Vehicle Electronic Ancillary and Information Systems

Unit 41:

Level:                               3

Unit type:                         Optional

Assessment type:             Internal

Guided learning:              60

Unit introduction

Significant technological developments in the motor vehicle industry have resulted in modern vehicles being equipped with a vast array of additional ancillary and information systems. From anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and stability control, to condition monitoring computers and satellite navigation and information, these systems contribute to the overall safety and comfort of the vehicle’s occupants.

Through practical investigation, learners will gain an understanding of the function of these systems and their key components. The unit will also focus on how ancillary and information systems interrelate with each other and how they interact with a vehicle’s driver or passengers.

Learners will carry out inspections on different vehicle ancillary and information systems to confirm their correct operation and system integrity.

Note that the use of ‘e.g.’ in the content is to give an indication and illustration of the breadth and depth of the area or topic. As such, not all content that follows an ‘e.g.’ needs to be taught or assessed.

 

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit a learner should:

  • Understand the operating principles and characteristics of vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems
  • Know about the function of key units and components of vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems
  • Know the interrelationships and interaction of vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems
  • Be able to inspect vehicle electronic ancillary and information

 

Unit content

 

  • Understand the operating principles and characteristics of vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems

Systems model: use of systems model (input – process – output); characteristics of control strategies employed, e.g. open-loop, closed-loop

Operating principles and characteristics: control systems, e.g. analogue, digital, programmable, non-programmable; main elements of a digital processing system and principal functions, e.g. central processing unit (CPU), memory devices (such as volatile, non-volatile), buses, input/output ports, multiplexing, controller area network (CAN) systems; characteristics, e.g. purpose and applications of the system, operating conditions (such as conditions in which  the system is operative or inoperative, ‘fail-safe’ features), system evaluation to identify benefits, comparative cost, performance, safety, convenience, efficiency

Vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems: electronic ancillary systems, e.g. anti-lock braking systems (ABS), vehicle stability control systems, security and alarm systems, central body electronic systems (such as seat positioning, seatbelt tensioning, secondary restraint systems, cargo/cabin compartment climate control); information systems, e.g. driver information (condition monitoring and trip computers), navigation – global positioning system (GPS), communication systems, entertainment systems, proximity (reversing) sensors and road positioning

Operating principles of sensors and actuators: transducers used in vehicle ancillary and information systems, e.g. electromagnetic, Hall effect, photoelectric, resistive, inductive, capacitive; factors affecting performance and application, e.g. sensitivity, accuracy, linearity and stability; influence of environmental factors, e.g. heat, vibration, moisture, contaminants

 

  • Know about the function of key units and components of vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems

Key units and components of vehicle ancillary systems: input data,

e.g. temperature, speed, position; process data, e.g. mapping to input; output data, e.g. electronic/mechanical actuation; key units and components, e.g. sensors (temperature, speed, position), processors (ABS, electronic climate control unit), actuators (switches, inductive, capacitive, direct current (DC) motors, stepper motors when used for throttle poisoning or ventilation control), solenoids when used on ABS, air conditioning or for multi-position; legal considerations, e.g. modifications to vehicle specification that may affect sensor/system performance (fitment of larger wheels/tyres effect on speedometer accuracy, fitment of passenger airbag isolation switches)

Key units and components of vehicle information systems: input data,

e.g. temperature, speed, position, levels, electrical values; process data; visual output, e.g. lights, display screen, gauges; audible output, e.g. buzzer, speaker; key units and components, e.g. sensors (temperature, fluid level, speed, GPS); processors, e.g. satellite navigation, on-board diagnostics when used as comfort computing; output units, e.g. display screen, speakers, buzzers, gauges, lights; legal considerations, e.g. fitment of radar detectors

 

  • Know the interrelationships and interaction of vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems

Interfacing and signal processing: compatibility between components and systems; characteristics of devices that give rise to the need for signal processing (inductive pick-ups, analogue to digital (A/D), digital to analogue (D/A); control of output devices, e.g. energy transfer, power output stages, buffer circuits

Representational methods: diagrams, e.g. circuit, flow, block, systems; circuit type, e.g. electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic; connections

Functional interrelationships: location, e.g. units and components in the vehicle, position/location of components relative to others in the system; functional relationships between the elements of the system; effects, e.g. failures on other components in the system, the operation of the system and on external systems (such as effect of speed sensor failure)

System interaction: ways in which the system under consideration interacts with other vehicle systems and functions, e.g. integration of anti-lock braking and stability control (anti-skid), systems, stability control system obtains information from the steering system, ABS system components interacts  with the braking and engine control systems

Driver/passenger interaction: driver/passenger influence on the operation and characteristics of the system (such as seat pad recognition); effects of the system on the driver’s/passengers’ behaviour, comfort and safety (such as temperature effect on stress levels)

Vehicle interaction: ways in which the system affects the vehicle in relation to other vehicles, e.g. proximity detection; external factors influencing the operation/function of the system, e.g. satellite navigation, ground positioning systems

 

  • Be able to inspect vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems

Inspections: location of systems and key components; means of identification; testing and diagnostic procedures as appropriate to the system under consideration

Safety: relating to the operation, inspection, maintenance and testing of the system

Practical confirmation of system operation and characteristics: observation of the system in operation; examination of system responses to external conditions as appropriate to the system under consideration

Testing considerations: factors affecting performance/reliability and application,

e.g. sensitivity, accuracy, linearity and stability; influence of environmental factors, e.g. heat, vibration, moisture, contaminants