UNTERFÖHRING, Germany – LSP, which provides brake-by-wire systems to virtually the entire field of Formula E racing teams, has introduced two new systems for that series as well as for more even more-powerful racers.
Historic experience and data from the success of its IBSe 5 and IBSe 6 versions of the Formula E systems led to the development of the new IBSe 7 series and the IBSe Plus more robust one.
“For Season 7 we focused on faster response times and increased pressure gradients” said Simon Zollitsch, LSPs motorsports project manager. “LSP is thereby meeting a request almost every team put on them.
“To tackle this problem LSP reworked the IBSes whole drive train unit to shorten a typical time to lock scenario by some 30 milliseconds. Like this, drivers can brake later and harder, which saves some valuable milliseconds each corner.”
Further changes to the hydraulic conception of the IBSe brake-by-wire system from now on allow the system to not require a connection to the reservoir or a second reservoir for the unit. The system is plugged into the brake line at any position desired and works from there. This provides the teams additional freedom in the positioning of the system and saves unnecessary weight and space for the reservoir connection respectively second reservoir.
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LSP also introduced the new IBSe Plus with a more powerful and larger pressure- supply unit, providing three times more active volume of brake fluid than the IBSe 7.
In addition, the IBSe 7 has an integrated pedal-feel simulator, which can provide the driver with “normal-brake-pedal” feedback when operating in brake-by-wire mode. The pedal simulator can be tuned to match a driver’s preference.
Having multiple pressure sensors mounted on the system, especially on the pedal simulator, the system can even be used as a standalone brake-by-wire system: Driver request acquisition, balancing of recuperation and friction braking as well as a direct communication of brake system and motor controller being performed by the IBSe Plus is feasible. This could, for example, provide a second layer of safety in case of a VCU failure, which will be specifically important for (semi-) autonomous driving.
Having the IBSe 6, IBSe 7 and IBSe Plus available off the shelf, LSP is offering a variety of brake-by-wire systems which can be assorted to any brake layout desired.
“We hope to contribute to a safer and cleaner racing with our brake-by-wire products and push this future technology to the very edge” concluded Zollitsch.
