X-by-Wire Test Vehicle for the Test of New Design Methods and Tools to Interconnect Vehicle-Dynamics Control Systems

The paper presents a fully active X-by-wire test vehicle that serves as a basis for developing new design methods and tools to be used in the layout of complex vehicle-dynamics control functions and tested on the vehicle. In the automotive sector the number and extent of vehicle dynamics control functions and electronics are fast increasing, thus improving vehicle-dynamics, ride comfort, and ride safety. The complexity of electronics is marked not only by the number of control units and thus the interconnection of the vehicle-dynamics control systems (ASR, ABS, AFS, ESP) but also by the numerous possibilities of improving vehicle dynamics on the physical level (Amm06). Getting a grip on the complexity of interconnection requires a systematic proceeding in the design and layout of vehicle-dynamics control functions. The test vehicle offers the possibility to design different concepts independently of one another and to test additional functions on the vehicle by interconnecting the vehicle dynamics control functions for a decisive improvement of ride safety and comfort.