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The vast majority of automotive electronic control systems utilize printed circuit board technology. Hybrid substrate technology is successfully applied to smaller high volume systems for applications with high demands with respect to temperature range and vibration. In the past few years, the introduction of microcontroller based systems in hybrid technology has succeeded for high volume applications with limited model variety, as for example antiskid (ABS) systems. The newly developed microhybrid technology alleviates the shortcomings of standard hybrid technology regarding complexity, design flexibility and cost of production. This paper discusses two microhybrid systems, an engine management system mounted onto the engine and an antiskid ECU attached to the hydraulic unit.

Increasingly stringent requirements regarding exhaust emission, fuel consumption, driveability and comfort have led to an accelerated introduction of electronically controlled systems, the complexity of which can best be handled by microcomputers, these being the basis of all modern electronic control units. These electronic control units are usually installed in the passenger compartment, due to the need for moderate conditions in respect of temperature, vibration, moisture and dust. However because of the increasing variety of systems the available space for the installation of these control boxes has become smaller and smaller whilst the complexity of the wire harness has led to increased costs and electromagnetic interference problems. As a result there is an increasing demand for electronic control units (ECU) which can be installed in the engine compartment.