Sensor Systems and Communication Technologies in Autonomous Driving

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 General Facts of Autonomous Driving

2.1 Definition

2.2 Classification

2.3 Functionality

2.4 Potentials and Challenges

2.4.1 Social Factors

2.4.2 Ecological Factors

2.4.3 Economic Factors

2.4.4 Challenges

2.5 State of the Art of Autonomous Driving

3 Technical Realisation

3.1 Sensor Systems

3.1.1 Ultrasonic Sound

3.1.2 Cameras

3.1.3 Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging)

3.1.4 Infrared

3.1.5 LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

3.1.6 Comparison of Different Sensor Systems

3.2 Vehicle Control Unit

3.3 Communication Systems in the Vehicle

3.3.1 Classification

3.3.2 Composition

3.3.3 ISO 9141-K-Line

3.3.4 LIN (Local Interconnect Network)

3.3.5 CAN (Controller Area Network)

3.3.6 FlexRay

3.3.7 MOST

4 ISO 26262

4.1 Application Area

4.2 Content

5 Conclusion

Objectives and Scope

This bachelor thesis examines the technical implementation, potential benefits, and inherent challenges of autonomous vehicle technologies, specifically focusing on the sensor systems and internal communication architectures necessary for their operation.

• Analysis of autonomous driving levels and general system functionality.
• Detailed technical evaluation of sensor technologies including Radar, LIDAR, Cameras, and Infrared.
• Review of vehicle internal communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and MOST.
• Examination of safety standards, specifically ISO 26262, for automotive systems.
• Investigation of communication performance requirements in modern autonomous vehicles.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the fundamental changes in the automotive industry and sets the academic scope for the technical analysis of autonomous driving.

2 General Facts of Autonomous Driving: Explains the definitions, automation levels, and the socio-ecological potentials and challenges of self-driving technology.

3 Technical Realisation: Discusses the complex sensor suite required for environment monitoring and the data communication systems needed for real-time processing.

4 ISO 26262: Outlines the essential safety standards for functional safety in automotive electrical and electronic architectures.

5 Conclusion: Summarizes the technological progress and highlights the necessity for further safety improvements and legal framework development.

Keywords

Autonomous Driving, Autonomous Vehicle, Sensor Systems, Radar, LIDAR, Cameras, Infrared, ISO 26262, CAN-Bus, LIN, FlexRay, MOST, Functional Safety, Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Communication

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental purpose of this thesis?

The thesis aims to provide a comprehensive technical overview of autonomous driving, explaining how vehicles perceive their environment and communicate internal data to function safely.

What are the primary fields of study?

The work focuses on sensor technology for obstacle detection and internal network communication protocols used in modern automotive electronics.

What is the core research objective?

The research seeks to inform the reader about the technical implementation of autonomous driving, specifically detailing hardware components and safety norms.

Which methodologies are employed?

The author uses a literature-based comparative analysis of various sensor types and communication bus systems to determine their suitability for specific automotive tasks.

What topics are covered in the main section?

The main section covers sensor modalities (Ultrasonic, Camera, Radar, Infrared, LIDAR), the role of the Vehicle Control Unit, and detailed technical descriptions of bus systems (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, MOST).

Which keywords define this paper?

Key terms include autonomous driving, sensor systems, automotive communication protocols, functional safety, and ISO 26262.

How does weather impact sensor performance?

The thesis illustrates that while optical systems work well on clear days, Radar is superior in adverse weather conditions, though LIDAR performs slightly better than Radar during heavy rain.

Why is the ISO 26262 standard important?

ISO 26262 is critical as it provides the normative framework for achieving functional safety in the automotive industry, covering development phases from concept to production.

What defines the difference between high-speed and low-speed CAN?

They differ in data rates and application, where high-speed CAN is essential for critical control units (ECU, GCU), while low-speed CAN is used for less critical systems like door control or air conditioning.

What is the significance of the "Communication-cycle" in FlexRay?

The cycle ensures deterministic data transmission, allowing the system to guarantee consistent timing, which is a major advantage for safety-critical, time-dependent data.