This paper describes a research programme involving three companies working to integrate the driveline control on a 16 tonne two axle (4x2) vehicle using a high speed data link. The driveline is defined as incorporating three functions, engine management, transmission control and anti-lock (ABS)/power induced wheel spin control, otherwise known as anti-slip regulation (ASR). Each function is controlled independently by appropriate Electronic Control Units (ECUs).
In February 1989 a three company research project was launched to investigate and demonstrate the improvements in performance possible from the interaction of the three driveline functions referred to above.
The first phase was to attain or better the performance currently achievable with electro-mechanical links and also to indicate any performance benefits. This phase included investigations into the physical layer and message structures required in the absence of any agreed formats at the time.
Phase two of the project was to investigate the broader aspects of an intelligent interactive driveline and modify the message format in line with emerging standards.
This paper describes the results from phase one of the project and some findings from phase two.