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Steer by Wire

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PTwizz

Automotive
May 7, 2003
60
GB
I have recently read that GM are developing and seeking approval for a steer by wire system for road cars.
I have no experience in the specific field of electronic control systems as applied to road cars.
I wonder if anyone can tell me what great leap forward in technology guarantees that such a system would not be susceptible to the same rate of failure as any other system found on a family car?
It must be appreciated that even a relatively small, momentary deviation in a steering system can be catastrophic.
Here in the UK we have an annual compulsory safety check for all cars over 3 years old. I doubt wether a potential fault in a sensor or servo would be as easily detected as a worn mechanical link.

Pete.
 
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Pete,

Most modern aircraft are "fly-by-wire" now. Automotive accelerator pedals have been increasingly connected to the engine ECU rather than to a throttle cable for some time now as well. The major safety enablers for X-by-wire systems are advanced diagnostic and prognostic capabilities.

Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew
"Luck is the residue of design."
Branch Rickey


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