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Embedded Systems in Automobiles

Electronic control units (ECUs) were first introduced in automobiles in the 1970s and have since become more advanced, integrating multiple systems. Early ECUs received information from sensors and used pre-programmed logic to control fuel injection. Modern ECUs use microprocessors and closed-loop control, monitoring the engine in real-time. Today's cars have numerous ECUs that communicate over controller area networks to integrate systems like stability control, infotainment, and advanced driver assistance features. Fully autonomous vehicles are being developed that use multiple sensors and computers to navigate without human input.

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273 views

Embedded Systems in Automobiles

Electronic control units (ECUs) were first introduced in automobiles in the 1970s and have since become more advanced, integrating multiple systems. Early ECUs received information from sensors and used pre-programmed logic to control fuel injection. Modern ECUs use microprocessors and closed-loop control, monitoring the engine in real-time. Today's cars have numerous ECUs that communicate over controller area networks to integrate systems like stability control, infotainment, and advanced driver assistance features. Fully autonomous vehicles are being developed that use multiple sensors and computers to navigate without human input.

Uploaded by

antosu1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Embedded Systems in Automobiles

By: Craig Delzangle


Roadmap

• What is an embedded system?


• The beginning
• Electronic Control Unit
• Other modules
• The future
• Summary
• Questions
What is an Embedded System?
• Computer system designed with a specific
purpose to function within a larger system
• Examples – cars, phones, mp3 players, medical
equipment, etc.
The Beginning

• First electronic fuel injection (EFI) system


developed by Bendix Corporation in 1957
• Offered by America Motors Corporation
• Only used in pre-production cars
• Less horsepower, expensive, suffered in cold
temps.
The Beginning contd.

• D-Jetronic system developed by Bosch


• Volkswagen Type 3 – 1967 The system sensed
manifold pressure, and engine temp. Turned
injectors on and off
First Electronic Control Unit

• First seen in 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega


• Received information from 10 sensors
• Pre-programmed to monitor engine and deliver
fuel to cylinders
• Developed to adhere to stringent emission
control requirements
• Still analog
First microprocessor
• 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda
• First to use computer management and LED
display
• Cost three times the budget of the car
Digital ECUs

• Introduced in the mid 80s


• First seen in Formula One
• Closed loop control – monitors engine in real
time
• Sensors – oxygen, throttle position, engine
speed, voltage, etc.
• Uses formulas and lookup tables
Basic Calculation
• Base Pulse Width – function of Load and RPM
• RPM = 2K Load = 4
• BPW = 8 milliseconds
• A = coolant temp = 100
• B = oxygen level = 3

• pulse width = (base pulse width) x (factor A) x (factor


B)
• PW = 8 x .8 x 1 =6.4 milliseconds
ECU components

• 8-32bit 40 MHz microprocessor


• Analog-digital converter
• High-level digital outputs
• Digital-analog converter
• Signal conditioner
• Communication chips
▫ controller-area-networking, 500 Kbps
Easier Diagnostics

• Each module communicates errors to a central


module
• Can communicate errors to a diagnostic tool
Instrument Cluster
• Displays data about the vehicle in its current
state
• Various modules send data to ECU
• ECU send a packet of info
• Cluster module looks for specific headers
• Cluster is updated
Other modules

• Antilock Brakes • Brake assist


• Airbags • Stability control
• Security systems • Anti-collision
• Keyless entry • Reverse assist
• Media center • Traction control
• Cruise control • Self-parking
• Seat position
and temperature
TerraMax
• Oshkosh Corporation
• 6x6 autonomous tactical cargo hauler
• Uses 64 lasers, 3 forward looking camera, 2 GPS
systems
Google’s car

• To be released in the next 5 years


• Realistically 2020
• Issues
▫ Lane markers in snow
▫ Un-mapped road changes
▫ Traffic officers
▫ Performance standard
▫ Price
Summary

• EFI was the start


• Introduction of ECU
• ECU changed the car
• The many processors of current cars
• Self driving vehicles
References
• http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-
hood/trends-innovations/car-computer1.htm
• “How ECUs Use Closed-Loop Controls to make
Fueling Corrections”, Cobb Tuning Inc, 2008
• 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega Overhaul
Supplement - general information
• http://www.howstuffworks.com/fuel-injection.htm
• http://www.embedded.com/electronics-
blogs/significant-bits/4024611/Motoring-with-
microprocessors
• http://www.slideshare.net/abhisheksutrave/embed
ded-systems-in-automobile
Questions?

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