Fault Tolerant Mechatronics

Modern cars exhibit a variety of new functionalitiesconcerning engine management, safety, vehicle dynamicscontrol as well as comfort and convenience. Safetyfeatures like airbags, antilock braking systems (ABS),anti-skid systems, belt tensioners or the electronic stabilityprogram (ESP) are standard fittings of present daycar models and in some cases even stipulated by legislation.These safety systems have led to an increasedavoidance of accidents by actively affecting vehicle dynamicsand to a mitigation of the consequences of accidentson the driver and passengers by innovative restraintsystems.As a rule these systems are mechatronic systems.Mechatronic systems [Mechatronic Systems] today derive their functionalityby an interlocked interaction of mechanics, electronicsand information technology. Their deployment in thesafety-relevant environment requires fault tolerance.Fault tolerant mechatronics is based on redundancy,which must be supervised and tested permanently.Reliability of sensor and actuator technology is essentialfor future motor vehicle systems. Operability andreliability are to be achieved by suitable on-board andon-line test methods. Exemplarily this is shown forfuture X-by-Wire applications.