KOSTAL Elektronische Steuergeräte

Door control units

Because of the increasing numbers of components installed in the doors, such as actuators, sensors and operating devices, many vehicles are equipped with electronic door systems to control the various functions involved.

Comfort, safety and security

In the course of a development history extending over more than 25 years, electric window controls with the KOSTAL patented pinch-protection system have become a feature which is recognised world-wide. The window control system, with other functions such as central locking and mirror adjustment, forms the core of the various instances of door electronics. Future challenges in the field of door control units will be based on four main product fields:

KOSTAL Türsteuergeräte

System integration

Ever-increasing integration and the constant search for cost reductions in electronic components will determine the future development of door systems. As a major system integration specialist, KOSTAL has created a manufacturer-independent platform strategy which enables synergy effects to be achieved in terms of resources and component costs.

Pinch-protection innovation

KOSTAL use the term “pinch-protection innovation” to describe a further development which creates a more user-friendly environment for the window control system. A reduction in the parameters involved has contributed to a significant improvement in system alignment. In particular, the performance of the pinch-protection function on poor road surfaces has been significantly improved by using a hardware-in-the-loop system.

SMC – Sensor-free Motor Control

KOSTAL has carried out further development work on its sensor-free revolution count system and there are millions in use throughout the world. Compared with conventional control systems using Hall-effect devices, system costs can be significantly reduced using this technology, both in central and decentralised window controls.

Window control speed regulation

Using semi-conductors instead of relays to control the window operating motors will lead to better window control functions in the future.

Facts: Door control units

    • sensor-free motor control
    • motor speed regulation for window control systems
    • best-in-class pinch protection
    • E/E analysis
    • SMC technology
    • HW platform
    • SW standardisation (Autosar)
  • KOSTAL Türsteuergerät im Detail
    • reliable, rugged system
    • tool-supported parametrisation
    • optimised validation with HIL (hardware-in-the-loop)
    • simulation of all operational statuses
    • specification testing of motors
    • motor validation
    • complete system validation
    • fewer process steps
    • fully automatic production
    • press-in technology
    • in-line flashing
    • motor integration
    • switch integration
    • standalone electronics (central / decentralized)

Seat control units

Controlling any individual seat position is a real and obvious boon for the driver.

Individualising comfort functions

KOSTAL seat control units coordinate the numerous motors in the seat, centrally and reliably. The interplay of the various axes of movement enables drivers of different heights and sizes to select their ideal seat position.

Seat memory ECUs will store different seat position profiles and this means that anyone using the vehicle can, at the touch of a button, call up the individual position which he or she has previously selected. When used with the relevant central locking system and user-specific key the seat will also adjust automatically as the door opens.

KOSTAL Sitzsteuergeräte

The vehicle as a wellness oasis

These days the car is much more than just a means of getting from A to B. It provides the means of combining mobility, communication, office, leisure and wellness amenities in the same package. And wellness includes comfortable, recreative and relaxing seating.

In addition to adjusting the seat position, KOSTAL seat control units can also offer a massage function in the seat. This involves the systematic operation of pneumatic valves to activate air-cushions below the surface of the seat to provide a pleasant massage of the upper body. 

Climate control – i.e. heating and cooling – for seats round off the functional spectrum of KOSTAL seat control units.

Cross-carline concepts

KOSTAL develops and manufactures seat control units based on cross-carline platform concepts. Modular hardware and software architectures with standardised, scalable function modules enabling rapid modification of basic functions such as the following: the number of directions of adjustment and memory capacity to move to a stored position. 

KOSTAL seat control units enable different operating concepts to be achieved by individual programming of the operating logic. In this way highly reliable modules, designed precisely for the customer, are created at optimum cost.

Facts: Seat control units

    • position logging using Hall sensors or sensor-free 
    • mirror position memory with CAN bus control
    • soft start and stop with PWM
    • motor controls via relays and / or semi-conductor end-stages
    • pinch protection
  • KOSTAL Sitzsteuergerät im Detail
    1 head-rest height
    2 upper seat-back angle
    3 main seat-back angle
    4 seat cushion height
    5 seat cushion length
    6 seat cushion depth
    7 seat cushion angle
    L lumbar support horizontal and vertical
    • automatic storage via remote-operation key
    • seat-memory settings
    • adjustment functions linked via maps
    • overload / abuse protection
    • servomotor shut-down before mechanical end-stop
    • cooling protection with seat ventilation
    • memory functions for seat, steering column, pedals, safety belt and mirror
    • seat heating and ventilation
    • individual seat position at the touch of a button
    • entry aid for back-seat passengers
    • entry aid for the driver
    • massage function