Adaptive DTE Computation for Robust Fuel Computer Display

In automotive instrument panel clusters (IPC) or driver information systems (DIS), distance-to-empty (DTE, also termed as range) is a critical function that indicates the distance the vehicle can travel under its average fuel economy and the available fuel. It is typically calculated from odometer data (accumulated counts), fuel consumption data and fuel level information (typically resistive type input) from fuel sender in the vehicle tank unit. Robust computation and display of DTE is important for reliable driver information. However, it offers certain technical challenges to an automotive system designer. This paper investigates the challenges in an automotive vehicle use-case and proposes the gist of an adaptive algorithm to robustly compute and display DTE.