ABSTRACT
Automotive controls and associated microcomputers and embedded software represent one of the most active industrial R&Dareas.Within this ever expanding area it is no surprise that powertrain controls have evolved as themost widespread andmatured branch since, traditionally, the first microcomputer applications started with engine controls. For example, the first four generations of automotive computers found in Ford vehicles during the 1970s and early 1980s were all used for on-board engine controls (Powers, 1993). The first chassis/suspension and vehicle control applications then followed in the mid-1980s.
