In the process of moving towards intelligence and automation in the automotive industry, sensors have become a key core component of cars, like the "nerve endings" of cars, helping cars perceive the external environment and their own state, thereby achieving precise control and efficient operation. Currently, sensors are widely and deeply applied in the automotive field, from power systems to safety systems, from comfort configurations to intelligent driving, all of which rely on the support of sensors.
The engine management system is the "heart" of a car, and sensors play a key role in it. The water temperature sensor constantly monitors the engine coolant temperature to ensure that the engine is maintained within the appropriate operating temperature range and to avoid malfunctions caused by abnormal temperature. The air flow sensor accurately measures the amount of air entering the engine, providing key data for the fuel injection system to precisely regulate the fuel injection amount, achieve the ideal air-fuel ratio, and improve fuel economy and engine performance. The throttle position sensor provides real-time feedback on the throttle opening, allowing the engine control unit to accurately control the engine power output based on the driver's acceleration intention. In addition, the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor work together to accurately control the ignition and injection timing of the engine, ensuring stable and efficient operation of the engine.
The safety system is an important defense line for automobiles, and sensors play an indispensable role in it. The tire pressure monitoring sensor monitors the tire pressure in real time. Once the pressure is abnormal, it promptly alerts the driver to prevent tire blowouts caused by tire pressure issues and ensure driving safety. Collision sensors can sensitively sense the acceleration changes at the moment of vehicle collision, quickly trigger airbags and seat belt pre tensioning devices, and reduce injuries to occupants inside the vehicle. The vehicle stability control system (ESC) relies on multiple sensors, such as acceleration sensors, gyroscope sensors, wheel speed sensors, etc., to continuously monitor the driving status of the vehicle, including vehicle speed, steering angle, body roll, and other information. When the system detects signs of loss of control in the vehicle, it will automatically apply brakes to specific wheels or adjust the engine power output to help the vehicle maintain a stable driving trajectory and prevent dangerous situations such as skidding and tailgating.
The comfort configuration enhances the driving experience, and sensors play an equally important role in it. The temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and sunlight sensor in the automatic air conditioning system can sense the temperature, humidity, and sunlight intensity inside the car in real time. Based on this information, the automatic air conditioning system automatically adjusts the cooling, heating, air volume, and exhaust modes of the air conditioner to create a comfortable interior environment. The in car air quality sensor can monitor the concentration of harmful gases inside the car. When the concentration exceeds the standard, it automatically activates the air purification function to ensure fresh air inside the car. In addition, seat position sensors, rearview mirror position sensors, etc. can remember the driver's seat and rearview mirror adjustment habits, making it convenient for the driver to easily return to a comfortable state with one click when getting on the car next time.
Intelligent driving is an important direction for the development of automobiles, and sensors are the cornerstone of intelligent driving. Camera sensors are like the "eyes" of a car, capturing images of the surroundings of the vehicle to identify target objects such as road signs, traffic signals, vehicles, pedestrians, etc., providing rich visual information for intelligent driving systems. Millimeter wave radar uses electromagnetic waves in the millimeter wave frequency band to detect the distance, speed, and angle of objects around vehicles. It can also work stably under adverse weather conditions, providing key environmental perception data for intelligent driving systems. Lidar constructs a three-dimensional point cloud map of the surrounding environment of a vehicle by emitting and receiving laser beams. It has the characteristics of high precision and high resolution, and can accurately identify obstacles and road boundaries, providing reliable basis for autonomous driving decision-making. Ultrasonic radar is commonly used for close range detection, helping vehicles accurately perceive the position and distance of surrounding obstacles in scenarios such as automatic parking.
With the deepening development of automotive intelligence, networking, and electrification, the application of sensors in the automotive field will become increasingly widespread, and performance requirements will continue to increase. In the future, sensors will continue to develop towards high precision, high reliability, miniaturization, integration, and intelligence, injecting strong impetus into the innovative development of the automotive industry and helping to create a safer, more comfortable, and intelligent travel experience.