Electronic Transmission Controls

Book excerpt: The evolution of the automotive transmission has changed rapidly in the last decade, partly due to the advantages of highly sophisticated electronic controls. This evolution has resulted in modern automatic transmissions that offer more control, stability, and convenience to the driver. Electronic Transmission Controls contains 68 technical papers from SAE and other international organizations written since 1995 on this rapidly growing area of automotive electronics. This book breaks down the topic into two sections. The section on Stepped Transmissions covers recent developments in regular and 4-wheel drive transmissions from major auto manufacturers including DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Ford. Technology covered in this section includes: smooth shift control; automatic transmission efficiency; mechatronic systems; fuel saving technologies; shift control using information from vehicle navigation systems; and fuzzy logic control. The section on Continuously Variable Transmissions presents papers that demonstrate that CVTs offer better efficiency than conventional transmissions. Technologies covered in this section include: powertrain control; fuel consumption improvement; development of a 2-way clutch system; internal combustion engines with CVTs in passenger cars; control and shift strategies; and CVT application to hybrid powertrains. The book concludes with a chapter on the future of electronic transmissions in automobiles.