Visteon's New Pulse Count HVAC Control Reduces Overall System Cost in Vehicles
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., July 22, 2009 -- Visteon Corporation, a leading supplier of a full range of cockpit electronics products for vehicles, has developed a second-generation pulse count system for automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls. The new system provides a significant reduction in wiring complexity and weight, achieving up to a 25 percent system cost savings (based on system control only) compared with conventional HVAC control solutions.
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In Visteon's system, the position of the actuator in the HVAC system is determined by reading pulses from the motor. The system uses Visteon's patented climate control algorithms to control the direct current (DC) motor actuators via the power and ground wires only, eliminating the traditional feedback wire harness and position sensors.
The pulse count control system enables vehicle manufacturers to use simpler, lower cost non-feedback DC motor actuators. System reliability is improved by using fewer connections and deleting the position sensors in the HVAC actuators.
Visteon used its system expertise to develop an Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) with an embedded inductor-based sense element. The microprocessor, with Visteon proprietary software, monitors and filters the current/voltage fluctuations inherent within permanent magnet DC motors to determine the position of the motor and then employs pulse counts to control the position of HVAC doors.
The accurate sensing, filtering and adjustments of the pulses provide robust overall HVAC system performance. The system is self-calibrating and monitors key operating parameters to maintain optimal performance during its life. It is compatible with a range of actuator solutions and hardware configurations for a cost-efficient solution.
Visteon's technical centers in China and in India worked on implementing this first program application of the second generation of Visteon's pulse count technology, which is scheduled for commercialization in mid-2010. Visteon launched its first-generation pulse count HVAC control system on the Chrysler Pacifica in 2006.
Supplying approximately 3 million control systems to global vehicle manufacturers, Visteon is positioned as one of the world's leading suppliers of HVAC control systems. Visteon's flexible and scalable HVAC control system solutions range from single to multi-zone systems in both integrated center panel and stand-alone modules.
Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the company has facilities in 27 countries and employs approximately 31,000 people.
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