It was 1974 and Intel was introducing a new microprocessor five times faster than its predecessor the 8008, for a total of 64 kilobytes. Scelbi's 8H commercial mainframe computer had 4 kilobytes of internal memory and a cassette tape. What electronic advancements were happening on the automotive front? Auto manufacturers were integrating 8-track tape players, fuel injection, electronic ignition and simplistic engine management systems into high-end cars.

1974 was also the year a group of 300 gathered in a small Troy, Michigan hotel for the inaugural automotive electronics 'Convergence' conference, contemplating how this new solid-state circuitry and compact computer wizardry could improve the next generation of cars and trucks.

Thirty-six years later, in Detroit's Cobo Hall, there were more representatives in host company DaimlerChrysler's PR team than the total head count at the initial event.
The Conversion conference itself attracted approximately 9,000 global automotive and electronics industry leaders. And why shouldn't it? Today's vehicles rely on the CPU and associated electronic switchgear to literally power their engines.

But of course that's not all. Electronics control everything from speed-sensitive drive-by-wire power steering to anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and anti-squat, anti-dive technology, from yaw-sensing stabilization to electronic traction control. Roll-compensating active suspension systems join paddle-actuated sequential-shifting electronic manual gearboxes with automatic capabilities. Full-electric motor propulsion compare with integrated motor assist hybrid gas/electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered drive systems. Driver information interfaces integrate electronic climate control systems with sophisticated DVD operated audio-visual technology, head-up-display global positioning systems with accident sensing 2-way satellite communication while electronic ignition keys with built in vehicle immobilizers synchronize with sophisticated security alarm systems. New dual-stage front, side-impact and roll-sensing side-curtain airbags, pyrotechnic pretensioning seatbelts, radar activated distance sensing cruise control and rear parking assist systems keep occupants and vehicles safe from harm or accident. What's more new 42-volt electrical systems are soon to be introduced to compensate for the awesome power drain on current 12-volt systems.

Yes Convergence is where all the top automotive electronics brains meet to contemplate, discuss, hypothesize, theorize, and corroborate and hopefully not discombobulate the electronic aspect of the automobiles present and future. It has also become the place for technology providers to showcase their relevant ideas, displaying their ability to blueprint, evolve, build and market them at a profit. After all, if the end buyer doesn't deem a new feature advantageous, desirable and fair value for their hard earned money, they won't spend.

Host DaimlerChrysler was joined by fellow sponsors the Convergence Transportation Electronics Association (CTEA) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). In total 180 technical exhibits were featured as well as keynote speakers such as Motorola's Chris Galvin, Microsoft's Dick Brass, Continental AG's Wolfgang Ziebart and Dieter Zetsche of DaimlerChrysler.

It sounds as if a group of engineers came up with the extremely wordy official name of this year's theme: Transportation Electronics = Business + Technology + Process, but after closer introspection as to its meaning it was more likely a cooperative effort from a more well rounded committee of automotive experts. Rather than technology for technology's sake, the theme actually focused on the importance of developing a viable business case for a new technology or feature. After all, it doesn't matter how ingenious, intriguing or noble an idea is, if the end user can't afford or doesn't need it, it won't fly in today's price sensitive, incentive driven market.

What was on the table during the October 21st to 23rd event? Everything from safety and emissions regulations to comfort and convenience features, to entertainment and security systems and more. While presenting sound business models is the new rule, Convergence also brought to light the wild and wacky, unconventional and should-be-institutionalized ideas, making the event as entertaining as it was important to the real-world-vehicle's future.