System electronic stabilization ESP has long become an integral part of most cars, including economy class ones. But few people know how this system works, why it is needed and whether they can rely on it. In this article we will try to figure this out.

A little history

Back in the 90s, when leading car manufacturers began to massively equip cars with the ESP system, a scandalous incident occurred with the Mercedes company. During one of the tests, a brand new Mercedes A-Class overturned - this served as an even more widespread introduction of the new product to new cars.

How the system works

The main task of the electronic stabilization system ESP is to align the car in the direction where the front wheels are pointing. The car is equipped with sensors for the vehicle's position in space, rotation sensors for all 4 wheels, a steering angle sensor, and a pump with a split control system brake lines wheels and electronic unit managing it all.

The control unit polls 4 wheel rotation sensors with a frequency of up to 30 times per second. The steering angle and the axial rotation sensor, or as it is called, are also queried Yaw Sensor

All data is processed by the electronic control unit and if this data does not agree, then ESP intervenes in the braking system and the fuel supply system, which leads to the alignment of the car in the direction of the wheels. It is important to understand that the electronics do not know where to align the car and the only direction is the direction of the wheels. So all we have to do is point the wheels in a safe direction.

It would seem that this function is performed by the driver in emergency situation And this system not needed by confident drivers, it’s a misconception! In an emergency, the car selectively brakes those wheels that are needed to level the car, and correct adjustment fuel supply will help level the vehicle by pulling the vehicle's front drive axle(or pulling rear axle for rear wheel drive cars).

Now there is false information that ESP interferes with driving. This is 100% false, since a person cannot use all the features of ESP. A simple test on an ice test site will prove this to you. On high speed There is a much better chance of staying on the road thanks to the stabilization system than without it.

If you still think that it is bothering you, then you do not know the elementary laws of physics or you do not know the principle of operation of ESP. And having realized main principle: ESP aligns the car in the direction the front wheels are pointing. You will still change your point of view through practice and experimentation.

As the developers say, there is no such traffic situation when ESP will cause harm, there are only hopeless situations.

Well, to consolidate information about the principle of operation of the electronic system ESP stabilization video:

Such an issue as safety worried the first car designers at the dawn of the automobile industry. Since then, security systems have been constantly improved, helping modern car owners get out of difficult situations at a critical moment. Let's look at one of these new systems and find out what ESP is in modern cars.

Nowadays widespread received the system ESP (Electronic Stability Program). We call her system directional stability . It is designed to control vehicle stability in critical situations, preventing vehicle go into a skid and prevent lateral sliding. The system also helps to hold the car when performing sharp maneuvers at high speed or on poor road surfaces.

Such security devices were first tried in the middle of the last century, but truly working version managed to implement on serial cars only in 1995. Today it is used on almost all cars, regardless of their class and cost.

Let's figure out how this device works.

So what is ESP in a car and how does this system work?

The ESP system works in conjunction with ABS. All sensors in traction control system are involved in the work of ESP, but it also has its own. The electronic unit processes incoming signals from all ABS sensors and two ESP sensors. One of which measures angular velocity, and the other lateral acceleration.

Using these sensors, lateral slip is detected. They determine its parameters and transmit a signal to the electronic unit. This device is constantly aware of all vehicle readings, such as speed, steering angle, engine speed or how much the car has skidded.

When processing signals from sensors, the electronic unit compares the information with the behavior of the car, and as soon as information about deviations from the specified parameters is received, the electronics tries to correct the situation.

The system can level the car in case of skidding by sending various commands to different wheels which ones need to be slowed down at this moment, in her opinion, and which ones don’t. Braking is carried out through the ABS modulator, which creates pressure in the brake system. At this moment, the command is also sent to the engine control. To reduce the speed, the feed is automatically reduced and the rotation of the wheels slows down.

On cars with a block electronic control, ESP can make changes to the operation of the transmission by changing gears critical situation at our own discretion.

Many drivers believe that a device such as ESP in a car interferes with sudden maneuvers or an aggressive driving style. By the way, many cars have disabling ESP at will. But it is recommended to turn it off only for good road conditions and if the driver has extensive driving experience.

The ESP system represents one of the most important parts of car driving safety, correcting mistakes and often helping both experienced and inexperienced drivers get out of difficult situations.

One of the main advantages is that such a device does not require special skills from the driver in an emergency situation. You just need to turn the steering wheel and the car will figure out how to navigate the turn on its own.

But we must not forget that you should not rely entirely on ESP. Still, sometimes the driver must think about his own safety, as well as the safety of passengers.

Every new car, sold in Europe since 2014, must be equipped with an electronic stabilization system, but not all car owners know how ESP and ESC differ, and what the chosen option affects.

ESC (or ESP) is considered by many to be one of the greatest advances in the field. car safety and motorsport in particular. The fundamental difference between the stabilization system and such traditional elements passive safety like belts and airbags is that they are designed to save lives, as well as preserve the health of the driver and passenger in an accident, but ESC (or ESP) are used.

For reference, ESC stands for Electronic Stability Control ( Electronic Control Stability), and ESP - Electronic Stability Program ( Electronic Program stabilization). In fact, the goals of both are the same, and research and empirical testing clearly prove their effectiveness. According to British experts, who were based on statistical data, equipping a car with ESP helps reduce the risks of serious traffic accident by 25%. At the same time, Swedish researchers are inclined to believe that this system active safety helps reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident by 35% fatal in bad weather conditions.

This is a gloomy prospect, which, nevertheless, must be subject to careful analysis, which is why in Europe, at the legislative level, mandatory equipment for all new cars ESP. Such an initiative was implemented in 2014; until that moment, such an important system was only included in the list additional equipment, there is enough available expensive models. At the same time, the prototype of this electronic system was patented back in 1959, and it would be impossible to implement it on a mass scale. production model succeeded only in 1994.

How ESP and ESC work

With such a quantity electronic systems installed in a car, each of which has its own abbreviation, many car owners do not understand at all what it is fundamental difference between them. To further complicate the situation, different names are used to designate similar active safety products, which in most cases are determined by the manufacturer itself.

Thus, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) may be known as ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control or Stability Control), VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist - System Exchange Stabilization) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control - Dynamic Stability Control System). Some automakers use their own "brands" to promote ESP, so you may encounter, for example, DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) from or PMS (Porsche Stability Management) from .

So now we have decided on possible options names, let's see how ESP works.

Adding a third safety element to ABS and traction control

In order for your car to be equipped with the ESP system, it must be equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking system). brake system) and TCS (Traction Control System - traction control system) In their simplest form, these two active safety elements are designed to improve handling and predictability, and maintain control of the vehicle during braking and acceleration respectively, so their intervention in the control process is limited to controlling linear acceleration.

ESP complements them and introduces a third controlled dimension, since it is responsible for moving the car in a direction perpendicular to the trajectory of movement, in which phenomena such as understeer or oversteer - skidding - occur. In more advanced versions, it is in constant interaction with the electronic engine control unit in order to maximize its efficiency.

According to statistics, ESP can prevent up to 80% of skids, which is an excellent indicator, especially given the fact that about 40% of accidents occur precisely because of this phenomenon. However, it is worth remembering the words of Scotty from the movie Star Trek: "You can change the laws of physics!". Of course, the possibilities of active safety systems are not unlimited and this should not be forgotten. If the driver crosses the point where loss of control over the car is inevitable, none of the currently existing systems will prevent serious consequences.

Extra stability when turning with ESC

Since ESP provides additional security Along with ABS and TCS, it may not surprise you to know that it uses most of the equipment from these systems to operate. Using sensors to measure the speed of individual wheels, as well as information from lateral acceleration sensors and lateral speed sensors, the unit ESP control Constantly monitors the lateral movements of the vehicle and compares them with the position of the steering wheel. If the car does not respond to the steering wheel movement as programmed, or the specified steering angle and speed are too high, ESP will begin to brake the wheels in an attempt to maintain a straight trajectory. In this case, braking is carried out with active interaction with, which eliminates the blocking of one of the wheels. The very essence of the operation of the system in question is to begin to actively assist in the process of driving the car even before the driver realizes that he is beginning to lose control.

The system works constantly, regardless of the driving mode, and even when coasting. And the mechanism of its influence completely depends on the situation and design features car. For example, if the rear axle begins to slip during a sharp turn, the electronics begins to smoothly reduce the amount of fuel supplied to the engine, ensuring a decrease in its speed. If this is not enough, then a gradual braking of the front wheels begins. If the car is equipped automatic transmission, then ESP allows you to force activation winter mode operation, providing the ability to shift to a lower gear.

Additional benefits of ESC

Since ESC is capable of braking the vehicle's wheels regardless of pedal input, it opens up enormous potential for the implementation and implementation of various other safety technologies. These include the now fairly well-known Brake Assist, designed to reduce braking distance, which recognizes the situation emergency braking and provides the necessary assistance to the driver. And also Hill Hold Control, the essence of which is to help when starting uphill by braking the wheels for a couple of seconds after releasing the pedal to prevent rolling back. All this brings us a few steps closer to the moment when electronics will completely replace the driver.

Active safety systems in a car today have become the most important part of a car's equipment. When purchasing a vehicle, the potential owner immediately examines the comfort and safety zone of the equipment in order to make a choice in favor of a more reliable car. One of the active safety systems - ESP - is an essential addition to a modern car, which helps improve directional stability.

The exchange rate stability system can only work fully with ABS, and preferably also EBD. Stability control controls virtually all vehicle functions, so that if a critical skidding situation arises, this module allows you to avoid uncontrolled driving of the car.

The nature of the ESP - what functions are controlled by the system?

Majority modern cars their advanced trim levels have this active safety feature. If previously buyers were confused by the presence of many abbreviations of three Latin letters, today each name arouses genuine interest in the driver. We are talking about such important safety.

But in the case of the exchange rate stability system, not every driver knows the nature of the operation of this module. When ESP is included in a car, the question arises, what are they? So, the ESP module is responsible for controlling the vehicle’s control during a skid, controlling the following machine functions:

• steering, or rather, inadmissibility sharp jerks steering wheel when skidding;
• distribution of braking forces to each wheel to the required extent;
• reducing or increasing engine speed to obtain the desired control;
• monitoring angular velocity and lateral acceleration to understand the onset of skidding.

Sensors for this function are located on virtually all vehicle controls, which leads to a quick response to any skid. As soon as the car begins to leave the driver's control, the ESP system assists and begins distributing the correct braking forces, adjusting the steering and performing other functions. It is almost always possible to avoid an uncontrolled skid.

Do not think that cars with ESP can be driven recklessly slippery road, because the module will save you in any situation. ESP is far from magic; it is a technology that will not help to overturn the laws of physics. So if you enter a skid at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour, you will not feel the effect of the function.

Statistics on the use of ESP on cars

When all modern motorists already know what ESP is, whether it is worth taking a package with this function and overpaying for the car upon purchase, the time has come to talk about the real benefits of this system. The main task of any active or passive vehicle safety function is to prevent possible accidents, which often occur when control control is lost.

This is precisely the task that the creators of the ESP system for cars set for their developments. Using incredibly sensitive sensors, the module reacts within 20 milliseconds and activates all the necessary devices to prevent skidding. This is confirmed by many statistics:

• number of accidents in winter time on cars with ESP it decreased almost by half;
• insurance companies in the USA and Europe have begun the practice of reducing the cost of insurance for cars with such a system;
• Manufacturers are investing more and more money into improving this function;
• not so long ago ESP system successfully migrated to sports cars, although its features contradict the sport.

Of course, the most visible benefits from using this technology will be received by novice drivers who do not yet have enough experience and practice to overcome difficult road situations. Previously, the ABS function was considered the exclusive prerogative of novice drivers, but today in some countries the sale of new cars is prohibited without the use of this braking assistant.

Let's sum it up

Among the many new developments with mysterious names in the form of abbreviations, the coursework system stability ESP is of great importance and is one of the important additions to your car. With the help of many sensors and instant response to the start of a skid, this module will not allow the driver to lose control.

If you're wondering whether it's worth paying extra for this active safety feature, be sure to consider having it in your car. Such additions do not require additional costs, maintenance or other processes. They will only always serve for the benefit of your safety.

Miniature WiFi modules ESP8266 are quite attractive for smart home and home automation systems. They are also called “NRF24L01 killers.”
I ordered myself later modifications of ESP07 and ESP12, which are smaller in size and have a larger number of GPIO outputs, which does not require “hacks” to use additional I/O ports in them.

These modules were developed Chinese company

Specifications:

• WI-FI: 802.11 b/g/n with WEP, WPA, WPA2.
• Operating modes: Client (STA), Access Point (AP), Client+Access Point (STA+AP).
• Supply voltage 1.7..3.6 V.
• Current consumption: up to 215mA depending on operating mode.
• Number of GPIOs: 16.
• Flash memory size 512kb.
• Data RAM 80 kB
• RAM instructions - 32 kb.

About modifications of ESP8266 modules

I ordered the modules in January.
Price - $3.78, - $4.24. I bought it as a reward for reviewing an article. Arrived in 31 days in sealed bags

ESP8266 ESP-07

ESP8266 ESP-12

Reviving the module took quite a long time
To do this, you need to apply 3.3V to it. Moreover, the stabilizers on the USB/UART converters do not draw current from this module, so external power is required.

RXD, TXD and GND are connected via to the computer.

As a result, I assembled the following circuit on a breadboard:

Here I immediately encountered the following difficulty - the pitch of the holes in the ESP07 is 2 mm, and not 2.5 like the pin connectors used in Arduino and other places.
I had to solder wires to the breadboard

Immediately I brought the RESET button and the GPIO0 jumper to ground, which switches the module to firmware download mode. And I turned on power to the module through

After that, I launched the CollTerm program and received a module invitation at a speed of 9600.
The AT+GMR command issued 0020000904 (SDK version - 0020, AT version - 0904)

For those who are too lazy, like me, to deal with AT commands, there is a tool that allows you to configure all this.

I did the firmware. Because this program works only with COM1-COM6, I had to change my COM33 from USB/UART converter to COM6 in the device manager.

Next, installing the firmware is not difficult: open the port and connect. The speed is selected automatically. The main thing is not to forget to connect GPIO0 to ground (I have a special jumper for this). The speed is selected automatically. Sometimes the connection was not established. Pressing the RESET button during the connection helped.

Now you can connect to the module
In this program, you can load files for the LUA interpreter into ESP, execute both single commands and scripts of this interpreter.

I was able to run the BMP180 pressure/temperature module connected to GPIO2 and GPIO0

To do this, I downloaded the bmp180.lua file from the ready-made modules that came with the firmware from GITHUB
And then the init.lau file executed when the ESP8266 boots
tmr.alarm(1, 5000, 1, function() print("ip: ",wifi.sta.getip()) bmp180 = require("bmp180") bmp180.init(4, 3) tmr.stop(1) -- alarm stop end)

Running the program without delaying the timer resulted in an invariable error.
After restart, code
bmp180.read(OSS) t = bmp180.getTemperature() p = bmp180.getPressure() -- temperature in degrees Celsius and Farenheit print("Temperature: "..(t/10).." C") -- pressure in differents units print("Pressure: "..(p * 75 / 10000).." mmHg")

Output the current pressure and temperature to the console.

But I was unable to start issuing these parameters in web server mode. It's all about lack of memory. The web server and BMP180 worked separately, but together they crashed
PANIC: unprotected error in call to Lua API (error loading module "bmp180" from file "bmp180.lua": not enough memory)
Or scraps of LUA code just fell onto the console.

It was not possible to modernize on the fly.

My further path was to build my firmware on a proprietary SDK, like . But that is another story. I’ll just say that the firmware was assembled without problems, but it was not possible to launch the ill-fated BMP180.

conclusions

• ESP8266 modules are very cheap solutions for building a smart home network and other home automation using WiFi
• These modules are quite suitable for replacing the NRF24L01+ in conjunction with Arduino and other “popular” controllers.
• To work as an independent controller, the ESP8266 has few resources and rather crude firmware
• Programming ESP modules is a rather labor-intensive process that can be intimidating for beginners
• Overall, the ESP8266 has great promise. I will wait for the development of firmware and development tools, but for now, I will use them in conjunction with other controllers (except )))