Vehicle Electronics and Controls
About the Program
The increasing use of electrical systems and electronic sensors and devices in vehicles and automobiles has resulted in new developments in this field for vehicle application. With rapid progress in battery technology, it is envisaged that electric vehicles will become more affordable and more efficient. Electric drive control requires the use of power devices which are primarily high power electronic devices. Modern vehicles will rely on both analog and digital hardware for efficient operation of the vehicle. Engineers would be required to be well versed in the design of hybrid electrical and electronic systems.
The Vehicle Electronics certificate will introduce the participants to analog and digital electronics. Starting with simple diodes and rectifiers, students will be introduced to other solid state devices that are used in electronic circuits. Participants will learn the design of amplifiers, switches and other commonly used circuits. They will also receive instruction on digital logic and the use of microprocessors. Besides featuring hands-on laboratory practice, participants will be involved in several group design projects. (12 credit hours)
The certificate can be completed entirely on campus, entirely online, or through a combination of on-campus and online courses.
Course Descriptions
Semiconductor diodes, junction transistors, FETS, rectifiers and power supplies, small signal amplifiers, biasing considerations, gain-bandwidth limitations, circuit models, automotive applications and case studies. (3 credits)
Course is a study of automotive sensory requirements; types of sensors and future needs; functions and types of actuators and integrated smart sensors and actuators. A term project is required. (3 credits)
Introduction to modern digital computer logic; numbers and coding systems; Boolean algebra with applications to logic systems; examples of digital logic circuits; simple machining language programming; microprocessor programming input/output, interrupts and system design. (3 credits)
Introduction to feedback control, control strategies, analog and digital controllers, fuzzy control systems, neural networks for controllers, applications of fuzzy logic, expert systems and neural networks for intelligent control of dynamic systems. (3 credits)
This course covers the EMC requirements and EMC test methods for large systems. Examples involving various types of applications (automotive, communications, computers) will be discussed. Discussion of design practices used in large installation, including component segregation, cable routing, connectors, grounding, shielding, common impedance coupling, ground planes, screening and suppression. Classification of electromagnetic environments will also be discussed. (3 credits)
To introduce fundamental concepts and the electrical aspects of HEV, including the design, control, modeling, battery and other energy storage devices, and electric propulsion systems. It covers vehicle dynamics, energy sources, electric propulsion systems, regenerative braking, parallel and series HEV design, practical design considerations, and specifications of hybrid vehicles.
Overview of drive characteristics, capabilities, and limitations. Human variability and driver demographics, driver performance measurements. Driver information processing models, driver errors and response time. Driver sensory capabilities, vision, audition, and other inputs. Vehicle controls and displays. Driver anthropometry, biomechanical considerations. (3 credits)
The course covers important technologies relevant to intelligent vehicle systems including systems architecture, in-vehicle electronic sensors, traffic modeling and simulation. Students will design and implement algorithms and simulate driverhighway interactions. (3 credits)
The course addresses enabling technologies relevant to active automotive safety systems. The study of intelligent vehicle systems includes system architectures, sensors, and algorithms. Modeling and simulation will also be covered. Students will design and simulate systems encompassing important concepts presented in the course. (3 credits)
Learning Goals and Outcomes
- Students will have knowledge about simple diodes and rectifiers, and other solid state devices that are used in electronic circuits.
- Students will have knowledge of the design of amplifiers, switches and other commonly used circuits.
- Students will know digital logic and the use of microprocessors.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
AE 510 |
Fall |
ECE 532 |
Fall |
ECE 505 |
Winter |
ECE 515 |
Winter |
ECE 519 |
Winter |
ECE 5462 |
Winter |
AENG 545 |
Fall |
ECE 531 |
Bi-Spring/Summer |
ECE 533 |
Bi-Spring/Summer |