Signal Provision

The ICM control unit reads signals from external and also internal sensors. These sensor signals are processed and converted into physical signals that describe the driving dynamics of the vehicle, and are subsequently made available to a large number of systems in the vehicle. Examples of these signals are road speed and lateral acceleration.

The central driving dynamics control system in the ICM firstly evaluates the current driving condition and driver's command, also taking the dynamic driving systems installed in the vehicle into account.

On the basis of this information, the system decides whether or not to intervene in the driving dynamics, and also the extent the intervention. The highly intelligent dynamic driving systems permit slight and barely noticeable interventions as soon as e. g. a tendency towards understeering is detected.

A coordinator ensures that the most suitable actuator is activated in each case. Where several actuators are used simultaneously, a great deal of importance has been placed on ensuring that these interventions are in perfect harmony.

The driving dynamics control provides the driver with the choice of one of four driving dynamics settings (Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+). By making this choice, the driver influences the central driving dynamics control system and therefore all dynamic driving systems and drive train systems. All systems are matched appropriately to every setting and, most importantly, their interaction with each other within one specific setting is also perfectly coordinated. The status of the Dynamic Stability Control is also taken into account thus ensuring that two additional driving dynamics specifications are possible.

The ICM control unit is also responsible for the Servotronic function including valve actuation. This steering control function is also influenced by the driving dynamics control.