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The Computer in your Car
Modern day cars use the most-modern technologies. And for employing the modern features it uses high-tech systems that are capable of controlling the whole functionality of the car. Electronic control unit (ECU) is found in most cars of the period. It is also an integral part of Honda cars. Read on to know more about ECU.
It is the Electronic control unit that controls the different systems in a car such as the engine, its transmission, brakes and to sum it up it virtually every electronic part of the vehicle. There are also other mechanical or electrical systems that are regulated by the ECU. In the interiors of the car, the ECU helps in controlling the climate control system, doors, airbags and seats. Even though the number of ECUs in each car will differ, a car can have up to 80 individual ECUs. And the most common among them is the engine ECU, transmission ECU is also becoming increasing popular these days. And if both the systems are controlled by a single unit, then it is known as the powertrain control module (PCM).
To further explain on how the ECU works, one should know the functions of ECU thoroughly. The engine ECU is screening the engine with the help of a variety of sensors. And it is through this monitoring that the engine ECU determines factors such as ignition timing, fuel injection and any information stored in the ECU. The information from the sensor of engine is processed by a microprocessor. The microprocessor is a component in the ECU that has other electronic components on a printed circuit board or ceramic substrate.
It is the microcontroller that operates as a central processing unit or CPU. It will be mostly in a flash memory that the software will be stored. It will be stored either in microcontroller or other chips on the PCB. The purpose of saving the software in a flash memory is that one could re-programme the CPU by replacing chips or uploading updated code. The entire system of hardware and software combined to form the engine management system.
It is the Electronic control unit that controls the different systems in a car such as the engine, its transmission, brakes and to sum it up it virtually every electronic part of the vehicle. There are also other mechanical or electrical systems that are regulated by the ECU. In the interiors of the car, the ECU helps in controlling the climate control system, doors, airbags and seats. Even though the number of ECUs in each car will differ, a car can have up to 80 individual ECUs. And the most common among them is the engine ECU, transmission ECU is also becoming increasing popular these days. And if both the systems are controlled by a single unit, then it is known as the powertrain control module (PCM).
To further explain on how the ECU works, one should know the functions of ECU thoroughly. The engine ECU is screening the engine with the help of a variety of sensors. And it is through this monitoring that the engine ECU determines factors such as ignition timing, fuel injection and any information stored in the ECU. The information from the sensor of engine is processed by a microprocessor. The microprocessor is a component in the ECU that has other electronic components on a printed circuit board or ceramic substrate.
It is the microcontroller that operates as a central processing unit or CPU. It will be mostly in a flash memory that the software will be stored. It will be stored either in microcontroller or other chips on the PCB. The purpose of saving the software in a flash memory is that one could re-programme the CPU by replacing chips or uploading updated code. The entire system of hardware and software combined to form the engine management system.
There are plenty of advantages for such a system. It assists in controlling the operations of the engine and controlling it in real time. Such total control will result in improved mileage, enhance power output, and reduce emission, whereby improving the drivability at large. The ECU is much advanced than a traditional system. It is designed in a way that it is capability of working with definite measured engine performance. This helps in adjusting the humidity, ambient temperature, fuel octane rating and air density. Apart from this, the ECU also reads the throttle and other similar inputs from the driver that will help in bringing out sturdy performance.
There are still other complicated systems that manage the engine. And a good example for this is the Honda's variable valve timing systems such as the VTEC, which is electronically controlled. These systems are capable of communicating with the transmission control unit or interface with automatic transmissions that are electronically controlled. If there is a large number of ECUs in the car then they are communicated through a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, otherwise it is just hardwired to each other.
In most of the case, the ECUs are programmed and sealed before it leaves the factory. But there are also these special cases where programmable ECUs are being used. This happens when there is a noteworthy aftermarket alteration such as a modification to use an alternate fuel or addition of a turbocharger, and the ECU present will not have right control.
More and more cars have now started employing the ECU. And the reason for this is the growing complexity of the subsystems in the vehicles. Advanced active safety features, environment friendly technologies, and chassis control system like EPS would all ask for an ECU for functioning.
There are still other complicated systems that manage the engine. And a good example for this is the Honda's variable valve timing systems such as the VTEC, which is electronically controlled. These systems are capable of communicating with the transmission control unit or interface with automatic transmissions that are electronically controlled. If there is a large number of ECUs in the car then they are communicated through a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, otherwise it is just hardwired to each other.
In most of the case, the ECUs are programmed and sealed before it leaves the factory. But there are also these special cases where programmable ECUs are being used. This happens when there is a noteworthy aftermarket alteration such as a modification to use an alternate fuel or addition of a turbocharger, and the ECU present will not have right control.
More and more cars have now started employing the ECU. And the reason for this is the growing complexity of the subsystems in the vehicles. Advanced active safety features, environment friendly technologies, and chassis control system like EPS would all ask for an ECU for functioning.
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