Active front steering - System networking and functionality

The mechatronic superposition steering system developed by ZF Lenksysteme and BMW AG enables a continuous and driving-situation dependent adaptation of the steering characteristics. Features like steering comfort, effort and steering dynamics are optimized and stabilizing steering interventions can be performed. After the successful introduction of AFS (Active Steering) into the international market, ZF Lenksysteme focuses aspects like system modularization. This paper focuses the advantages and the necessity of such a modular concept. Moreover, system bounds, networking, functionality and the required interface for the modular concept of the AFS-System will be described in detail.