ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the principles and applications of various electronic components and circuits to show how electronic systems operate. Individual electronic components can be tested in a number of ways but a digital multimeter is normally the favourite option. This chapter discusses test methods for various electronic components. The controller area network (CAN) developed by Bosch is today's communication standard in passenger cars. It is a high-integrity serial data communications bus for real-time applications. The chapter provides a discussion on lighting circuit, including gas discharge lighting, LED lighting, and Xenon lighting. For many years, the trend with automotive electrical systems has been towards some sort of networked central control. The most common usage of central control is for body systems such as lighting, wipers, doors, seats and windows. Building the alarm system as an integral part of the vehicle electronics has made significant improvements. Even so, retrofit systems can still be very effective.
