Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/322206
92 SMT Magazine • June 2014 ture, turning lights on and off, etc. Unseen logic now also manages almost every aspect of the engine operation and stability of the vehicle, controlling power delivery, suspension, and brakes. Light bulbs are monitored electronical- ly to ensure that they will work when needed. Sophisticated navigation and communication systems are available on most cars, with a huge range of choice of entertainment systems. More recently, cameras and other sensors continu- ously scan around the car, providing features such as lane deviation alert, automated braking to avoid collision, and even features to allow cars to park themselves. A great deal of effort is also going into en- ergy conservation, such as recycling energy The eSSenTial pioneer'S SurViVal guide from the braking systems, turning engines off when stationary, etc. Cars that operate purely on electricity are also gaining momentum in the market, bringing in a whole new genera- tion of electronics such as sophisticated safety features to protect the batteries, which contain huge amounts of stored energy, from harm. The whole environment into which these technolo- gies are expected to work is extreme, with very high and low temperatures, humidity, vibra- tion, and shock. Considerations must be made to ensure that should any faults occur, they can be self-diagnosed and bypassed to avoid ex- treme consequences. In contrast to the recent downs and ups of the global economy generally, automotive elec- figure 1: unseen logic now also manages almost every aspect of the engine operation and stability of the vehicle, controlling power delivery, suspension, and brakes. IS IT OK TO Be HuMAn? continues