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Today's automotive applications of brake based traction control (B-TCS) and dynamic stability control (DSC) continue to penetrate the market as an approach to enhance vehicle traction and stability. However, there is also a growing trend in the use of electronically controlled couplings and differentials. The Electronic Torque Manager (ETM®), developed and manufactured by GKN Driveline, provides an innovative solution to driveline torque distribution as well as enhanced vehicle stability combined with adaptive control strategies. The ETM®'s unique actuation system actively controls the torque transfer between axles or across an axle differential. The system consists of a ball ramp mechanism, in conjunction with a multi-plate clutch, directly actuated by an electric motor. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) incorporating adaptive control strategies provides the required control.

An advancement in All-Terrain-Vehicle (ATV) traction control has entered the market place with the debut of the 1999 Bombardier Traxter. The basis for this is the progressive front axle limited-slip differential. The Visco Lok‚ differential provides a speed-sensing progressive traction-optimized characteristic for maximum off-road performance. This paper includes an overview of the vehicle driveline system, functional characteristics of the differential, and torque transfer requirements.