Actuators and drive train architecture

Abstract

The amount of different actuator topologies and their characteristics make the design evaluation validation of an architecture and above all the calibration of a virtual driver very challenging. Thus the use of a central entity that integrates the torque management (positive and negative values) and synchronizes the actuators by themselves makes the executive level unique to the command level independent of the platform configuration. The premisses for this concept come from the integration of the ACC and the hybridization of the drive train. The first one has to manage both combustion engine and brakes, thus it has to get an access to a torque strategy, which was until now within the combustion engine control unit. The second one allows several actuators possibilities for a same request, which requires an actuator strategy.