As one of promising vehicle control systems, the development of the DBW (Drive-By-Wire) system has been, in recent years, receiving a considerable attention in the automotive industry.
The DBW system is unique in the concept where optimum control of powertrain, not relying on the mechanical linkage between the accelerator and throttle valve, is available on any road conditions for the desired driveability.
This paper will discuss the basic strategy and power plant model involved in a DBW system, which has been under study and development at Mitsubishi.
This system gets the desired driving-axle torque by controlling the intake air flow as its basic control philosophy.
A linear powertrain model has been developed based upon a nonlinear power transmission, beginning from the throttle valve up to the driving-axle via torque converter.
Also, the prototype system, which controls the driving-axle torque according to the accelerator position, was implemented with the on-board microcomputer, and its practical application has been confirmed by vehicle testing.