Microcontroller Based Low Cost Illumination Control and Warning System

This paper demonstrates the design, development and validation techniques for the vehicle illumination control system typically used for emerging market applications with limited program variable costs and more features needs to be packed in a controller module. The system, powered by an 8-bit RISC Harvard microcontroller, controls the in-car illumination by triggered time delay and a PWM controlled theatre-dimming effect for predefined duration. It further alarms the driver and co-driver if the exterior lamps are left ON and doors opened. The module is packed on a 30 mm square base with height 50 mm and mounted in the CJB. The paper concludes with a generic methodology for designing such robust systems for the cost and quality conscious automotive society.