4.

Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Automotive – Engine Performance

Topics covered in this presentation:

 ECU Operation
 ECU Components
 In Car Position
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Electronic Control Unit

Also Known as Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Powertrain Control
Module (PCM).
Automotive – Engine Performance

Vehicle management is by ECU, which acts as a computer.

Three stages of operation: INPUT-PROCESS-OUTPUT. Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

ECU Operation
Inputs come from sensors and switches.
Automotive – Engine Performance

CPU processes input readings and compares with ideal data,

stored in memory.

Outputs to actuators make adjustments that improve:

 Efficiency.

 Power.

 Controllability.
 Safety.

Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Simplified ECU Control System

Typical ECU and controls:
Q
E
Automotive – Engine Performance

D M R N

L K C
A
G F O
ECU H
J P
I B

A. Engine temp sensor G. Canister purge valve M. Fuel pressure regulator

B. Oxygen sensor H. Canister air valve N. Camshaft sensor
C. Knock sensor I. Charcoal canister O. Crankshaft sensor

D. Mass airflow sensor J. TPS P. Diagnosis lamp

E. Vacuum controller K. Air temp sensor Q. Ignition coil
F. EGR valve L. Idle actuator R. Injector Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

ECU Internal Circuits

Input circuit conditions signals.
Automotive – Engine Performance

Processing circuit compares information.

Output circuit switches actuators.
Power supply provides stable voltages to circuits. Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Processing Circuit Components - The CPU

CPU performs decisions and calculations.
Automotive – Engine Performance

Contains hundreds of logic gates, which operate with binary numbers.

Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Processing Circuit Components - Memory

Read Only Memory (ROM)
Contains program to control ECU. Processing components
Automotive – Engine Performance

Program is vehicle generic.

Information cannot be changed.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Temporary memory.

Used by CPU to store and retrieve data.

Data lost when power removed.

Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Processing Circuit Components - Memory

Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM /EPROM)
Program that is vehicle specific. Processing components
Automotive – Engine Performance

Can be updated.

Read only.

Keep Alive Memory (KAM)

Stores adaptive strategies.

Supplies default data if fault occurs.

Data is not lost if vehicle battery

disconnected (has own internal battery).

Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

ECU Housing and Location

Hard metal or plastic case,
with a connector(s) for
multiple wires.
Automotive – Engine Performance

Located away from moisture,

heat and vibration.

Housing
Connectors and wires

Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Different Types of ECU

Sometimes split into specific areas.
Automotive – Engine Performance

Instrument cluster
unit

Anti-lock
Main ECU brake unit

Suspension
unit

Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Static Electricity Precautions

People can become charged
with static electricity.
Automotive – Engine Performance

Charge stays until conductive

material touched.

Static electricity damages

internal components of
electronic devices (ECU).

Touch suitable ground

point to discharge.

Rubber gloves may prevent static

electricity build up and transfer. Next >
4. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Summary
You should be aware of:

ECU Operation
Automotive – Engine Performance

ECU Components

In Car Position

End >