Microprocessors

Most modern automobiles use only digital processing of data. A microprocessor (CPU = Central Processing Unit) processes the incoming data according to a programmed process program and switches the attached actuators. For the microcontroller to correctly interpret the different input signals, they also must be translated into digital voltages and/or frequencies. This job is done by one of the signal converters of the CPU. In exactly the same way the control commands initiated by the CPU must be processed into signals which can be understood by the attached actuators. An output stage which is inserted between the CPU and the actuator system is provided for this. It must be dimensioned so that it can deliver sufficient power to the attached actuators (e.g. servomotors).