ADAS A to Z THE TERM ADAS COVERS AN INCREASINGLY LARGE GRAB BAG OF INTERCONNECTED VEHICLE SYSTEMS. HERE WE STRAIGHTEN OUT THE TANGLE TO GET A HANDLE ON WORKING WITH THEM
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ention the term ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) and the first things that will probably come to mind are radar cruise control and lane watch. However, ADAS is much more than that — as the name indicates, it is a system, or even a system of systems. These systems are made up of subsystems that utilise many individual components; and not every vehicle is configured in the same way. Here we will take a look at ADAS one component at a time, hopefully dispelling some of the myths and fears that keep some workshops at a distance.
to note that workshops will be held responsible for that calibration, regardless of how you choose to handle it. So ADAS can no longer be avoided, which means it makes no sense to farm out the calibration to dealerships or mobile technicians. It is not only possible to do in house in most situations, but it is also a source of considerable revenue. Simply getting over the hump of breaking down ADAS into its different understandable components will make it seem a lot less daunting. If we can determine the different subsystems available that
make up ADAS, identify the components that contribute to these subsystems, and learn how they function, we will get a much better idea of how to tackle ADAS challenges when they arise. One thing to keep in mind is that ADAS systems are designed to assist drivers — they are not intended to replace drivers. However, if the calibration is not right, the response from the ADAS systems will not be either, delivering the opposite of assistance. ADAS system combinations vary from vehicle to vehicle. Some of the components below provide input to the subsystems that make up ADAS, and we will visit them individually: • Image processing cameras • Radar • Lidar • Ultrasonic sensors • Electromagnetic sensors
THE KEY PIECES ADAS subsystems are designed to work together to help the driver and passengers — as well as the occupants of other vehicles and pedestrians — move around safely while sharing our roads. And the system appears to work, as the implementation of ADAS has led to measurably fewer accident-related injuries overseas, and more lives spared. Enabling these systems to react fast enough is a combination of the onboard ECU’s (electronic control unit) processing power, as well as the capable speed (or baud rate) of the networks sharing the data. In fact, they deliver reaction times that are far quicker than those of human beings. As a result, in America the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has mandated that all new vehicles possess certain ADAS subsystems. And as manufacturers drive towards vehicle autonomy, these systems will continue to become more prevalent, meaning the everyday jobs we have performed for decades will now require ADAS system calibration to operate safely. It’s important
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Auto Channel Issue #49 August 2022
Fig. 1 - Image processing cameras are the eyes of the vehicle and provide input for the functionality of a few ADAS systems
