Automobile
industry is one of the most competitive industries nowadays. In order to
sustain in this competitive world the manufacturers have to include
suitable modification in their design. Modifications are done in design
with a view to increase the comfort of driver as well as passengers.
Sensors are incorporated in automobile to determine various parameter
and to enhance safety and to improve efficiency of the automobile.
These are actually electro-mechanical devices which convert the
physical quantity to electrical signal. The signals are send to control
unit which take necessary action to control the parameter. Many of the
research projects are currently underway in designing electronic
control system for automobiles. These so called drive-by wire system
are becoming wide spread in automotive engineering. Many of direct link
between driver and vehicle control have been supplemented by electronic
connection . These electronic control system heavily depend on sensors
for collecting information from various parts of a automobile.
The paper reviews the current practice in sensors and their application
in automobile. In the past the driver had direct control over the
vehicle by mechanical linkages. Nowadays these mechanical linkages are
replaced by wiring harnesses and an electronic interface is present
between driver and the vehicle. These so called drive-by-wire systems
enable the driver a safer, easier driving at the same time optimizing
economy, emissions and performance of engine. These systems are heavily
dependent on sensors for collecting necessary data regarding the
vehicle. The various electronic control systems that use sensors are
engine management systems, anti-lock braking system, active suspension
systems, different safety system etc.
