This paper describes microprocessor technology as it may be applied to the automobiles of the future.
The microprocessor requirements described in this paper were generated as a result of the evaluation of the Alpha IV vehicle system which utilizes a solid-state, digital 4-bit, microprocessor to perform several vehicle control and display functions. The development of the Alpha IV system encompassed not only the interface circuit design and microprocessor programming, but also, the derivation of the digital algorithms and control laws for the functions which have traditionally been performed in an analog fashion.
The control functions performed include: Cruise Control, Four-Wheel-Lock Control, Traction Control, Speed Warning, Speed Limiting, Ignition Spark Advance and Dwell, Automatic Door Locks, and Anti-Theft System. The display functions include: Speedometer (both analog and digital), Odometer, Trip Odometer, Tachometer, Clock, and Elapsed Time.