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An engine control unit (ECU), also called an engine control module (ECM), [1] is a device that controls various subsystems of an internal combustion engine. Systems commonly controlled by an ECU include the fuel injection and ignition systems.
The development of an ECU involves both hardware and software required to perform the functions expected from that particular module. Automotive ECU's are being developed following the V-model. [ 1 ] Recently the trend is to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to develop safe modules by following standards like ISO 26262 . [ 5 ]
The earliest electronic systems available as factory installations were vacuum tube car radios, starting in the early 1930s.The development of semiconductors after World War II greatly expanded the use of electronics in automobiles, with solid-state diodes making the automotive alternator the standard after about 1960, and the first transistorized ignition systems appearing in 1963.
Over the years, there were many variations of EEC-IV modules depending on the number of engine cylinders and the types and quantities of inputs and outputs. There were even a series of special EEC-IV modules designed for use in Formula 1 race cars, making Ford one of the earliest adopters of digital electronics on a race car.
The BCM communicates with other on-board computers via the car's CAN bus system, and its main application is controlling load drivers – actuating relays that in turn perform actions in the vehicle such as locking the doors, flashing the turn signals (in older cars), or dimming the interior lighting.
A typical ETC system consists of three major components: (i) an accelerator pedal module (ideally with two or more independent sensors), (ii) a throttle valve that can be opened and closed by an electric motor (sometimes referred to as an electric or electronic throttle body (ETB)), and (iii) a powertrain or engine control module (PCM or ECM). [4]
On some cars, such as many Chryslers, there are multiple computers: the PCM, the TCU, and the Body Control Module (BCM), for a total of three separate computers. These automotive computers are generally very reliable. The PCM commonly controls more than 100 factors in a car or truck.
The first generation of engine management controller for CART racing used a modified production ECM, but performed poorly in the race car due to the harsh EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) environment. This version was never used in racing, but the experience gained enabled the engineers to design a more successful Generation 2 controller for ...