Introduction
The expanding numbers of electronic systems in a car have ushered in a revolution which has transformed the car into a safe, luxurious and keen machine. One thing that has not changed however is the point of human interaction with the car. This interaction defines the user touch and is a key marketing differentiation between different vehicles.
The systems measuring and tracking interactions of the user as well as providing feedback are collectively known as Automotive Human motor Interface (Hmi) systems. From the user's perspective, this interaction maybe conscious - when he deliberately provides input to a system, or subconscious - when the system measures his intent without his knowledge.
Capacitive Sensing - Ushering in a revolution in Automotive Hmi
Even with the possible barriers in the adoption of new Hmi technologies in the automotive environment, engineers are enduringly trying to improve Hmi systems to make them more intuitive, look cooler, and be more accurate. At the heart of this turn are innovative human interaction sensing technologies which are enabling this evolution. One such technology is capacitive sensing which has revolutionized the make and implementation of Hmi applications.
Very simply, a capacitive sensor is composed of a pair of adjacent electrodes.
When a human being (or any other conductive object) comes in proximity to these electrodes, there is added capacitance between the electrodes and the object which can be measured to detect the object's presence.
Using this technology, it is easy to build touch sensors acting as buttons, sliders, trackpads etc. Alternately capacitive sensing can also be used for proximity sensing where no touch is required between the sensor and the user's body. This can be achieved by expanding the sensitivity of the sensors. Further, such sensors are non-line of sight; therefore, a singular sensor is enough to detect arrival in 3 dimensions.
Such a technology becomes even more grand in conjunction with programmable mixed signal controllers. Such devices enable the determination of capacitance intelligently enabling the detection of human proximity in terms of range, direction of approach, gesture recognition etc. They also enable the possibility of integrating other functions like controlling motors and Leds to provide feedback to the user based on touch/proximity.
Center console make models:
The Brick make Model
Center consoles have been traditionally designed using the brick make model. In this model, each center console component is a complete unit comprising of controls/switch panel as well as the actual electro mechanical box.
For example a center console is composed of a number of independent components comprising the Hvac, Audio, and sailing units. Each personel component is a complete system comprising the controls, electronic components and mechanical actuators etc.
The limitations of such a make is that each system is developed in a silo, and the car manufacturer has only itsybitsy operate in being able to provide a uniform look and feel. The designers also have itsybitsy leisure to make center consoles with restrictions on styling. There is also an increased cost adder to allow for tooling costs related with added grooves and harnesses. Due to an increased number of mechanical components, there is also an increased opening of failure.
The integrated make model
In the integrated make model, the operate for all elements of the center console are unified into a singular front panel with the actual electro-mechanical systems related through a data bus. The distribution and integration of the operate panel enables Hmi designers with greater flexibility in styling as well as greater operate over uniform look and feel. Such a make also reduces tooling charges and increases reliability. Because of integration and allowance of controls, such designs also sacrifice the total cost of systems.
The integrated make model is largely made possible because of capacitive touch sensing. Designers can integrate a flat panel with capacitive sensors, and have greater leisure to play around with curves thereby provide a best unabridged styling of front panels. Due to the reduced number of mechanical components and fewer grooves (which trap dust etc), such designs also improve reliability and sacrifice system costs.
Conclusion
From development infotainment systems cooler to providing a reliable methodology for measuring liquid levels, capacitive sensing is proving to be an immensely favorite and useful sensing technology for use in the automotive applications. Its possible is just starting to be tapped with next generation mixed signal controllers which are designed for the automotive industry. As systems get more demanding, designers will find that this technology provides an sufficient sensing technology for a wide gamut of applications.
Capacitive Sensing - Ushering in a Revolution in Automotive Hmi composeSpanish La Liga Zone Shopping Central Air Compressor Troubleshooting Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
