ACC launches with VW
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TRW Automotive's radar enabled Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is to make its debut on four luxury and mid-range Volkswagen vehicles.
TRW's ACC system features MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit) long-range radar sensing technology which tracks vehicles up to 150 metres ahead in all weather and road conditions.
The radar itself is the result of an 80 million Euro investment project from Autocruise, a joint venture between TRW and the French defence and aerospace company, Thales.
In operation, the ACC system identifies the vehicle nearest to the driver in their lane and tracks it. If the vehicle is travelling slower than a selected cruisespeed, the ACC system sends a signal to the engine and braking system to decelerate until there is an appropriate following distance. The systemmaintains this following distance while the vehicle travels below the selected cruise speed. When the road ahead clears, or the driver overtakes, the ACCsystem sends a signal to the engine management system to accelerate the vehicle to the driver's selected speed.
The TRW system can be placed behind a bumper or grill, allowing minimal impact on airflow and styling.
