Can't tell the difference between ABS/EBS/AEBS? You'll understand after reading this.

Truck drivers on long-haul logistics routes are the vehicle group with the highest average annual mileage and are also the most prone to fatigued driving. To ensure the driving safety of truckers, the government has introduced relevant regulations, such as mandatory rest after driving continuously for 4 hours and requiring heavy trucks to be equipped with additional safety features.

Speaking of safety features, we can't help but mention these three types: ABS, EBS, and AEBS.

Today, the editor is going to put the ABS, EBS, and AEBS systems together and explain in one article the differences between these three major systems.

▎What exactly do the ABS, EBS, and AEBS systems mean?

First, let's clarify what the ABS, EBS, and AEBS systems actually mean:

ABS: ABS is the Anti-lock Braking System. According to information, this system can automatically control the braking force of the brakes when a car is braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and keeping them in a state of rolling and sliding at the same time, thereby ensuring that the wheel's grip on the road is maximized.

EBS: EBS stands for Electronic Braking System. It can be regarded as an upgraded version of ABS, replacing the original purely mechanical control with an electronic control system. EBS not only improves performance but also significantly expands functionality.

AEBS: Automatic Emergency Braking System. This system uses sensors such as radar and cameras to detect targets. When it determines that there is a risk of collision between the vehicle and the one in front, it issues a warning and automatically applies the brakes.

▎ What do ABS, EBS, and AEBS have in common?

From the principles of the three systems mentioned above, it is not difficult to see that ABS, EBS, and AEBS are all key technologies in automotive braking systems. They play an important role in improving vehicle safety and driving stability, and while they have similarities, there are also differences between them.

Similarity 1: Same common goal. These three systems share a common goal, which is to stop the vehicle and enhance driving safety.

Similarity 2: The ECU occupies a central position. In all three systems, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) plays a crucial role. The ECU is responsible for receiving signals from sensors, performing complex calculations and processing, and issuing control commands to regulate the operating state of the braking system.

Similarity 3: Assisting driver operations. All three systems assist the driver to some extent. ABS improves the driver's vehicle control by preventing the wheels from locking; EBS shortens the vehicle's braking response time through electrical signal calculation and transmission, thereby reducing braking distance and enhancing braking safety; AEBS can automatically intervene in braking in emergency situations, alleviating the driver's burden. 

▎What are the differences between ABS, EBS, and AEBS?

In short, the similarities between ABS, EBS, and AEBS reflect the common features and trends in the development of automotive braking system technology; however, each of them also has its own distinct technical characteristics.

● ABS Technical Features: According to the information, the ABS system uses wheel speed sensors to monitor the rotational speed of the wheels in real time. When a wheel is about to lock, the ABS system quickly reduces the braking force, allowing the wheel to roll again, and then increases the braking force. This cycle repeats, creating a state of rolling and sliding until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

The ABS system is categorized by channels, including single-channel, two-channel, three-channel, and four-channel types. Different types vary in control precision and effectiveness.

What we need our fellow drivers to pay attention to is that the purpose of the ABS system is to provide better vehicle control and stability in emergency braking situations. Although the ABS system cannot directly shorten braking distance, it does improve the safety performance of the vehicle.

● Features of EBS technology: The EBS system mainly prevents wheel lockup by rapidly and continuously adjusting brake pressure, and EBS introduces an electronic control system to replace the traditional mechanical system.

In simple terms, the EBS system collects information such as brake signals and wheel speed through sensors, then processes and calculates it via the electronic control unit (ECU). It controls and adjusts the braking pressure through the rapid transmission of electrical signals, thereby achieving better braking performance. At the same time, the EBS electronic brake control system is also the hardware foundation for achieving L2/L3 and even higher-level advanced driver assistance in the future.

At the same time, the EBS system also features functions such as rollover prevention control, deceleration control, brake force distribution, main-and-sub trailer coordination control, integrated auxiliary braking, friction pad wear control, and brake temperature monitoring. In addition, unlike ABS, the EBS system can achieve faster braking response times and shorter braking distances, making braking safer and more efficient.

● AEBS Technical Features: The working principle of AEBS is generally divided into three parts in the industry: 'perception,' 'decision-making,' and 'execution.'

Perception means 'seeing or detecting,' mainly through sensors such as radar and cameras, to constantly monitor road conditions and detect pedestrians, non-motor vehicles, and static or moving vehicles.

Decision-making is about issuing corresponding commands based on the relevant situations perceived by the vehicle. Through the ECU, the information obtained by the sensors is evaluated, such as our relationship with the car in front, at what distance the driver should be alerted, and whether braking measures need to be taken.

Execution refers to providing decision information to the ECU, initiating actions, giving the vehicle audio-visual warnings, or directly performing braking and deceleration on the vehicle.

For example, the Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA 5) system has already been installed on the Mercedes Actros at the current stage and has achieved significant results.

When the system is operational, the ABA5 system detects that the vehicle is about to collide with the vehicle ahead, an obstacle, or pedestrians crossing or coming toward it, and the system will immediately take the following actions:

1. Visual signals and loud beeping sounds warn the driver to make the correct decisions or evasive maneuvers.

2. If the driver does not take any deceleration measures at this time, the ABA5 system will automatically apply a certain amount of braking force to the vehicle, approximately 50% of the braking power, with the main purpose of reducing speed.

3. If the driver still does not respond, the ABA5 system will automatically apply the maximum braking force allowed by the system to ensure the vehicle stops quickly. Once it comes to a complete stop, the electronic parking brake will automatically engage to prevent the vehicle from sliding and causing a secondary accident.

It is worth mentioning that recently, relevant authorities have drafted a revised consultation draft of the 'Safety Technical Conditions for Operating Trucks.' From an analysis of the draft, we found that with the implementation of the new regulations, AEBS will become a mandatory feature for future production of cargo trucks or towing vehicles.

It should be noted that due to external factors such as road conditions, tire tread depth, cargo loading, tractor-trailer matching, and vehicle condition, AEBS cannot 100% prevent collisions within the set emergency braking range.

▎What will the future of braking systems look like?

Looking at the development trajectory of automotive braking systems, it is not difficult to see that future automotive braking systems are unlikely to develop in the direction of a 'single system,' but rather toward integration, intelligence, efficiency, and safety.
 

In other words, future braking systems will require a higher level of intelligence and automation. They will be able to communicate in real time with other assistive or autonomous driving systems, achieving more precise braking control, including functions such as automatic braking, steering, and acceleration, as well as coordinated driving between vehicles.

In summary, by continuously integrating advanced sensor technology, data analysis, and machine learning algorithms, braking systems will achieve more precise braking control, optimized energy recovery, and closer coordination with other vehicle safety systems, thereby enhancing overall driving safety, reducing energy consumption and emissions, and making our driving more efficient.