DEPARTMENT OF MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING
CMR338 & SMART MOBILITY AND INTELLIGENT VEHICLES
UNIT –III
CONNECTED AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE
Basic Control System Theory applied to Automobiles, Overview of the Operation of ECUs, Basic
Cyber-Physical System Theory and Autonomous Vehicles, Role of Surroundings Sensing Systems
and Autonomy, Role of Wireless Data Networks and Autonomy.
CO3 Evaluate the integration of cyber-physical systems and control theory in autonomous
cars.
Part – A
[Link] QUESTION & ANSWERS CO UQ
1. Define a connected autonomous vehicle. CO3
A connected autonomous vehicle is equipped with both self-driving capabilities and wireless
communication systems to interact with other vehicles and infrastructure.
2. What is a control system in the context of automobiles? CO3
A control system regulates vehicle functions like speed, direction, and braking using input
from sensors and executing commands via actuators.
3. Mention one example of a closed-loop control system in vehicles. CO3
Cruise control is an example where the system continuously monitors speed and adjusts
throttle input to maintain it.
4. What is the role of ECUs in modern vehicles? CO3
Electronic Control Units (ECUs) manage specific functions such as engine control,
transmission, braking, and infotainment by processing sensor inputs.
5. Explain the term cyber-physical system. CO3
A cyber-physical system integrates computation, networking, and physical processes,
allowing real-time interaction between vehicle software and hardware.
6. How do ECUs communicate within a vehicle? CO3
ECUs communicate using in-vehicle networks such as CAN (Controller Area Network),
LIN, or Ethernet for data exchange and coordination.
7. Define the term ‘autonomy’ in automotive systems. CO3
Autonomy refers to a vehicle’s ability to make decisions and control movement without
human input, using data from various sensors and control algorithms.
8. What is the significance of system feedback in autonomous vehicles? CO3
System feedback allows autonomous vehicles to adjust their actions based on current
performance and environmental data for safe operation.
9. List two functions of a basic vehicle control system. CO3
Basic vehicle control systems manage acceleration, steering, and braking to follow desired
paths and respond to driving conditions.
10. What is the relationship between CPS and autonomous vehicles? CO3
Autonomous vehicles are examples of cyber-physical systems where computing systems
interact with the physical environment to perform driving tasks.
11. Define a feedback loop in automotive systems. CO3
A feedback loop is a control mechanism that uses sensor input to compare actual
performance with desired outcomes and make corrections.
12. Mention one challenge in ECU design. CO3
A major challenge is ensuring real-time data processing and communication reliability for
safety-critical applications.
13. How does the vehicle sense its surroundings? CO3
The vehicle uses a combination of sensors like cameras, radar, LiDAR, and ultrasonic
sensors to perceive its environment.
14. Define real-time processing in autonomous vehicles. CO3
Real-time processing refers to analyzing and responding to data inputs without delay, critical
for decision-making and safety.
15. What is the function of wireless data networks in autonomy? CO3
Wireless data networks enable vehicles to communicate with each other and infrastructure
for real-time updates and coordination.
16. What does V2X stand for? CO3
V2X stands for Vehicle-to-Everything communication, including vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-
to-infrastructure, and vehicle-to-network.
17. Name a control algorithm used in autonomous driving. CO3
PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control is commonly used for maintaining vehicle
speed, direction, and stability.
18 How does autonomous navigation work? CO3
It combines sensor data, map information, and control algorithms to determine vehicle
location and plan safe routes.
19 What is the importance of fail-safe systems in autonomy? CO3
Fail-safe systems ensure that in case of sensor or system failure, the vehicle can transition to
a safe state to avoid accidents.
20 Explain the term vehicle localization. CO3
Localization is the process of determining the vehicle's exact position on a map using GPS,
LiDAR, and sensor fusion techniques.
21. What does path planning mean in autonomous systems? CO3
Path planning is the method of generating a route that the vehicle should follow, considering
obstacles, traffic, and road rules.
22 How do autonomous vehicles handle dynamic environments? CO3
They continuously update their surroundings' perception and replan actions in real time using
sensor data and prediction models.
23 Define redundancy in control systems. CO3
Redundancy involves using backup systems or duplicate components to ensure reliability in
case of a primary system failure.
24. Mention one advantage of using CPS in vehicles. CO3
CPS enhances responsiveness and adaptability, enabling intelligent functions like automated
emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
25 How do autonomous vehicles perceive traffic lights? CO3
Cameras detect the colour and position of traffic lights, while software interprets their
meaning to control vehicle behaviour.
26 What is cooperative adaptive cruise control? CO3
It is an advanced version of cruise control that uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication to
maintain safe distances and coordinate speeds.
27 Describe the role of sensor data in vehicle control. CO3
Sensor data informs the control system about vehicle status and surroundings, guiding
decisions on steering, speed, and braking.