Basic's Presentation on Engine Control Unit (ECU) - PDF

 

 

The use of the term ECU may be used to refer to an Engine Control Unit, however ECU also refers to an Electronic Control Unit, which is a component of any automotive Mechatronic system, not just for the control of an engine. It serves several functions which includes regulating and maintaining the amount of fuel and air in the fuel injection part and helps in increasing horsepower of the engine.

An ECU is a computer with internal pre-programmed and programmable computer chips that is not much different from a home computer or laptop. The vehicle’s engine computer ECU is used to operate the engine by using input sensors and output components to control all engine functions.
The ECU needs inputs from vehicle sensors like the crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensors to compute the information using a program that has been stored in the ECU on a programmable memory chip. The ECU program will use the inputted sensor information to compute the needed output like the amount of fuel injected and when to spark the coil in order to start the engine.

Advantages Of ECU :-

• The main function of the ECU or Engine Control Unit is the controlling of series of function of actuators on an internal combustion engine and ensuring the excellent engine performance. The Engine Control Unit is also called Power train control unit. This is also responsible for the best Engine performance.
• It controls the fuel mixture used by the engine. It determines the amount of air-fuel mixture injecting into the engine.
• ECU adjust the exact timing of the spark or the ignition timing to provide the better power and economy. ECU detects itself whether there is the problem in the compression stroke or not and works according and set the timing of ignition.
• Most cars have also built in control system in their ECU for controlling idle speed. Idle speed is controlled through the programmable throttle stop.
• The amount of data that goes through the ECU for processing is staggering. There are multiple operations which have to be performed almost simultaneously to achieve maximum performance. The beauty of the ECU is that it permits processing of all the information that is received by the engine with the sensors. The car responds far better and much quicker because of this.
• The sophistication of the ECU is such that a car company can program information so one car model may have a very smooth ride, while another has more of a racing flair to it. It is also possible to have both qualities in the same vehicle and that is another quite astounding dimension of the ECU.

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