Computers on board the Volvo car!
The marriage between computers and Volvo cars that happened sometime ago is a boon to the car maker and the user. Networked high performance processors, megabytes of program code and relevant circuits interfacing with onboard computers are part of the innards of Volvo car.
Volvo Corporation is concerned about issues like “dependability of onboard computing” in the design and manufacture of its cars. The primary focus is on fault tolerance techniques to ensure vehicle reliability using dependable hardware and software systems. The Volvo car uses the B-Method in its software systems for safety critical software development. This method is similar to the software systems used in the railways and in the air traffic control systems. To further ensure that the focus on reliability is not lost, Volvo has opted for technology transfer from academic to industry.
Onboard computing requires that wires span out throughout the vehicle and have to be intelligently managed. One solution that most car manufacturers have come up with is using the technique of multiplexing. Multiplexing reduces system reaction time and costs. The same wire is used to send different kinds of coded signals to different parts of the electrical system. Volvo cars have used this technology to their advantage.
The accelerator, the steering, the seats and the windows-everything is controlled by electronics in the Volvo. The Volvo has a communication network of 17 computers with a central control unit and 24 modules that interact with different electrical functions. The network is divided into two sectors-the engine compartment sector and the passenger compartment sector -joined by a central electronic module. It has customized system software.
The “drive by wire” system is an electronic throttle that does not have a mechanical linkage and is unique to the Volvo S80 car. It controls engine power. The Transmission control module senses the driver’s style and adjusts the gear change sensitivity of the electronically controlled automatic transmission in accordance with the pressure on the accelerator. The Engine Control module controls engine functions such as electronic fuel injection, reduction or increase in torque etc. The Antilock Braking system works with dynamic stability and traction control to prevent skids. The steering wheel module controls the electrical functions of the Steering wheel, radio and climate. The central electronic module is a network toaster computer that coordinates the diagnostics functions. The other system modules on the Volvo car are Upper electronic module(map lights and rear view mirror control), Supplemental Restraint System(car safety system), Climate control module, Audio module, driver door module, Driver information module, phone module, Passenger door module, Rear Electronic module, and Power seat module.
The Volvo On-call system is a subscription based system, integrated into the computers onboard and provides enhanced safety and security in your car. It has a wireless telecommunications system and the press of a button will summon help to the driver and passengers from the nearest Volvo center connected to the system. Automatic alarms are set off in case of accident. The on call system also helps track a car if it is stolen and remote unlocking of the car is also possible if the keys are lost or are left inside the car by error.
The Volvo Navigation System is another useful feature that comes inbuilt with the onboard computers. Western Europe’s highways, and motor ways have been mapped into DVD’s and CDs and updates are available with dealers.
The Telematics system that is coming with the 2002 and later versions of the Volvo, allows drivers to accomplish a lot of work while waiting for traffic jams to clear. They can access and respond to emails, review their calendars or perform a number of other tasks without taking their hands off the steering wheel or eyes off the road. Microsoft technology is used to operate the in-dash computer in the Volvo cars.
In other words, computer onboard has become an essential and even necessary part of the total Volvo driving experience. There is no looking back.