TRW To Show Adaptive Cruise Control System That Automatically Adjusts Vehicle Speed, Enhancing Driving Comfort and Convenience.

Business Editors & Automotive Writers

SAE 2000

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--(AutomotiveWire)--March 2, 2000

Ever driven a long distance using your cruise control and still felt tired and stressed from constantly having to adjust the vehicle speed to match traffic flow? TRW's adaptive cruise control system--which will be launched for a major automaker later this year--can provide a more enjoyable driving experience.

The adaptive cruise control system uses an automotive radar unit that automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to keep an appropriate following distance between vehicles. Studies show that such adaptive cruise control products can actually reduce driver fatigue and stress on long commutes.

TRW will show the adaptive cruise control product at the SAE 2000 World Congress in Detroit March 6-9.

"With TRW's adaptive cruise control system, drivers can set the adaptive cruise control and drive more smoothly and comfortably," said Heinz Pfannschmidt, executive vice president and general manager, TRW Automotive Electronics. "Automakers also benefit since the system's small size and advanced radar technology are designed to be easily integrated into existing vehicle architectures, providing greater packaging flexibility."

TRW and Thomson-CSF of Paris formed a joint venture company, Autocruise, to develop, manufacture, and sell a 77 GHz forward-looking radar system to use in the TRW adaptive cruise control system. The sensor will go into production in the latter part of this year. In addition, Autocruise is in discussions to supply the sensor to other automakers and tier-one suppliers.

How Adaptive Cruise Control Works

The TRW adaptive cruise control system uses standard cruise control switches and enhanced displays showing the vehicle ahead. The system is similar to conventional cruise control in that it maintains the vehicle's pre-set speed. However, the added benefit is that it automatically adjusts the speed to maintain an appropriate headway between vehicles in the same lane. This is achieved through a radar headway sensor, digital signal processor, and longitudinal controller.

The radar--which could be located behind the vehicle grille or bumper--senses the distance to the nearest vehicle in front. If that vehicle is traveling slower, the system sends a signal to the engine or braking system to decelerate until there is an appropriate following distance. A maximum of 30 percent braking force is applied. When the road ahead is clear, the vehicle automatically accelerates to the driver's original set speed.

The Autocruise(R) radar sensor has a forward-looking range up to 150 meters and operates at vehicle speeds ranging from 30 kilometers per hour to 180 kilometers per hour.

"The Autocruise radar sensor offers a significant advantage because it uses advanced electronics and proven Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) radar technology initially developed for defense and communications applications," said Benoit Plantier, director, radar programs, Thomson-CSF, Brest. "This enables us to integrate the microwave components into a single chip set, which simplifies manufacturing, improves reliability, reduces package size and complexity, and decreases overall costs."

The Autocruise radar sensor offers all-weather capability. It is not adversely affected by poor weather conditions, such as fog, rain or snow. In fact, Plantier said, the system assists the driver by reducing the strain of driving under conditions where visibility is impaired. The adaptive cruise control system also is connected to the active braking system so that if antilock braking or vehicle stability control is actuated, the adaptive cruise control will automatically disengage, ensuring that the driver always remains in full control of the vehicle.

A Look Down the Road

Adaptive cruise control is a cornerstone technology for future intelligent transportation systems. It also can be integrated with steering, suspension, brakes, and occupant restraint system sensors to provide more advanced vehicle dynamics and safety.

In the next five years, TRW plans to develop enhanced adaptive cruise control products with collision warning capabilities. These "stop-and-go" systems not only will provide limited automatic braking but also will warn drivers--through visual and/or audio signals--that a collision is imminent and that corrective action, such as additional braking or steering clear, must be taken. Installing collision warning systems on heavy trucks in North America has helped reduce rear-end accidents by 70 percent, studies show.

In the next decade, the technology is expected to evolve to collision avoidance systems that can provide emergency braking. Industry analysts predict that the market for adaptive cruise control, collision warning and headway control systems will grow to an estimated $2.4 billion by 2010 from about $11 million in 1998.

TRW Automotive Electronics, a business unit of TRW Inc., is a leading producer of safety and security systems, body control systems, chassis and powertrain controls, engineered fasteners, and sensors and components for the global automotive market and of sensors and components for industrial applications.

With 200 automotive locations in 25 countries, TRW Inc. (NYSE:TRW) is among the world's largest OEM suppliers. The company is a leading producer of steering and suspension systems; braking systems; occupant restraint systems, including air bags, seat belts, and steering wheels; electronic safety and security systems; engineered fastening systems; engine components; commercial steering systems; and aftermarket replacement parts for the global automotive industry. In 1999, TRW's automotive businesses recorded sales of more than $11 billion, approximately two-thirds of the company's total $17 billion in sales.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, TRW also provides advanced-technology products and services for the aerospace and information technology markets worldwide. For more information about TRW, including its news releases, visit the company's Web site at www.trw.com.