Vehicle Dynamics Management

The software functions of the Vehicle Dynamics Management network the Electronic Stability Program ESP® with other active vehicle dynamics systems from the domains of steering, drive train, and chassis.

The focus of VDM is:

• Improving the active safety (e.g. reduced braking distances)

• Improving the vehicle’s agility (e.g. higher dynamic response in bends)

Whereas the individual vehicle dynamics systems improve certain sub-functions in the vehicle, above all in the areas of comfort and convenience, interaction also takes place bet-
ween them and with the ESP®, since all these systems have
an effect upon the longitudinal and lateral dynamics.
Control of this interaction by VDM also enables new functions using the already existing vehicle dynamics systems. The rea- lization of this function by means of software enables the ve- hicle manufacturers to differentiate with respect to vehicle make, and also within a given vehicle model.

The VDM software can be integrated in either the ESP® ECU or in a Domain Control Unit. The vehicle’s sub-systems all utilize the sensor signals and the centrally calculated infor- mation on the vehicle’s driving status, e.g. on road speed, sideslip angle, and movement of vehicle body. This ensures consistent system behavior and economically efficient im- plementation of functions.