Design and implementation of a 'false step adaptive' control for CVT using hardware in the loop and rapid prototyping techniques

In the world of automotive control and electronics, technology is the driving force behind ever decreasing product cycle times. Cost and time to market are crucial factors to ensure continued success in a competitive business where products must be tailored precisely to the customers' needs. To achieve these goals, co-operation between suppliers and vehicle manufacturers need to reach unprecedented levels through the use of common tools. This paper aims to show the competitive edge that may be derived from using current state-of-theart rapid prototyping systems and control development tools. The tools shift the emphasis away from expensive on- vehicle work to lever the power of simulation and vehicle emulation in the development of prototype CVT controller. Focus will be placed on new CVT control generation developed using the technology previously described. The CVT automatic transmission with new control software behaves as a conventional step transmission (False Step) giving a more acceptable feeling for European client not used to conventional CVT Engine-speed response. Better fuel consumption results were carried out trough an adaptive control able to recognise different road profiles and driver behaviour and to change vehicle response to the driver demand.