Expanding automotive electronic systems

A vast increase in automotive electronic systems, coupled with related demands on power and design, has created an array of new engineering opportunities and challenges. Today's high-end vehicles may have more than 4 kilometers of wiring, compared to 45 meters in vehicles manufactured in 1955. Reducing wiring mass through in-vehicle networks will bring an explosion of new functionality and innovation. Our vehicles will become more like PCs, creating the potential for a host of plug-and-play devices. On average, US commuters spend 9 percent of their day in an automobile. Thus, introducing multimedia and telematics to vehicles will increase productivity and provide entertainment for millions. Further, X-by-wire solutions will make computer diagnostics a standard part of mechanics' work and may even create an electronic chauffeur.