Expanding automotive electronic systems - Computer

T he past four decades have witnessed an exponential increase in the number and sophistication of electronic systems in vehicles. Today, the cost of electronics in luxury vehicles can amount to more than 23 percent of the total manufacturing cost. Analysts estimate that more than 80 percent of all automotive innovation now stems from electronics. To gain an appreciation of the sea change in the average dollar amount of electronic systems and silicon components—such as transistors, microprocessors, and diodes—in motor vehicles, we need only note that in 1977 the average amount was $110, while in 2001 it had increased to $1,800. The growth of electronic systems has had implications for vehicle engineering. For example, today’s high-end vehicles may have more than 4 kilometers of wiring—compared to 45 meters in vehicles manufactured in 1955. In July 1969, Apollo 11 employed a little more than 150 Kbytes of onboard memory to go to the moon and back. Just 30 years later, a family car might use 500 Kbytes to keep the CD player from skipping tracks. The resulting demands on power and design have led to innovations in electronic networks for automobiles. Researchers have focused on developing electronic systems that safely and efficiently replace entire mechanical and hydraulic applications, and increasing power demands have prompted the development of 42-V automotive systems.