AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS AND ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - A REVIEW

This paper is a review of current automotive microprocessor technology, with particular emphasis on engine management systems. Electronic and microprocessor control systems are becoming increasingly common in automobiles, as manufacturers seek to extract maximum performance from engines while at the same ensuring the exhaust emission content remains within legal limits. Microprocessor control systems offer reliability, accuracy and improved vehicle performance, at a low cost. Fuel injection system are of two main types depending on the need for exhaust emission control: memory mapped (open loop), and lambda point (closed loop) for stricter control. To function, these systems require input from a variety of sensors which monitor engine operation and conditions. Engine control is achieved through electro-mechanical actuators such as fuel injectors and throttle plate motors. Microprocessors have revolutionised this field by allowing a previously impossible degree of accuracy and sophistication. Since this field is at the front of automotive technology, research into new techniques for control and sensing will be discussed briefly.