Mechatronic sensors in integrated vehicle architecture

Abstract At present, electronic controls and systems are in the process of becoming essential and integral parts of our vehicles whereas they were previously replacements for corresponding mechanical systems predominantly separately acting or fulfilling add-on functions. From this viewpoint, the electronic systems in the vehicle will be interconnected with each other to a much greater degree than was previously the case; for this reason, they must also be reclassified and subdivided. Accordingly, electronic signal-processing components, for example, which were previously located in central control units, will be moved to the periphery where they are mechanically and electrically integrated with the sensor or actuator directly at the point at which they are actually required (mechatronics). The varied advantages of such sensors which are also capable of digital communication by means of new connection systems (bus systems) can be seen in the concrete example of an ‘intelligent’ short-circuit-ring displacement sensor. The accuracy of this sensor can be increased considerably by simultaneously simplifying its design; the highly accurate measured signal can be transmitted in a digital form.