Automotive Electronics: Where Are We Going?

The need for better performance, safety and comfort is the driving force behind the dramatic growth in car electronics. The key to success depends mainly on system reliability and cost which in turn are related to the choice of technological approach. The basic topics to be investigated are, on the one hand, system architecture and, on the other, the implementation techniques involved. Large scale integration of a consistent portion of the system will be necessary but other factors such as interconnections, packages and so on must also be taken into account. The variety of boards, components and assembly techniques currently available are just adequate for present needs, but for the 1990s the continuously increasing complexity of automotive electronic systems will probably necessitate better use of what is available and possibly new ideas.