Implementing CMOS into an Automotive Trip Computer

The normal procedure for automotive electronic product development is a slowly evolving process, that is placed by the development of components that are used in the product. Seldom does the normal evolution of components have the potential to cause a breakthrough in products as the application of High Performance CMOS technology (HCMOS) to microcomputers. This paper shows how such a microcomputer has affected the design of a 12 function trip computer. Although the features of this trip computer are not new, progress is made in many areas. A method of accomplishing a day-date clock that does not need an external clock chip will be presented. The implementation of a new A/D converter chip is discussed. A hardware dimming technique for vacuum fluorescent displays will be presented and the application of a new high-efficiency display power supply is examined.