Gear Shifters and Accelerator Pedals, the Forgotten Peripherals in the Powertrain Communication Link

Standards are emerging for powertrain communications between an intelligent engine and an intelligent transmission. However, the most important mechanisms for operator input to these engines and transmissions, namely the gear shifter and the accelerator pedal, have been treated as mere sensors. New intelligent shifters and pedals have been developed which possess the capability to interface directly to this intelligent powertrain communication link. Design concepts and practices have been utilized that provide application flexibility and address the concerns of EMI susceptibility of electronics in the mobile environment.