Smart actuators in automotive applications

Increased customer pressure and corresponding increase in vehicle sophistication dictates the need for local intelligence at the actuator. Here, the authors describe how the existing use of data bus systems provides the ability to pass information directly to the actuator. The use of electronic control can lead to reduced actuator size. Links to and use of external or internal sensors can also be incorporated. An example of a newly developed anti-theft system for diesel engine vehicles is also presented