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Trimming fuel consumption and emissions requires higher voltages, greater computing power, and more memory.

Electronics engineers working on internal-combustion engines are being challenged by both regulators and laws as well as integration with hybrid powertrains to trim fuel consumption while also reducing emissions. Design teams must also address the complex requirements of advanced systems that must measure minute parameters and adjust operations in microseconds while operating in the harsh underhood environment.

Electronic controls enable technologies like direct fuel injection and cam phasing, which help developers eke the most power from each molecule of fuel. Electronics engineers must also improve the efficiency of proven techniques. One major shift is that cutting-edge technologies must now be available in all vehicles, not just luxury cars.