The steering wheel in an AMG vehicle is connected to the vehicle's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) through a series of electronic systems and communication protocols that enable real-time data exchange. This connection allows the vehicle to adjust various performance, safety, and comfort settings based on the driver's inputs from the steering wheel. Here’s how the steering wheel is connected to the ECU:

1. Steering Angle Sensor and Hall Effect Sensors

• Purpose: These sensors measure the angle and rotation of the steering wheel, transmitting this data to the ECU to track the position of the wheel relative to the vehicle’s front wheels. This allows the system to adjust steering assist, stability control, lane-keeping assist, and other features that depend on steering input.
• Connection to ECU: The data from these sensors is relayed to the ECU via electrical wiring that uses serial communication protocols (e.g., CAN bus or LIN bus). The ECU processes the information to control the vehicle's electronic power steering (EPS) system, enabling features like dynamic steering assistance or torque vectoring.

2. Torque Sensors

• Purpose: These sensors detect the force exerted by the driver on the steering wheel. They measure the steering effort and provide feedback on the driver's input, which is critical for features like dynamic steering feedback and for triggering interventions from safety systems like stability control or lane-keeping assistance.
• Connection to ECU: The torque sensor sends signals to the ECU, which uses this information to adjust the power steering system and dynamically control steering response based on the driving conditions (e.g., softer steering for city driving, firmer steering for high-speed driving).

3. Haptic Feedback and Motors

• Purpose: The haptic feedback motors embedded in the steering wheel provide tactile responses to the driver based on various system feedback, such as when the lane-keeping assist activates or when traction control is engaged.
• Connection to ECU: The motors that deliver vibrations or steering resistance are controlled by signals sent from the ECU. The ECU processes the sensor data and determines when to activate the feedback motors for safety alerts or performance features.

4. Electronic Control of Buttons and Switches

• Purpose: Many AMG steering wheels are equipped with buttons and switches for controlling vehicle systems (e.g., Drive Mode Selector, infotainment system, cruise control, launch control, etc.). These buttons send input to the ECU, which then triggers the desired action (e.g., changing drive modes or adjusting suspension settings).
• Connection to ECU: These button presses are communicated via wires or flex circuits that interface directly with the ECU, often through the CAN bus. When a driver presses a button, the ECU interprets the signal and adjusts the vehicle settings accordingly.

5. CAN Bus and Data Communication

• Purpose: The CAN (Controller Area Network) bus is the main communication protocol used in modern vehicles, including AMG models, to transmit data between various electronic control units. It allows real-time communication between the steering wheel sensors, ECU, power steering system, and other vehicle modules.
• Connection to ECU: The CAN bus ensures that information from the steering wheel's sensors (e.g., steering angle, torque, and feedback data) is transmitted to the ECU, which processes the data and then sends commands to adjust the power steering, drivetrain, or stability control systems. This seamless communication enables real-time adjustments based on the driver's steering input and the vehicle's dynamic conditions.

6. Steering Wheel-Mounted Displays and Touch Controls

• Purpose: Some AMG steering wheels have displays or touch-sensitive areas that allow the driver to access vehicle settings and data. These features can include navigation, performance data, or vehicle diagnostics.
• Connection to ECU: The inputs from these displays and touch controls are processed by sensors in the steering wheel and transmitted to the ECU via electrical connections. The ECU then sends appropriate signals to the infotainment system or vehicle systems to update the information on the display or adjust settings based on the driver’s preferences.

7. Adaptive Cruise Control and Driver Assistance Systems

• Purpose: The steering wheel also plays a role in managing adaptive cruise control and other driver assistance systems (such as lane-keeping assist, collision avoidance, etc.).
• Connection to ECU: The steering wheel buttons for cruise control and safety systems send inputs directly to the ECU via the CAN bus. The ECU then processes these inputs to engage or adjust the driver assistance features accordingly. For example, pressing a button to activate adaptive cruise control will signal the ECU to maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.

8. Power Steering and Drive Mode Settings

• Purpose: The steering wheel also directly interacts with the power steering system (which can be electric or hydraulic in AMG vehicles) to provide dynamic feedback to the driver. Drive modes like Comfort, Sport, and Race also affect steering response, and these modes can be selected via buttons on the steering wheel.
• Connection to ECU: The steering wheel controls (like the Drive Mode Selector) send signals to the ECU, which adjusts the power steering system to alter steering response and feedback based on the selected driving mode. For instance, in Sport mode, the steering becomes stiffer and more direct for improved handling.

9. Wireless Communication (in Advanced Systems)

• Purpose: In certain high-end systems, wireless communication technologies may be used to transmit data from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s ECU. This can include wireless control for adjustable steering wheel positions or settings related to comfort or driving preferences.
• Connection to ECU: Bluetooth or other short-range communication systems may be used to transmit signals from the steering wheel’s touch controls or buttons to the ECU. This communication allows for seamless changes to vehicle settings, without the need for a direct physical connection.

Conclusion:

The steering wheel is intricately connected to the vehicle's ECU through a combination of sensors, CAN bus communication, and electronic control systems. These components work together to ensure that the vehicle responds optimally to the driver's inputs, adjusting features like power steering, dynamic driving modes, stability control, and driver assistance systems. The integration of these systems allows for a highly responsive and customizable driving experience, characteristic of AMG vehicles.