Most instrument clusters today use microcontroller to handle the fundamental 4-gauge information of speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and temp gauge. Further high level information from various control units on vehicle status is also processed and displayed on display devices like LCDs of instrument cluster.
For the light source of indicators and illumination, LEDs are usually employed with the features of low power consumption, high brightness, and improved lifetime.

The CAN (Controller Area Network) communications system has been introduced in vehicle for efficient information exchange between various control units. The application specific microcontrollers applied to Continental instrument clusters include the on-chip CAN controller, which enables data communications with all other control units connected to the CAN bus.

Hyundai Genesis instrument cluster

Fixture

With the self-equipped fixture, Continental stepper motors are assembled onto PCB without screwing or soldering.

Contacts

Electrical connection with PCB is achieved by the spring contacts of the stepper motor when it is assembled using the fixture.

Illumination

Pointer illumination is performed by the transparent shaft of the stepper motor that conveys light from an LED mounted beneath on PCB.

Pictures: Pointer Illumination

Further Advantages