Acarputer, orcar-puter, is a computer with specializations to run in a car, such as compact size, low power requirement, and some customized components. The computing hardware is typically based on standard PCs or mobile devices. They normally have standard interfaces such asBluetooth,USB, andWi-Fi.[1] The first carputer was introduced byClarion on December 4, 1998,[2] althoughon-board diagnostics have been employed since the 1980s to precisely measure the amount of fuel entering the engine as thecarburetors got too complex.[3]
A challenge to installing a computer in a car is the power supply. Energy is supplied as a nominal 12 VDC in cars or 24 VDC in some trucks. The voltage varies according to whether the engine is on or off since the battery generally delivers 12V, while the generator supplies more. There can be peaks, and at ignition time the supply current drops. External DC/DC converters can help to regulate voltages.[1]
Police cars often haveMobile data terminals in the form of a laptop swivel mounted where the driver's armrest would be. This can be used to log data and to query networked databases.[4]
Microsoft developedWindows Embedded Automotive and used it with the AutoPC, a brand of carputer jointly developed withClarion.[5] The system was released in 1998, and referred to the operating system itself as "Auto PC".[6] It was based onWindows CE 2.0.[7] It evolved into "Windows CE for Automotive".[8] The platform was used for the first two generations ofMyFord Touch while the third generation runsQNX fromBlackBerry Limited.[9][10]
Tablet computers such as theNexus 7[11] can be installed either permanently (in-dash) or removably (a dock).[12] They can be used for watching movies or listening to music, as well as forGPS navigation, and also haveBluetooth forhands-free calls.[13]
Computers can be used to decodeon-board diagnostics (OBD) data to a visual display. Many interfaces are based on theELM327 OBD Interpreter ICs.[citation needed] STN1110 is also known to be used.[14]
Car interior | |
|---|---|
Part of a series of articles oncars | |
| Instruments | |
| Controls | |
| Anti-theft | |
| Other elements | |
| Convenience | |
