An Overview Of Automotive Electronics, 1977

The era of automotive electronics is at hand. From the first auto radio of the thirties to the totally integrated vehicle function of the near future, the growth of automotive electronics has been an example of technology serving utility. Consumer demand for convenience and comfort has created some products while federal and state legislation have created a need for others. Coincident with the potential market, there have been a number of new technologies maturing which offer the automotive electronic designer the tools to produce a cost-effective system which can withstand the rigors of the automotive environment. The challenge of new system concepts generally introduces new variables to be sensed. The quest for cost effective sensors which will survive the automotive environment is still another facet of the continuing challenge of automotive electronics. Therefore, it is the purpose of' this paper to present a brief overview of electronics in the automotive industry, relating to growth of electronics to past, present, and future technology and pressures from both government and consumers.