Preh Features Central Controller With Integrated Touchpad At Convergence 2012

Online, October 16, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Preh is exhibiting an innovative control concept at SAE Convergence® Conference & Exhibition in Detroit this year. The automotive supplier now is presenting a central controller concept with an integrated touchpad - a safety-oriented feature - as well as a third-generation black panel surface during the show exhibition, at Booth 401, October 16 - 17 in Cobo Center.

Further exhibit highlights include the latest mass production HVAC controls with a fanless temperature sensor for the Porsche 911 and Boxster as well as for the Audi A3.

"Preh has always stood out from the crowd with its keen spirit of invention. The control systems on display at Convergence once more make it clear how our partners can count on us in the future for the development and production of excellent control systems," said Nick Lontscharitsch, president of Preh, Inc. in Novi, Michigan.

Under a black panel surface, the new control concept has a screen that displays a wide range of menus that are selected via a rotary and push knob with an integrated touchpad: navigation, telephone, multimedia and memo-board. In the sub-menus, the function selection can be done via the touchpad. For example in "write" mode, all characters written with one finger are displayed. The integrated touchpad not only provides finger-writing recognition but also smart phone-like gestures.

The control concept also has a climate control system with three control knobs. As a special feature, when you touch a control knob, a pop-up menu opens that offers detailed selection options for the climate settings. In addition, touch-sensitive surfaces are also integrated in the black panel surface, with button functions and acoustic feedback.

Climate control with a fanless temperature sensor

Further highlights of Preh's Convergence exhibit are the latest mass production HVAC controls. For example, in the 2013 Audi A3, the distinguishing feature of the climate control system c is the sensing of the interior cabin temperature by means of a fanless temperature sensor. This was designed by Preh engineers so it could be easily hidden for optimum performance and integrated into the control system design. The flexibility of the fanless Preh temperature sensor becomes obvious, when looking at the 2013 Porsche 911 and Boxster climate control systems: these also rely on a fanless temperature sensor, but here the sensor was placed as a separate element in the interior to ensure optimal conditions for design and function.

For cars with a start and stop system, Preh develops air conditioning control concepts that comprise special function algorithms to ensure climate comfort during engine start and stop operations. Here the software concept prioritizes components and actions in the control system while regulating thermal and energy management issues.

About Preh

Founded in 1919, Preh is a globally operating group of enterprises with more than 3,000 employees. The company is headquartered in Bad Neustadt a.d. Saale, Germany. Preh's development and production competencies focus on vehicle interior control systems, sensor systems, electronic control units and assembly systems for the world's leading vehicle manufacturers.

Apart from the parent manufacturing and development center in Bad Neustadt, Preh oversees manufacturing facilities in Portugal, Mexico, Romania and China, as well as a customer support center in Novi/Detroit, U.S.A. Preh achieved revenues of €412 million in 2011. For more information, please visit www.preh.com.