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The By-Wire System
It is known as by-wire because there is in it, the use of electronic wires instead of mechanical ones. There is no hydraulic system also. Most of the new cars have got this system. This by-wire method has come about to have better control over the features of the car. The controls include throttle, brake, steering, and shift of gear. You should know exactly the idea behind this by-wire system.
The ECU is used by this by-wire system. There are motors and sensors in use to do the work. It was done through a mechanical method previously. The electronic method without any mechanical system makes it lighter for the vehicle. You should understand the working of this system. There is a sensor that gets the change in the object driven by wire. The sensor sends the signal to ECU which sends data to the motors. It is done to control various features of the car.
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Types of By-Wire System
By-wire systems are of multiple types and the system is all the time being developed into a higher and better mechanism.
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Throttle by Wire
In this mechanism, there is a pedal sensor that is used, not a pivot. The function of the sensor is to monitor the accelerator’s position. As you move the pedal of the accelerator, it is sensed and the signal is sent to the ECU. The ECU has some data that is pre-loaded. Using this data, ECU sends out signals to open the accelerator throttle as per the pressing of the pedal. The open and close system of the throttle is controlled by a motor run electronically. The motor is under the command of ECU.
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Brake by Wire
It is brake by wire and it is in the system of car control along with wire and throttle coupling. Brake by wire system is operated electronically, so it has all the advantages of the electronic system. There is a sensor at the brake pedal assembly, that monitors the pedal’s position. When you move the pedal the action is passed on to the ECU. The ECU is connected to four motors that are DC operated. The motors are fitted on the tyres. The role of the ECU is to command the motors to brake as and when the brake pedal is used. Another advantage of these motors is that they are independent of one another. They can put different pressures on different tyres. This system is in sync with modern technology like the ABS braking system. The ECU can use data from the sensors like the speed sensors on the wheels and the sensors for the lateral acceleration. This entire setup decides on how much braking is required. You know very well that braking is one of the most functions of your car. Any discrepancy in this system can cause brake failure leading to accidents. Hence, this brake-by-wire system uses a backup system so that the brakes never fail.
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System of Steer by Wire
Steer by wire has come into existence to get rid of the mechanical parts. It is controlled by electronic sensors. Steer by wire is still not available because the work is going on in this segment. Due to safety concerns, the system is not permitted by many governments. Steer by wire will make the tie-rods obsolete. These tie rods are connected to the wheels to control them. The sensor in the system will read and control the movement of the wheels when the steering is turned. Everything will be done through the system of sensors and electronically. Steer-by-wire system is known as a kind of autonomous system of driving. Everything is done automatically without any inputs from the driver.
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Shift by Wire
The gear shifting involves some mechanical parts and their intervention. Shift-by-wire replaces that with a module that enables the driver to select the mode of driving such as neutral, reverse, park, etc. all you have to do is press the knob and the car does the rest on its own. The process is automated.
The wire system has done a lot of service to the car. Apart from making things easier, it has made the car lighter. The mechanical parts put together makes the vehicle heavier making the car less efficient and effective. If the car becomes lighter, it enhances the acceleration and speed. It goes in favour of driving pleasure and comfort.
There are some disadvantages of the by-wire system. If the ECU fails, the entire operation of the car comes to a standstill. The sensors too can be hacked by some people but it won’t be easy for the doer. Tampering is not easy.
Highlights
- Drive/ Break by-wire system uses electronic wires instead of mechanical
- Brake by wire system is operated electronically
- Steer by wire gets rid of the mechanical parts
Keyword: Drive/Brake-By-Wire, Steer-By-Wire, Shift-By-Wire-Systems Described