Automatic Sensor Detection System for Automotive Industry Applications

In this paper, an apparatus for the automatic detection of the state of automotive sensors is presented. In particular, we consider ultrasonic parking sensors, cameras, and radar units, mounted in cable bundles and assembled into front and rear bumpers. The system operation relies on the DC electrical properties of the sensors, and recognizes if a sensor is correctly connected within the system and is working properly. A microcontroller board is used to communicate the sensor state to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Once the validation check is performed, the results are displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to immediately detect errors in connections or failed sensors. The system is implemented in a real industrial scenario, allowing the manufacturer to reduce work effort, time, and costs for the assembly and validation of automotive components. The system is described at the hardware level as well concerning for its functionality.