History of Engine Control Units (ECU)

The history of Engine Control Units (ECUs) is fascinating, as these electronic brains play a pivotal role in modern vehicles. Let’s delve into their journey:

1. Early Beginnings:

• The concept of an ECU dates back to the 1930s when aircraft engines used mechanical-hydraulic units for control.
• BMW introduced the Kommandogerät system in 1939, which managed multiple engine functions for the BMW 801 14-cylinder radial engine powering the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 V5 fighter aircraft. This system replaced six controls with one, but it had some issues like surging and stalling.

2. 1970s: The Rise of ECUs in Vehicles:

• In the early 1970s, the Japanese electronics industry started producing integrated circuits and microcontrollers for engine control.
• Ford’s EEC (Electronic Engine Control) system, featuring the Toshiba TLCS-12 microprocessor, entered mass production in 1975.
• Bosch introduced the Motronic 1.0 system in the 1979 BMW 7 Series (E23), combining fuel injection and ignition control.

3. 1980s: Expanding Roles:

• Delco Electronics used an ECU for Chevrolet and Buick engines in 1981 to control fuel systems and ignition.
• By 1988, Delco Electronics was producing over 28,000 ECUs per day.

4. 21st Century:

• Most modern ECUs function using digital electronics.
• Their main functions include:

1. Fuel injection system
2. Ignition system
3. Idle speed control
4. Variable valve timing/lift systems

• Sensors used by the ECU:

1. Accelerator pedal position
2. Camshaft position
3. Coolant temperature
4. Crankshaft position
5. Knock Sensors
6. Inlet manifold pressure
7. Intake air temperature
8. Oxygen (lambda) sensor
9. Throttle position
10. Wheel speed sensor

• Other Functions:

1. Launch control
2. Fuel pressure regulation
3. Rev limiter
4. Wastegate control
5. Anti-lag
6. Theft prevention via immobilizers
7. In camless piston engines, continuous control of valve timing.

In summary, from mechanical-hydraulic units to sophisticated digital ECUs, these electronic wizards have transformed how engines operate!

The use of Engine Control Units (ECUs) in cars began to gain prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Here are some key milestones:

1. Early Systems:

• In 1968, Volkswagen introduced the first car with an engine computer as part of the Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) system.
• General Motors implemented its “Computer Command Control” system on all US passenger vehicles for the 1981 model year.

2. Mass Production:

• In the early 1970s, the Japanese electronics industry started producing integrated circuits and microcontrollers for controlling engines.
• The Ford EEC (Electronic Engine Control) system, which utilized the Toshiba TLCS-12 microprocessor, went into mass production in 1975.
• Bosch introduced the Motronic 1.0 engine management system in the 1979 BMW 7 Series (E23). It combined control of the fuel injection system with the ignition system.
• In 1981, Delco Electronics used an ECU for several Chevrolet and Buick engines to control their fuel system (a closed-loop carburetor) and ignition system.

3. Advancements:

• ECUs have evolved significantly since then, incorporating digital electronics and controlling various engine functions, including fuel injection, ignition, idle speed, and variable valve timing.
• In the 21st century, most ECUs function using digital electronics and are crucial for efficient engine performance.

So, the journey from mechanical-hydraulic units to sophisticated digital ECUs has revolutionized how cars manage their internal combustion engines!