Instrument clusters make an important contribution to interface between vehicle and driver.

With the information from instrument clusters, drivers can make a comfortable and safe journey. Instrument clusters consist of speedometer, tachometer, fuel & temp gauges, warning indicators, and board computer which have drivers monitor the present status of vehicle.

Components

• Gauges: Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel gauge, Coolant temperature gauge
• Odometer/Milometer, Trip meter
• Board computer
• Indicators and warning telltales

Speedometer displays vehicle speed in km/h or MPH.

The speed signal of electronic pulse or CAN message from vehicle is computed with microcontroller of instrument cluster to drive its output device like stepper motor.

Tachometer displays engine revolutions in RPM (revolutions per minute).

The engine revolution signal of electronic pulse or CAN message from vehicle is computed with microcontroller of instrument cluster to drive its output device like stepper motor.

1) Fuel gauge

Fuel gauge indicates the remaining amount of fuel.

The fuel tank level is converted to electronic resistance through the fuel sender, and the sender resistance is computed with microcontroller of instrument cluster to drive its output device such as stepper motor, LCD, or LED.

2) Temp gauge

Temp gauge indicates the temperature of engine coolant.

The engine coolant temperature is converted to electronic resistance through the thermistor mounted inside the engine block, and the thermistor value is computed with microcontroller of instrument cluster to drive its output device such as stepper motor, LCD, or LED. Temp gauge has the nonlinear characteristics that keep constant level for a predefined temperature range.

The basic function of warning indicators is to show drivers information on vehicle status such as "door open" and "refueling needed". Warning indicators like "low washer liquid" and "brake lamp broken" also contribute to comfort and road safety by urging drivers to check vehicle systems.