phase

For more safety, assistance, and comfort

• High-performance return pump provides extremely dynamic pressure build-up and enhanced comfort
  
• Excellent basis for future assistance systems
  
• Further significant reduction in size and weight
  

Bosch is adding an especially high-performance variant to its Generation 9 brake control systems. Summing up its advantages, Gerhard Steiger, the president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division, says: “The new ESP^® 9 premium is the ideal basis for high-performance assistance and safety systems.” The core of this new version is an especially efficient return pump that can build up brake pressure very fast, and almost without any vibration.

While current brake control systems work with two pump elements, a total of six pistons are integrated into the ESP^® 9 premium. They build up brake pressure especially fast, as well as very evenly, regardless of whether high or low brake pressure is required. On the one hand, this means that the brake control system can brake hard in an instant, and thus defuse critical situations. On the other hand, it can also provide the kind of gentle intervention needed for automatic dry braking or for an adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go function. This pressure build-up is assisted by two additional pressure sensors integrated in the hydraulic modulator. Moreover, the smooth operation of the pump means that less vibration is transmitted to the bodywork, practically ruling out irksome noises and vibrations on the brake pedal.

Highest performance Generation 9 version
Bosch was the world’s first company to produce the electronic stability program, and since then has improved it continuously. When designing its new Generation 9 brake control systems, Bosch placed special importance on a high level of flexibility. This is why much of the hardware and software is modular in construction. While the ESP^® 9 base provides full protection in critical situations, ESP^® 9 plus already allows a number of common assistance functions to be executed, from hill hold control to adaptive cruise control (ACC) with a stop-and-go function. And with ESP^® 9 premium, there is hardly any limit to the sophisticated driver assistance systems that can be offered. These include the lane keeping assistant, emergency braking assistant, and smart cruise control, as well as torque vectoring, a vehicle dynamics control function in which torque is distributed individually to each wheel. All these and many other functions can be configured as desired. How far do they support the driver? When do they intervene to correct a situation, and how far does this intervention go? Automakers can decide these questions for themselves, and in this way create the character they want for their brand or individual model.

Despite all these additional functions, ESP^® 9 premium is smaller and 800 grams lighter than its predecessor. This supports automakers’ efforts to reduce the overall weight of new models. Service life has also been increased – for example, by using a modified return pump.

Videos:
· Predictive Emergency Braking System – explanation how it works (youtube link)
· Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function – explanation how it works (youtube link)

Bosch is currently rolling out series production of its new ESP® plus. With this version of Generation 9, many safety and assistance functions in addition to the anti-skid system can be integrated into the car. The high control precision of ESP® plus enables OEMs to integrate features such as adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function. In launching this version, Bosch is supporting the increasing spread of these assistance functions in compact and middle class vehicles.

 

Modular design makes it possible to offer customized solutions
With Generation 9’s new brake control system, Bosch has made scalability a top priority. Thanks to the modular design of hardware and software, different variants of the system can be easily installed. This enables OEMs to select the system that best fits with the functions they want a vehicle to feature.

The basic version of Generation 9 already offers full protection against skidding. Moreover, sensors to measure yaw rate and lateral acceleration can be integrated into the electronics of the control unit. With an even more precise control of the return pump, extra-tight pressure control valves, and two additional pressure sensors, the new Bosch ESP® plus can precisely regulate brake pressure even when the brakes are applied very lightly. This is particularly important for comfort functions such as adaptive cruise control (ACC). The ESP® premium completes the Generation 9 portfolio, enabling even the most advanced comfort functions. This version of the system has a return pump with six pistons which generate pressure especially quickly and constantly. They do this with very little noise and virtually without vibration.

A relaxed ride, even in traffic jams
With their first series-produced version of the new ESP®, the automaker and Bosch have developed a high-performance adaptive cruise control system that includes a stop-and-go function. In addition to ESP® plus, this vehicle also features the Bosch LRR3 radar sensor. The stop-and-go function brakes automatically in stop-and-go traffic until the car stops. If the car only stops for a short moment, it starts off again automatically. If the car is stopped for a longer time, the driver needs only to step lightly on the gas pedal to reactivate the function.

Taken from a Picoscope news email, here we have a two-part video (both parts are around 20 minutes) on YouTube from Paul Danner (aka ScannerDanner) of Engine Performance Diagnostics. In part 1 of this video Paul walks through some of the testing procedures that may be used for any no start condition. This particular vehicle is a 2000 Lexus RX 300. One thing to note, the cam-crank relationship waveform capture in the first picture is wrong, watch the end of the part 1 video for this correction.

View 2000 Lexus RX 300 No Start part 1 video on Youtube.

View 2000 Lexus RX 300 No Start part 2 video on Youtube.

See also: www.picoauto.com

Ford’s new 1.0-L EcoBoost I3 uses low-friction technology. The new 1.0-L triple features a new low-inertia Continental turbocharger and an exhaust manifold integrated with the cylinder head casting. Ford machines the heads using its MQL ‘dry machining’ process.

Figure 1 Ford 1.0-L EcoBoost I3 engine

Changing gears and associated friction reduction in the 1.0-L EcoBoost Ford Focus is a key discussion for powertrain engineers.

Read more from SAE: http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/10714

A company called Carinthian Tech Research (CTR) has developed a laser that can be used for engine ignition systems. Light is compressed to create a laser pulse, which because of the high energy density it generates plasma, which ignites the fuel. See the lightning spot in the video at: http://www.ctr.at/en/r-d-technologies/laser.html

“When CTR developed a highly specialised laser for ignition systems in jet and internal combustion engines, we took the technology to a new level globally. To achieve this, we had to redesign all the laser components from the pump diodes to the resonator and laser rod, integrating them in a compact housing. The resultant opportunities for using the laser in very confined spaces and environments subject to vibrations, is so unique and innovative that even projects with the ESA for applications in the aerospace industry are being implemented.” CTR 2012

More information: http://www.ctr.at/en/r-d-technologies/laser.html

TECHNOLOGY ENABLES SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY, REDUCED EMISSIONS, EXTENDED SERVICE LIFE

System technology enables up to 10-percent reduced fuel consumption and is designed for volume manufacturing in current and future engine architectures FRANKFURT, September 13, 2011 … Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ: FDML) will introduce at this year’s IAA (Frankfurt Auto Show, Hall 4.1, Stand E15, September 13-16, 2011) its highly innovative Advanced Corona Ignition System (ACIS), a breakthrough technology for fuel efficiency and emissions reduction that significantly outperforms conventional spark-ignition systems. Federal-Mogul’s ACIS is currently undergoing development with several customers and has enabled an up to 10-percent fuel efficiency improvement over standard spark ignition in development testing.

Corona ignition creates a significantly larger high-intensity plasma ignition source, spread throughout the combustion chamber, when compared to conventional spark ignition systems. The ACIS technology provides for more thorough combustion and enables advanced combustion strategies like lean burn, highly diluted mixtures and very high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), further increasing fuel efficiency. The company’s ACIS utilizes materials and design strategies to facilitate high-volume production implementation on current and new engine architectures.

“Federal-Mogul’s new corona discharge ignition is a breakthrough innovation that can offer significant fuel economy gains and emissions reductions at a lower incremental cost than other technologies,” said Federal-Mogul President and CEO José Maria Alapont. “Our Advanced Corona Ignition System is another example of Federal-Mogul’s commitment to developing leading technology and innovation to support vehicle manufacturers with regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction for energy efficiency, environmental responsibility and vehicle safety enhancements.”

ACIS uses a high-energy, high frequency electrical field to produce repeatable, controlled ionization, creating multiple streams of ions to ignite the fuel mixture throughout the combustion chamber, whereas conventional spark ignition creates only a small arc in the gap between the electrodes of a spark plug. This highly effective ignition technology also allows for optimized timing of the start of combustion versus conventional ignition systems. ACIS generates rapid ignition and quick burning, ensuring greater conversion of the fuel energy to mechanical energy with the added potential for simultaneous reduction in engine cooling requirements.

“Federal-Mogul’s and our customers’ testing is demonstrating that the improvements to fuel economy and CO2 emissions are at levels unachievable with spark ignition,” Alapont added. “We have already recorded fuel consumption improvements of up to 10 percent on a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine, and there is potential for further improvements,” said Kristapher Mixell, Federal-Mogul’s director, advanced corona ignition system development, Powertrain Energy. “Our Advanced Corona Ignition System is a game-changing technology that also makes other combustion improvements possible.” Corona ignition technology provides higher energy and greater opportunities for ignition than a spark-ignition system, readily accommodating different fuel characteristics. “The technology enables powertrain engineers to more efficiently develop combustion strategies, such as stratified charge, lean burn and high levels of EGR, to reduce fuel consumption exhaust emissions,” Mixell added.

Federal-Mogul has optimized its ACIS for ease of implementation in high-volume applications for both current and future powertrain architectures by designing it to package within the space of a spark-ignition system. The “two-piece” igniter architecture allows engine manufacturers the ability to replace traditional coil and plug systems with no adverse impact on engine design or assembly.

Eliminating the spark plug and its arc, ACIS eliminates the source of electrode erosion—the main cause of wear in a conventional spark-ignition system. This prolongs ignition system durability and extends service intervals. ACIS also uses materials that are already proven in automotive applications to ensure durability throughout the designed service life. “The global growth of the car parc, reaching more than 1.2 billion vehicles by 2015, will continue to be a very strong market for spark-ignition systems, that is why we are continuing to develop new spark plug technology together with developing the Advanced Corona Ignition System for high performance powertrain and vehicle applications,” Alapont added. The company’s Advanced Corona Ignition System is being developed at its technical centres in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Visit the company’s website at www.federalmogul.com.

MOST – Media Oriented Systems Transport – is the de-facto standard for multimedia and infotainment networking in the automotive industry.

MOST – Home > Home

Figure 1 Bosch SMP480 barometric pressure sensor (Source: Bosch Media)

The new Bosch SMP480 barometric pressure sensor is extraordinarily small. It takes up just one-quarter of the space of its predecessor. This makes it easier than ever to include it in the electronic control units used in automotive technology. This is the first time the Stuttgart-based automotive supplier has released a pressure sensor in its SMP range that uses a 12-bit digital interface to provide pressure and temperature data, instead of producing an analog measurement signal. This digital barometer’s pressure signal tolerance over its lifetime is less than 1.0 kPa – the best accuracy currently available in the market. The SMP480, which features a ten-pin premold SMD housing and is RoHS-compliant, is already being delivered in large quantities.

Pressure sensors make cars more eco-friendly
Barometric pressure sensors are a key component in engine management for diesel and gasoline engines. They are designed to measure the current ambient pressure accurately and with low drift. Atmospheric pressure is a function of height above sea level as well as of weather conditions. The engine management system uses the sensor measurement data to ensure the optimum air-fuel mixture, irrespective of whether the vehicle is traveling along a coastal road or a road up in the mountains. The benefit of this constant rebalancing of the mixture ratio is that it reduces fuel consumption as well as emissions of CO2 and other pollutants.

Silicon sensor membrane
The core of the SMP480 is its sensor element. This is made up of a monocrystalline silicon membrane – manufactured using the advanced porous silicon membrane (APSM) process – which hermetically seals a reference vacuum. Four strain gages are implanted in the membrane in a bridge circuit. Changes caused by atmospheric pressure in the curvature of the membrane, even those measuring just a few thousandths of a millimeter, are converted into an electrical signal. Signal conditioning and A-D conversion are performed by an ASIC adjacent to the sensor element within the housing.

A success story with over 1.6 billion MEMS sensors

Bosch sets the pace in MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology. The company has manufactured over 1.6 billion MEMS sensors since production began in 1995. This makes Bosch the global market leader in MEMS sensors. Its product portfolio comprises pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, yaw-rate sensors, mass flow sensors, torque sensors, and microphones for a variety of automotive and consumer electronics applications. Additional information on the Bosch sensor program can be accessed at www.bosch-sensors.com.