Safety And Redundancy Architectures For Steer-By-Wire Systems In Modern Road Vehicles

Abstract

Steering manufacturers have abandoned mechanical connections for electronic wheel control systems. Steer-by-wire cuts physical links between driver steering and wheel response, creating design flexibility and personalized steering characteristics. Safety functions now depend on electronic components, necessitating backup systems and failure management strategies. Contemporary implementations deploy redundant sensor configurations monitoring steering angle and torque inputs, independent actuation pathways controlling wheel positioning, distributed power supply architectures, and standby control units providing continuous system monitoring. Network systems combine Controller Area Network methods with Automotive Ethernet networks using Time-Sensitive Networking features for reliable message timing. Safety rules follow ISO 26262 functional standards, while security protection uses ISO/SAE 21434 requirements protecting against vehicle cyber threats. Driver interface features include clear warning displays, force feedback systems, and smooth transitions between control modes during system changes. Validation methodologies employ digital twin modeling, systematic fault injection protocols, and secure over-the-air update mechanisms, ensuring operational reliability throughout vehicle service lifecycles. These integrated components demonstrate that Steer-By-Wire systems achieve safety equivalence with mechanical alternatives while enabling advanced capabilities previously unattainable through conventional steering architectures.