2398715 - 5580H parking obstacle detection device

The parking sensors provide the driver with information relating to distance when approaching obstacles either in front of or behind the vehicle. This aids parking manoeuvres by identifying obstacles outside the driver's field of view.The information that there is an obstacle and its distance is transmitted to the driver by means of acoustic signals whose frequency depends on the distance from the obstacle.

COMPOSITION

The parking assistance system on the vehicle comprises the following components:
1 - electronic control unit 2 - ultrasound sensors 3 - trailer connection 4 - connection to CAN. (Body Computer) 5 - connection to CAN. (Instrument Panel)

COMPOSITION

On this version the acoustic signal is located inside the instrument panel.

PARKING SENSOR CONTROL UNIT (CPA)

The CPA is an electronic component which carries out functions helping the driver during manoeuvres with reverse gear engaged by detecting any obstacles behind the vehicle.

The electronic control unit performs the following functions:

  • Activating the sensors
  • Processing the signals received from the sensors
  • Checking the operation of the sensors
  • Activating the instrument panel buzzer
  • Managing the diagnostics and test functions
The electronic control unit has a device that provides protection against voltage fluctuations and short circuits

CONTROL UNIT PIN OUT

The diagram below shows the control unit and Pin Out
1 - Electronic control unit A - CONNECTOR A B - CONNECTOR B

CONTROL UNIT PIN OUT

CONNECTOR A
PinSignal
1Supply controlled by the ignition
5Negative deactivating signal with tow hook fitted
7B-CAN A
8Earth
14B-CAN B
CONNECTOR B
PinSignal
1Sensor earth
2Right rear interior sensor signal
3Left rear interior sensor signal
4Right rear exterior sensor signal
5Left rear exterior sensor signal
6Sensor positive

SENSORS

The sensors are incorporated in the bumper by means of special adaptors. The ultrasound technology sensors act as intelligent transmitters/receivers through a triangulation technique: this allows improved detection in critical situations or in the presence of small obstacles. The impulses emitted are reflected by any obstacles; the transducer therefore receives an echo which is converted into a digital signal and sent to the electronic control unit

SENSORS

Tow hooks, bicycle carriers or similar accessories should not interfer with the operating range of the sensors.The system covers the middle and side areas of the rear of the vehicle with the performance depending on the programmable detection area. If an obstacle is located in the middle area, it is detected at a distance of between a minimum of 120 cm ± 10 cm and a maximum of 150 cm ± 10 cm along the entire width of the vehicle (door mirrors excluded). If the obstacle is loated in the side area, it is detected at a distance of less than 0.6 m.

Operation

The sensors are ultrasoud transducers working like intelligent transmitters and receivers of ultrasound impulses. Both the impulse frequency and voltage is generated in the transducer.The impulses emitted are reflected by any obstacles; the transducer therefore receives an echo which is amplified and converted into a digital signal and sent to the electronic control unit via the same line used for the transmission request.Each sensor can also be operated as a receiver only, in oder to carry out a triangular measurement between two sensors. This technique allows for improved detection of small obstacles and in situations featuring critical reflections.The sensors all have the same electrical and mechanical properties: the maximum detection distance for each sensor can be adapted using software depending on the location of the actual sensor.

SENSOR PINOUT

PinSignal
1Sensor signal
2Earth
3Sensor supply

OPERATION

The operation is illustrated schematically

MEASURING THE DISTANCE OF OBSTACLES

The electronic control unit operates the senors which convert the control unit electrical signals into ultrasound impulse trains, with a cadence that varies from 3 to 10 measuring processes per second.The signal, reflected by any obstacles, is received by the sensor and amplified, converted into a digital signal and sent, in this format, to the electronic control unit.The control unit compares the signal emitted with the one received and, using suitable algorithms, calculates the time that elapses between the emission of the signal and the receipt of the echo. This information is translated into distance and communicated to the driver by means of acoustic warnings.
The reflection from the ground is ignored unless it has the properties of an obstacle.

SELF-DIAGNOSIS

The control unit carries out an autodiagnostic test when it is switched on. The sensors are diagnosed each time they are activated.

RECOVERY STRATEGIES

The sensors and the wiring are continuously diagnosed during the operation of the system. A fault in even only one sensor will inhibit the operation of the entire system.

ACTIVATION AND DEACTIVATION OF THE SYSTEM

When the control unit is switched on (key-on and reverse gear engaged), an autodiagnostic test and a test on all the surrounding components is carried out. The system is ready to use in less than 0.5 seconds.The distance measurements only take place when the system is activated.

The system is activated when the following two conditions occur:

  • Key ON
  • Reverse gear engaged
When the system is activated the buzzer in the instrument panel gives off a signalIf obstacles are present, it emits the obstacle distance signals whose frequency increase as the obstacle gets closer.If a fault occurs, the system emits a warning signal.

OBSTACLE DISTANCE SIGNAL

The buzzer warns the driver that the vehicle is approaching an obstacle. The tone lasts 75 ms, whilst the interval between the tones is directly proportional to the distance of the obstacle: impulses in rapid succession indicate that the obstacle is very close. A continuous tone indicates that the obstacle is less than 30 cm away. The tone cycle remains constant if the distance measured by the centre sensors remains unchanged.

ERROR SIGNAL

Any faults/errors are signalled acoustically.The acoustic signalling stops after 3 seconds.Errors/faults are signalled immediately whilst the system is activated.