Electronic Stability Control
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems were introduced in the mid-1990s to improve vehicle stability at the limits of adhesion. By monitoring driver intent and actual vehicle motion with steer angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration, the ESC electronics determine the differences between driver intent and actual vehicle response. If required, the electronics command brake actuation to adjust the brake pressures at the proper wheels and request engine torque adjustments to reduce the understeer or oversteer condition. In addition to the standard Antilock Brake system and Traction Control features (which helps control wheel spin during acceleration), the ESC system provides improved stability and security, and reduces the driver’s burden when unexpected road conditions or steering responses occur.
PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY
To offer the customer a wide range of performance options, BWI Group has a series of ESC products capable of performing a comprehensive set of additional features. These features all provide distinct customer benefits. A sampling of the available feature includes:
- Panic Brake Assist (PBA) senses a driver’s rapid brake apply and boosts brake pressures for improved deceleration.
- Hill Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on a slope when the driver releases the brake pedal. HSA is also a benefit for stop-start powertrains, by holding the vehicle stationary during engine restart events.
- Hill Descent Control (HDC) provides a smooth, controlled hill descent without requiring the driver to continuously apply the brakes.
- Hydraulic Brake Boost (HBB) provides assistance when the vacuum booster has reached its runout point or in case of any failure in the vacuum circuit.
- All Wheel Drive Traction Control (AWD TCS) senses wheel spin and applies brake pressure coordinated with engine control to provide optimum traction for all wheel drive powertrain configurations.
- Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) is a convenience feature used to hold a vehicle stationary after the driver releases the brake pedal. AVH prevents the vehicle from rolling on hills (either backward or forward) and may reduce driver fatigue during stop-and-go traffic (the driver can release the brake pedal whenever the vehicle is stopped). The system is integrated with an Electric Park Brake (EPB) system.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) works together with Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to apply the brakes when the radar/vision sensors detect an impending collision.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) braking works together with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to apply the brakes and provide a desired level of deceleration for correct following distances or stopping.
PRODUCT APPLICATIONS
ESC systems are available for a wide variety of passenger vehicles from small cars to cross-over and SUVs, as well as trucks.
