Microsystems applications (MST) in automobiles have become commonplace: they enable the introduction of a series of new functions and at the same time the replacement of existing technologies offering improved performance and better value for money. Microsystems are indispensable for fulfilling a complete transition from the mechanically driven automobile system to a mechanically based but ICT-driven system as part of a likewise complex environment. With the introduction of micro-systems a series of challenges arise regarding complexity, systems design, reliability, serviceability, etc. These challenges have to be addressed in order to meet high customer expectations concerning performance and price.

Since 1995 the annual international forum on Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications (AMAA) has been held in Berlin. The event offers a unique opportunity for microsystems component developers, system suppliers and car manufacturers to show and to discuss competing technological approaches of microsystems based solutions in vehicles. The book accompanying the event has demonstrated to be an efficient instrument for the diffusion of new concepts and technology results. The present volume including the papers of the AMAA 2005 gives an overview on the state-of-the-art and outlines imminent and mid-term R&D perspectives. The 2005 publication reflects – as in the past – the current state of discussions within industry. More than the previous publications, the AMAA 2005 "goes back" to the technological requirements and indispensable developments for fulfilling the market needs. The large part of contributions dealing with sensors as well as "sensor technologies and data fusion" is exemplary for this tendency. In this context a paradigm shift can be stated. In the past the development focused predominantly on the detection and processing of single parameters originating from single sensors. Today, the challenge increasingly consists in getting information of complex situations with a series of variables from different sensors and in evaluating this information. Smart integrated devices using the information deriving from the various sensor sources will be able to describe and assess a traffic situation or behaviour much faster and more reliable than a human being might be able to do. Additional information is available on www.amaa.de

The current economic crisis is cutting the automotive sector to the quick. Public authorities worldwide are now faced with requests for providing loans and accepting guarantees and even for putting large automotive companies under state control. Assessing the long-term benefits of such help and wei- ing the needs of different sectors against each other poses a major challenge for the national policies. Given the upcoming change of customer preferences and state regulations towards safety, sustainability and comfort of a car, the automotive industry is particularly called to prove its ability to make nec- sary innovations available in order to accelerate its pace to come out of the crisis. Consequently the Green Car is assuming a prominent role in the current debate. Various power train concepts are currently under discussion for the Green Car including extremely optimised internal combustion engines, hybrid drives and battery-electric traction. Electrical cars are the most appealing option because they are free of local emissions and provide the opportunity to use primary energy from sources other than crude oil for transport. Well to wheel analysis show that their green-house gas emissions can be rated negligibly small if electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar is used.

Fundamental transformations are imminent for the automobile today: propulsion technologies are going to shift from combustion engines to electric motors; cars and roads will soon be as safe and convenient as never before; and traffic will flow increasingly efficient. Many of these advancements are due to innovative information and communication technologies, controls and smart systems, both in the vehicle and at its interfaces with the systems for power supply, mobility and data communication. The papers published in this book are selected from the submissions to the 15th International Forum on Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications (AMAA 2011) “Smart Systems for Electric, Safe and Networked Mobility”. They cover components, architectures and smart systems enabling the following functionalities: electric driving, safe cars and roads, and connected vehicles. Additional information is available at www.amaa.de

This stimulating and inspiring book explores the present and anticipates the future of Automotive Microsystems. The past decade has seen enormous progress in the use of automotive microsysems; their effect has been dramatic in reducing casualties, controlling emissions and increasing passenger comfort and vehicle performance. The book is a snapshot of new technological priorities in microsystems-based smart devices that offers a mid-term perspective on coming smart systems applications in automobiles.

Microsystems are an important success factor in the automobile industry. In order to fulfil the customers requests for safety convenience and vehicle economy, and to satisfy environmental requirements, microsystems are becoming indispensable. Thus a large number of microsystem applications came into the discussion. With the international conference AMAA 2002, VDI/VDE-IT provides a platform for the discussion of all MST relevant components for automotive applications. The conference proceedings gather the papers by authors from automobile suppliers and manufacturers.

From the beginnings of the International Forum on Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Application (AMAA) to the recent 11th AMAA Forum, enormous progress has been made in reducing casualties, emissions and in increasing comfort and performance. In many cases Microsystems provided key functions for this progress. This publication is a cut-out of new technological priorities in the area of microsystems-based smart devices, taking a mid-term perspective of future smart systems applications in automobiles.

Microsystems are an important success factor in the automobile industry. In order to fulfil the customers'requests for safety convenience and vehicle economy, and to satisfy environmental requirements, microsystems are becoming indispensable. Thus a large number of microsystem applications came into the discussion. With the international conference AMAA 2001, VDI/VDE-IT provides a platform for the discussion of all MST relevant components for automotive applications. The conference proceedings gather the papers by authors from automobile suppliers and manufacrurers.

With the total number of vehicles steadily increasing and soon approaching one billion, the world is facing serious challenges in terms of both safety of road transport and sustainability. Consequently the two major persistent issues for the automotive industry are improved safety and reduced emissions. The estimated number of road fatalities is about one million per year. Fast growth of mobility in the developing world and an accelerated urbanisation pose high demands to the automotive industry. Thanks to smart systems anticipating dangerous traffic situations road fatalities will have dropped by more than 30% from 2001 to 2010. Beyond intensive stock-rearing – with 30% the major contributor to climate change – road traffic is one of the main sectors contributing to climate change: exhaust gases from vehicle engines account for about 20% of the greenhouse gas emissions. Car industry is bearing this challenge and enormous progress has been achieved particularly during the last decade.