Error 404--Not Found

From RFC 2068 Hypertext Transfer Protocol -- HTTP/1.1:

10.4.5 404 Not Found

The server has not found anything matching the Request-URI. No indication is given of whether the condition is temporary or permanent.

If the server does not wish to make this information available to the client, the status code 403 (Forbidden) can be used instead. The 410 (Gone) status code SHOULD be used if the server knows, through some internally configurable mechanism, that an old resource is permanently unavailable and has no forwarding address.

Error 404--Not Found

Error 404--Not Found

From RFC 2068 Hypertext Transfer Protocol -- HTTP/1.1:

10.4.5 404 Not Found

The server has not found anything matching the Request-URI. No indication is given of whether the condition is temporary or permanent.

If the server does not wish to make this information available to the client, the status code 403 (Forbidden) can be used instead. The 410 (Gone) status code SHOULD be used if the server knows, through some internally configurable mechanism, that an old resource is permanently unavailable and has no forwarding address.

Focus on Electronics

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Electronics innovations were among the many new automotive technologies that were discussed and on display at the SAE 2001 World Congress. The following are some of the highlights from the event, which was held in Detroit in March.

Honeywell's system-critical sensors

The Sensing and Control Business of Honeywell chose the SAE 2001 World Congress to showcase its system-critical onboard sensors. Featured products included the latest camshaft and crankshaft position sensors for engine management; active wheel-speed sensors; active transmission sensors; and position sensors for comfort, convenience, and motor-control applications.

The camshaft and crankshaft position sensors are designed to enhance emission performance, fuel efficiency, and ignition timing. These Hall-effect and anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) gear-tooth sensors accurately detect the movement of ferrous metal targets. The 1.5 C, 1.5 D, and 1.5 M sensors offer zero-speed performance and "power-on" recognition.

A new active wheel-speed sensor features direction sensing, which is designed to enhance rollback detection or electronic parking braking, increasing both functionality and flexibility. The 2X MR magnetoresistive sensor offers two-pulses per pole pair, providing a double frequency output that can help reduce target size by 50% while lowering overall system costs.

Honeywell's active transmission sensors provide speed sensing as well as speed/direction sensing, with an operating temperature range of -40 to +150°C (-40 to +300°F). Similar to the company's other sensing products, they offer electromagnetic compliance for harsh environments.

Solid-state position sensors provide reliable performance while enhancing vehicle features. These magnetic sensors are available in a range of miniature plastic packages and are used in driver comfort applications, including sunroof and window control, steering and seat adjustment, lumbar support, sliding door control, and mirror motor control. The company's new SS526DT Series are one of the smallest position sensors to integrate speed and direction into one package. One sensor is used to perform the functions of two discrete Hall-effect sensors and their logic circuitry, saving considerable space.

- Frank Bokulich


Denso improves environment through technology


Denso's compact 42-V starter motor was designed for vehicles that employ a stop/start strategy for fuel-economy improvement.

As a leading supplier of vehicle electronics—as well as the fourth-largest automotive supplier in the world—Denso has taken on the responsibility to "fit the entire information age inside the vehicle and, at the same time, reduce environmental impact," according to Douglas Patton, Denso International America, Vice President-Engineering. "To keep the thirst quenched for information, comfort, and environmental friendliness, whether it is in the form of navigation systems, heated steering wheels, or engine stop/start systems—we need more power."

At the SAE 2001 World Congress, Patton spoke about high-voltage systems and how they impact CO2 reduction. Current CO2 regulations mandate industry compliance at different levels. The European Automotive Manufacturers Association 140-g/km standard with a 2008 deadline is the most demanding, so Denso identified it as its main goal.


Denso's current sensor measures input to and output from the battery; it employs the same technology used in the Toyota Prius.

"Denso's solution to satisfying CO2 standards includes the eventual implementation of three systems," said Patton. "One is the idle-stop function that stops the engine during vehicle stop/idling conditions to conserve fuel. The second is regeneration during deceleration in which excess electrical energy created by the generator is reclaimed and stored in the battery. The third is electric traction, which overcomes standing inertia with launch assistance and, at higher speeds, acceleration assistance. Pure electric-drive mode can also be achieved through the electric-traction function."

Most current vehicles use the 14-V electrical system; the electric-traction function that includes pure electric-drive modes requires voltage beyond the 42-V system. (The Toyota Prius requires 288 V.) Last year, Denso introduced its segment conductor (SC) 14-V alternator. Along with enhanced NVH reductions and high power output, SC technology improved efficiency by 10% (to 72%) vs. conventionally wound generators.

"We have taken this technology a step further with the 42-V SC alternator, which is capable of 80% peak efficiency and 3.5-kW output, while maintaining its compact and lightweight structure," said Patton. As opposed to traditional circular-section conductors, Denso re-engineered the part as a square section unit for improved efficiency.


Instead of a conventionally wound stator, which is recognizable by many overlapping loops of a continuous, circular cross-section wire, Denso's 42-V SC alternator features individually inserted short segments of wire with a square cross section, resulting in lower heat losses and better cooling.

The company also announced the development of a compact dc/dc converter that provides synchronized rectification throughout the vehicle's system. The first generation of 42-/14-V hybrid vehicles will require dc/dc converters to power lower voltage buses. Denso's first-generation dc/dc converter is a mono-directional type capable of 95% peak efficiency. Its output is rated to 100 A at 14 V.

Several of Denso's high-voltage components and systems are in production and on the road today in hybrid and electric vehicles, such as its current sensor. It is a central component to the company's battery-management system and uses technology identical to that of the Toyota Prius. The current sensor has a measurement range of -400 to +400 A and an accuracy rating of +/-0.4% at full scale. Output current is -100 to +100 mA.

Beyond the 42-V system, Denso is also developing components such as power relays, hybrid vehicle powertrain ECUs, current sensors, and body electronics for integration into pure electric-drive systems.

The inverter will be a crucial component used to power the electric-drive systems of future vehicles in which electric power will be used for traction control and/or a pure EV-drive mode. Denso's advanced inverter is currently in production and used in hybrid and electric vehicles.

- Jean L. Broge


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Error 404--Not Found

Error 404--Not Found

From RFC 2068 Hypertext Transfer Protocol -- HTTP/1.1:

10.4.5 404 Not Found

The server has not found anything matching the Request-URI. No indication is given of whether the condition is temporary or permanent.

If the server does not wish to make this information available to the client, the status code 403 (Forbidden) can be used instead. The 410 (Gone) status code SHOULD be used if the server knows, through some internally configurable mechanism, that an old resource is permanently unavailable and has no forwarding address.