What is Ford CCD system?
The Ford CCD term most often points to two distinct technologies: a suspension system known as Continuously Controllable Damping (CCD) and the camera sensors used in Ford’s imaging and driver-assistance systems.
In this article, we explore what CCD means in Ford’s context, how each interpretation works, where Ford has used or referenced them, and how they fit into Ford’s broader approach to ride comfort, handling, and safety.
Two main interpretations of CCD in Ford vehicles
The following section outlines the two most common uses of the CCD acronym in Ford’s technology landscape.
- Continuously Controllable Damping (CCD) — a dynamic suspension concept in which each shock absorber can adjust its damping force in real time to respond to road conditions, vehicle speed, load, and driving mode. This aims to improve ride comfort while preserving or enhancing handling.
- Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) cameras in Ford imaging and driver-assistance systems — camera sensors that, in older or specialized hardware, used CCD technology for image capture in some ADAS modules and auxiliary cameras. In contemporary Ford systems, CMOS sensors have become more prevalent due to efficiency and cost considerations.
In short, the CCD label in Ford’s technology can refer to either the adaptive suspension approach used to smooth or sharpen ride quality, or to imaging sensors used in camera-based safety and monitoring systems, depending on the model year and equipment.
Continuously Controllable Damping (CCD)
How it works
Continuously Controllable Damping is a form of adaptive suspension. Each wheel’s damper receives real-time input from sensors that monitor wheel movement, body pitch and roll, speed, steering, braking, and road surface. A central controller computes the ideal damping level for each corner and electronically adjusts the damper valving or magnetic fluid in the shock absorbers. The result is a ride that can be tuned for comfort on rough pavement or stiffness for responsive handling during spirited driving, often integrated with selectable drive modes.
Benefits and considerations
Key advantages include smoother ride on uneven surfaces, improved tire contact and stability during cornering, and better overall vehicle dynamics. Trade-offs can include added cost, higher maintenance complexity, and potential sensitivity to damage or wear in the actuators and sensors. Availability and naming vary by model year and trim; Ford has marketed adaptive suspension concepts under different names, with CCD appearing in some documentation and configurations.
CCD cameras in Ford imaging and ADAS
Sensor technology and evolution
CCD sensors were once common in various imaging applications, including some automotive camera modules. Today, automotive imaging generally relies more on CMOS sensors due to lower power consumption, faster readouts, and cost efficiency. In Ford’s current lineup, imaging and driver-assistance cameras are predominantly CMOS-based, but historical references to CCD in certain modules may still appear in older documentation or in legacy components.
Applications and deployment
Imaging sensors used in Ford’s ADAS and driver-monitoring systems support functions such as rear-view/backup cameras, 360-degree surround views, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and driver attention monitoring. While newer installations emphasize CMOS-based cameras for efficiency and processing compatibility, CCD terminology may still surface in discussions of older hardware or in historical overviews of Ford’s imaging tech.
Today, imaging hardware in Ford vehicles tends toward CMOS technology, but the CCD designation remains part of the broader historical context of automotive camera sensors and Ford’s evolving sensor strategies.
Summary
Ford CCD can refer to two separate technologies: an adaptive suspension system (Continuously Controllable Damping) designed to optimize ride and handling, and imaging sensors used in Ford’s camera-based safety and monitoring systems (historically CCD, now largely CMOS). The exact meaning depends on the model year, equipment, and context. For a specific vehicle, consult the owner’s manual or Ford’s technical documentation to confirm which CCD system applies.
