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Automotive electronics consists of advanced sensors, control units, and “mechatronic“ actuators forming increasingly complex, networked vehicle systems. The article shows typical requirements for automotive electronic systems and their components. While quantities are typically lower than in mainstream (consumer/telecommunication/computer) electronics applications, requirements regarding safety (flawless design), reliability and durability, operating conditions and temperature cycles, as well as long-term supply capability are much higher. As a consequence, automotive electronics is typically using well-proven technologies derived from mainstream electronics with some time delay regarding their introduction. In addition, automotive specific technologies have been developed for highly integrated control units and “mechatronic” actuators. Some recent examples are given. The paper closes with a vision regarding further developments and trends in Automotive Electronics.

Sensors to detect the vehicle environment are being used already today. Ultrasonic parking aids meanwhile have a high customer acceptance, and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) systems have been introduced in the market recently. New sensors are being developed at rapid pace. On their basis new functions are quickly implemented because of their importance for safety and convenience. Upon availability of high dynamic CMOS imager chips Video cameras will be introduced in vehicles. A stereo capable Computer platform with picture processing capability will explore the high potential of functions. Finally, sensor data fusion will improve significantly the performance of the systems. At the end of the 1980s this insight led to the vision of highly efficient street traffic, demonstrated in the “Prometheus” funded project.

In the article, an overview of current starter motor technology and recent developments is given. One of the main targets is to reduce the starting system weight in order to minimize the gasoline consumption of the vehicle. A new generation of lightweight intermediate-gear permanent magnet starters together with an innovative electronic switch allows an electronically controlled starting process. The electronic systems controls the starting process resulting in improved reliability, reduction of starting noise, and thermal protection of the starter motor. The article concludes with an overview on the perspective of future developments in starting systems.