The common goal for nearly every technical endeavor is to use existing resources in such a way as to increase their effectiveness. At M/A-COM Technology Solutions, Inc., our search is likely the same as yours: How can we leverage our existing resources and partnerships to yield a more powerful and effective solution? Consider current automotive control systems. Most operate based on near real-time operating environments, quickly reacting to the feedback provided by many sensors around the vehicle. However, even the most advanced radar systems struggle to define the road ahead and no system reacts to what you might experience a half mile or more away. With goals to save fuel, reduce CO2 emissions, and help safety systems provide more useful results, we set out and developed our new ‘eHorizon’ module.

M/A-COM Tech’s eHorizon Module integrates a GPS receiver and a powerful microprocessor along with a NAVTEQ map, full of intelligent road attribute data, to provide location, time, compass, and fully compliant ADASIS v2.0 messages to the vehicle bus. Via an advanced prediction algorithm these messages provide a ‘future-look’ of the road features ahead. Advanced control systems like hybrid powertrain, battery management and collision warning can leverage predictive inputs like slope, road curvature, number of lanes, and intersections to save fuel, reduce CO2 emissions, and increase the effectiveness of advanced algorithms and safety systems. A hybrid powertrain can predict the crest of a hill and begin to save energy. A transmission controller will dynamically manage shifts based on the slope of a hill or radius of a curve. Finally, a driver can be actively warned if his or her speed is unsafe for a pending turn or a dangerous intersection.

Coupled with our automotive embedded systems experience, we are now prepared to offer a view of the road ahead. The first generation eHorizon ADAS Module is a perfect bench-top or as a vehicle system demonstrator. A production solution containing an SOC architecture, integrated antenna, and custom eHorizon software features is also available.

For years we’ve been bringing highly accurate location, direction, and time to the vehicle so that you know where you are…and now we can leverage new technology to allow your vehicle to ‘see’ the future and know where you are going to be. That’s powerful stuff!

For advanced automotive wireless components and systems that combine superior performance with sleek design, contact us today.