BMW to introduce new data network in next X5

Jason C · 11-14-2005, 05:08 PM

Use of faster in-car data network could help revive by-wire technologies
RALPH KISIEL | Automotive News
Posted Date: 11/11/05

MUNICH, Germany -- Automakers are close to adopting a faster in-car data network standard that could revive brake-by-wire and other by-wire technologies.

Analysts say BMW AG will introduce the FlexRay high-bandwidth data network on a limited basis in the next-generation X5 SUV in fall 2006.

BMW will use the system only to control dampers on the X5 suspension, says analyst Chris Webber, vice president of Strategy Analytics' automotive practice in the United Kingdom.

"It's the first production application of FlexRay in the world," he said.

The first automaker will use the full FlexRay network on a production vehicle by late 2008, predicts Stephan Lehmann, strategic marketing manager for Freescale Semiconductor's global automotive business.

Freescale is a founding member of the FlexRay Consortium. It includes core members Volkswagen AG, BMW, DaimlerChrysler AG, General Motors and suppliers Robert Bosch GmbH and Royal Philips Electronics. The consortium was created in 2000 to develop a more robust in-vehicle network as an industry standard.

Today's in-vehicle networks cannot carry the increasing data load fast enough and reliably enough to operate advanced systems such as brake-by-wire.

At least one manufacturer has delayed its brake-by-wire program because the car's data network was not fast enough or reliable enough.

By-wire systems remove mechanical links between the driver and critical systems. So their control networks require both freedom from random false signals and enough speed to handle multiple confirming signals.

At 20 megabytes a second, FlexRay network can transmit data 20 times faster than a current controller area network system.

The group developed FlexRay for advanced car control systems such as brake-by-wire.

Now automakers are considering using this larger electronic pipeline as a vehicle's primary network.

With FlexRay's high-bandwidth capabilities, large amounts of detailed information can be communicated very rapidly. That allows extremely quick and precise mechanical responses.

It also can tie all the existing networks together.

Eh... better luck this time debuting lots of neat techno-gizmos! Took them a few years before they sorted out the 65/66 so that it would be *stable*.

Rob · 11-14-2005, 05:58 PM

I just don't understand. Why is brake by wire desireable? Sure, the throttle management from throttle by wire improved fuel economy. Is this going to somehow make it take longer to replace brake pads so BMW doesn't have to change them under free maintenance as often? At the normal life of a brake pad, I think this technology better be pretty damn cheap if that's the pay off.

Jason C · 11-14-2005, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwg

I just don't understand. Why is brake by wire desireable?

Easy. It makes incorporating more electronic safety nets a cinch.

Just like electronic throttle. ASC/DSC can take over the operation of load control as needed, overriding driver request.

So let's transfer this to electronic braking. Driver suddenly lifts off of throttle, like he's about to run into a concrete median (or, like he's approaching turn 1). Computer sees this behavior and "pre-loads" the ABS circuit. The moment the driver so much as breathes on the brakes, it does a max-power panic stop... automatically, even if the driver then lifts off the brake pedal. Lexus and Benz already have (or will have) introduced similar systems by now.

It is not absolutely necessary to resort to electronic brake control to achieve the above (or other goals) but the task is simplified, and presumably costs go down.

Nick M3 · 11-14-2005, 06:29 PM

Yayness. So we can have more accidents because the fucking car's brakes bluescreened.

For example, I have this *cough* friend... His Mom has an SL55 AMG. The brakes on that car have crashed at least three times. Once, they crashed while I was driving (sweet feeling, btw), and twice they crashed my *cough*friend's Mom was driving. One of these failures resulted in an accident.

Yay for Brake-By-Wire!!!!

blee · 11-14-2005, 07:13 PM

The aftermarket for these cars is going to be fun.

Mr. The Edge · 11-14-2005, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick M3

Yayness. So we can have more accidents because the fucking car's brakes bluescreened.

For example, I have this *cough* friend... His Mom has an SL55 AMG. The brakes on that car have crashed at least three times. Once, they crashed while I was driving (sweet feeling, btw), and twice they crashed my *cough*friend's Mom was driving. One of these failures resulted in an accident.

Yay for Brake-By-Wire!!!!

I don't quite understand the reason why you are trying to mask the fact that your Mom drives an SL55 AMG.

BahnBaum · 11-15-2005, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e30m3dryver

I don't quite understand the reason why you are trying to mask the fact that your Mom drives an SL55 AMG.

All part of Nick's attempts to blend in with the hoi polloi.

Now if he could just find a way to force himself to wear a pair of jeans.

Alex

Pinecone · 11-15-2005, 08:52 AM

At least while working on cars.

Khakis and polo shirt are NOT work clothes.

ff · 11-15-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Morgan

By-wire systems remove mechanical links between the driver and critical systems.

Two more cheers for BMW!!!!

Again, with all the electronic crap they're putting on cars that further isolate you from the driving experience, what's the point of driving at all? You might as well take the bus.

blee · 11-15-2005, 09:10 AM

Hey, does this mean I can finally eat my Froot Loops while talking on my BT-enabled speakerphone and checking my email?

11-14-2005, 05:08 PM	#1
Jason C Carmudgeon Join Date: Jul 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: Invalid Carriage Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,932	BMW to introduce new data network in next X5 Use of faster in-car data network could help revive by-wire technologies RALPH KISIEL \| Automotive News Posted Date: 11/11/05 MUNICH, Germany -- Automakers are close to adopting a faster in-car data network standard that could revive brake-by-wire and other by-wire technologies. Analysts say BMW AG will introduce the FlexRay high-bandwidth data network on a limited basis in the next-generation X5 SUV in fall 2006. BMW will use the system only to control dampers on the X5 suspension, says analyst Chris Webber, vice president of Strategy Analytics' automotive practice in the United Kingdom. "It's the first production application of FlexRay in the world," he said. The first automaker will use the full FlexRay network on a production vehicle by late 2008, predicts Stephan Lehmann, strategic marketing manager for Freescale Semiconductor's global automotive business. Freescale is a founding member of the FlexRay Consortium. It includes core members Volkswagen AG, BMW, DaimlerChrysler AG, General Motors and suppliers Robert Bosch GmbH and Royal Philips Electronics. The consortium was created in 2000 to develop a more robust in-vehicle network as an industry standard. Today's in-vehicle networks cannot carry the increasing data load fast enough and reliably enough to operate advanced systems such as brake-by-wire. At least one manufacturer has delayed its brake-by-wire program because the car's data network was not fast enough or reliable enough. By-wire systems remove mechanical links between the driver and critical systems. So their control networks require both freedom from random false signals and enough speed to handle multiple confirming signals. At 20 megabytes a second, FlexRay network can transmit data 20 times faster than a current controller area network system. The group developed FlexRay for advanced car control systems such as brake-by-wire. Now automakers are considering using this larger electronic pipeline as a vehicle's primary network. With FlexRay's high-bandwidth capabilities, large amounts of detailed information can be communicated very rapidly. That allows extremely quick and precise mechanical responses. It also can tie all the existing networks together. Eh... better luck this time debuting lots of neat techno-gizmos! Took them a few years before they sorted out the 65/66 so that it would be stable.

11-14-2005, 06:29 PM	#4
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,458	Yayness. So we can have more accidents because the fucking car's brakes bluescreened. For example, I have this cough friend... His Mom has an SL55 AMG. The brakes on that car have crashed at least three times. Once, they crashed while I was driving (sweet feeling, btw), and twice they crashed my coughfriend's Mom was driving. One of these failures resulted in an accident. Yay for Brake-By-Wire!!!! __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

11-15-2005, 08:52 AM	#8
Pinecone Carmudgeon Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,717	At least while working on cars. Khakis and polo shirt are NOT work clothes. __________________ Terry Carraway 2002 Topaz E46 M3 2000 Dakar M Roadster 1995 Alpine E36 M3 LTW 1990 Red/White Spec Racer

11-14-2005, 05:58 PM	#2
Rob The user formerly known as rwg Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: Z4 Location: Vegas baby! Posts: 8,261	I just don't understand. Why is brake by wire desireable? Sure, the throttle management from throttle by wire improved fuel economy. Is this going to somehow make it take longer to replace brake pads so BMW doesn't have to change them under free maintenance as often? At the normal life of a brake pad, I think this technology better be pretty damn cheap if that's the pay off.

11-14-2005, 07:13 PM	#5
blee Doctor Mudgeon Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6,433	The aftermarket for these cars is going to be fun.

11-15-2005, 09:10 AM	#10
blee Doctor Mudgeon Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6,433	Hey, does this mean I can finally eat my Froot Loops while talking on my BT-enabled speakerphone and checking my email?