Recent Developments in Starting Systems

In the article, an overview of current starter motor technology and recent developments is given. One of the main targets is to reduce the starting system weight in order to minimize the gasoline consumption of the vehicle. A new generation of lightweight intermediate-gear permanent magnet starters together with an innovative electronic switch allows an electronically controlled starting process. The electronic systems controls the starting process resulting in improved reliability, reduction of starting noise, and thermal protection of the starter motor. The article concludes with an overview on the perspective of future developments in starting systems.