Delphi Develops X-by-Wire Technology for Europe

Autoparts Report,  Sept 25, 2001  

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Delphi Automotive Systems' said its systems engineers have been working closely with European automakers to determine how X-by-Wire technologies can be brought to reality on passenger vehicle applications. Specifically, Delphi and BMW have been working jointly for the past two years developing steer- and brake-by-wire systems.

Recent advances in dependable, embedded systems technology, as well as continuing demand for improved handling and active safety improvements, have led vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to pursue development of computer- controlled by-wire subsystems. As a result, Delphi has combined development efforts on steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire to more effectively serve the emerging needs of the Industry, the company said.

"This is a very logical integration of our development activities," stated Dr. Nady Boules, director of the Customer Solution Center for Delphi Automotive's Steering Division. "Combining efforts in the areas of systems architecture, control algorithms, system safety and vehicle dynamics development, allows us to concentrate our considerable expertise to expeditiously bring integrated steering and braking systems to our customers."

Defined X-by-Wire systems, part of Delphi's portfolio of chassis technologies, replace the traditional mechanical or hydraulic linkages between the driver controls and the steering and braking mechanisms with various electro- mechanical actuators, pedal and steering feel emulators, and a distributed network of electronic control modules, the company said.

Traditional steering and brake system components, such as the steering column, intermediate shaft, pump, hoses, fluids, belts and brake power booster/master cylinder, are completely eliminated. Delphi's steer- and brake-by-wire systems provide improved fuel economy, the company said. The elimination of the hydraulic fluids is more environmentally friendly.

Fewer components simplify assembly and allow for significant flexibility in the design of the cockpit. With no mechanical connection constraints, enhancements to the driver controls become a possibility. Further, its adaptive design allows the controls to be easily changed from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.

The system also supports the vehicle manufacturers' efforts to improve crashworthiness, Delphi said. As fully programmable electronic systems, Delphi's X-by-Wire offers the vehicle manufacturer rapid tuning capability, significantly reducing development time and effort, the company added. Programming flexibility and rapid tuning strategies permit X-by-Wire to quickly and precisely meet a wide variety of vehicle handling and steering feel specifications, allowing the vehicle manufacturer to program in the brand character they desire, the company said.

While by-wire technologies promise many benefits, they must be carefully analyzed and verified for safe operation, Delphi said. A system-safety program for by-wire systems must be closely coordinated between the vehicle manufacturer and their supplier, it added. "System safety is an overriding priority for Delphi," stated Dr. Jean Botti, director of the Customer Solution Center and engineering director- Europe, Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems. "Our technical expertise in vehicle chassis, including electric power steering, braking and embedded controllers, gives us the ability to develop appropriate architectures required for these two safety-critical by-wire technologies."

X-by-Wire permits true coordinated control of steering and braking dynamics and offers additional integration capability with other chassis and vehicle functions. These systems are fully programmable and provide the maximum opportunity for optimizing ride and handling and active safety performance, including vehicle stability control, rollover prevention assistance and collision avoidance, the company said.

Delphi said as part of its Integrated Safety System, X-by-Wire technologies together with Delphi's forewarn collision warning sensor systems represent the critical elements of dynamic vehicle safety management. When a potential for collision is detected and deemed avoidable, X-by-Wire systems can be automatically activated to supplement the driver's actions if necessary, Delphi said. This integrated approach can enable safety-enhancing features such as lane keeping, enhanced lateral control and ultimately true collision avoidance.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Ron DeMarines
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning