New backseat driver: A Pentium SBC

Aug. 21, 2003
A computer-controlled steering system on a 1997 Chevrolet Corvette won the research category award in the PC/104 Embedded Consortium's 2003 design contest.

The system uses a combination of GPS information and automatic-steering intervention to help drivers avoid road hazards and stay alert. The modified vehicle uses a traditional steering wheel, but has sensors and a high-performance servomotor in place of a steering shaft. Two sensors measure the pinion and steering-wheel angles and let the driver control the car normally, until it gets into trouble. A VSCB-8 Pentium III single-board computer and digital I/O module from Versalogic Corp., Eugene, Oreg., process signals from the sensors and calculate how to position the steering actuator. The speed and accuracy of the system duplicates the response of normal mechanically linked steering.

Paul Yih, a graduate research assistant at Stanford University, is responsible for the design. The design contest winners were announced at the Embedded Systems Conference, San Francisco.

Sponsored Recommendations

Flexible Power and Energy Systems for the Evolving Factory

Aug. 29, 2024
Exploring industrial drives, power supplies, and energy solutions to reduce peak power usage and installation costs, & to promote overall system efficiency

Timber Recanting with SEW-EURODRIVE!

Aug. 29, 2024
SEW-EURODRIVE's VFDs and gearmotors enhance timber resawing by delivering precise, efficient cuts while reducing equipment stress. Upgrade your sawmill to improve safety, yield...

Advancing Automation with Linear Motors and Electric Cylinders

Aug. 28, 2024
With SEW‑EURODRIVE, you get first-class linear motors for applications that require direct translational movement.

Gear Up for the Toughest Jobs!

Aug. 28, 2024
Check out SEW-EURODRIVEs heavy-duty gear units, built to power through mining, cement, and steel challenges with ease!

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!