Australia ADR certification services

This post outlines requirements for brake system with ESC or VSF.

What are VSF and ESC ?

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and VSF as a ‘Vehicle Stability Function’ including both ‘Rollover Control’ and ‘Directional Control’, must be fitted to category MD, ME, NB and NC vehicles. they are two similar but different technologies designed to improve vehicle stability and prevent loss of control. While both technologies aim to achieve the same goal of improving vehicle stability and control, they use slightly different methods to achieve this.

Vehicle Stability Function (VSF) is a term used to describe the overall function of a vehicle’s electronic stability control (ESC) system. VSF includes the various sensors, algorithms, and mechanical components that work together to detect and correct any instability in a vehicle’s movement, such as oversteer, understeer, and loss of control.

ESC, on the other hand, is a specific type of VSF that uses sensors to detect the vehicle’s lateral acceleration, yaw rate, and steering wheel angle, among others, to calculate whether the vehicle is moving in the direction the driver intends. If the system detects a loss of control, it will activate the brakes on individual wheels and adjust engine power to bring the vehicle back under control.

In essence, ESC is a type of VSF that specifically addresses the problem of loss of control, whereas VSF refers to the broader category of technologies that help to improve a vehicle’s overall stability and control. ESC is a crucial safety feature that has been mandated on new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM (gross vehicle mass) in Australia since 2011, and it has been shown to be effective in preventing accidents caused by loss of control.

esc test adr ece

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is one important safety features that have become increasingly prevalent in modern vehicles. In Australia, these systems are subject to specific testing procedures and requirements as outlined in Australian Design Rule (ADR) 35/07. In this post, we will discuss the VSF and ESC test procedures and requirements as per ADR 35/07 in detail.

Overview of VSF and ESC are systems that help to improve vehicle stability and prevent loss of control during sudden maneuvers or adverse driving conditions. VSF is designed to prevent or mitigate skidding and loss of control, while ESC builds on this by also helping to prevent rollover incidents. Both systems use sensors to detect the vehicle’s movement and adjust the braking and engine power to maintain stability and control.

The ESC test procedure is a comprehensive process that involves both laboratory and on-road testing. The laboratory tests evaluate the system’s ability to control the vehicle under simulated conditions, while the on-road tests evaluate the system’s performance under real-world driving conditions.

The laboratory tests include several types of tests such as bench tests, steering input tests, braking tests, and skid pad tests. These tests evaluate the system’s ability to control the vehicle’s stability, traction, and braking under different driving conditions. The on-road tests involve driving the vehicle on a test track or public roads to evaluate the system’s performance in various driving scenarios, including sudden lane changes, emergency braking, and cornering.

Requirements for ESC/VSF To comply with ADR 35/07, all new passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles must have VSF or ESC installed. The requirements for VSF and ESC include specific performance standards, test procedures, and installation requirements.

The performance standards for VSF and ESC include minimum performance requirements for controlling the vehicle’s stability, traction, and braking under different driving conditions. These performance standards must be met through laboratory and on-road testing.

The installation requirements include specifications for the location and orientation of sensors, as well as requirements for the wiring, software, and hardware used in the system. The system must also be designed to meet specific durability requirements and be capable of being calibrated and serviced.

Conclusion VSF and ESC are critical safety features that help prevent loss of control and improve vehicle stability. The testing procedures and requirements outlined in ADR 35/07 ensure that these systems are properly tested and installed in new vehicles to improve safety on Australian roads. Compliance with these requirements requires expertise in vehicle testing, design, and engineering. By working with a qualified testing and certification service provider, manufacturers can ensure compliance with ADR 35/07 and deliver safe and reliable vehicles to the Australian market.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *