The future (and present use) of computers in automobiles

[blueangel42]

Hello guys, so I have a project coming up for my college intro to computers class, and I'll be presenting a project on the topic of "Computers in Automobiles". In a general query, I'm looking for a point in the right direction. To get an an idea of where I'm coming from; I know valve timings for when cylinders fire are controlled by the ECU, but that's pretty much the extent of my knowledge on the subject. What else is controlled by the ECU? Do other systems besides the engine get computed by the ECU? What handles suspension controls, like TC and stability control? I'm guessing there's more systems then just the ECU that facilitate computer usage in a modern car.

Does anyone who's familiar in the ways computers interact with car mechanics, have some good links or their own information they have that could get me going? It would be much appreciated

 

[thx1138v2]

Search "automotive electrical ecu schematics" to get a generic list of wiring diagrams. Look at the schematics, find the ECU, and examine all of the things it is connected to by tracing the wires.

Typically, the older the vehicle the fewer devices are controlled by electronics and the newer, the more controlled devices.

BTW, ECU controlled valve timing is pretty rare. You are more likely thinking of ignition timing.

Some of the other things are

controlling the starter motor depending on whether the transmission is in gear and/or the brake is pressed

speed sensors report speed electrically to the ECU and the ECU controls the speedometer and automatic transmission shifting

some manual transmissions also have ECUs

2WD/4WD shiftng

Most gauges are now driven by the ECU that receives an analog voltage and converts it for digital display

A lot of fuel system control is handled by the ECU by receiving inputs from air flow and fuel mixture sensors and translating it into a set of balanced fuel delivery parameters to control fuel injectors and air flow mixture

Anti lock brake systems

The entire onboard diagnostics system.

There is typically more than one ECU, each unit controling different aspects of the vehicle.

 

[galerecon]

I have two in mind: Electric Power Steering and Infotainment Systems. Nowadays, newer vehicle are built with EPS system to provide assistance to the driver. These systems are controlled by an ECU. You also have Infotainment Systems which use HMI modules to provide music, entertainment, navigation, etc. in a vehicle. They are also incorporating Android Auto and Apple Car Play into the infotainment systems.

Reference:
EPS: http://www.cvel.clemson.edu/auto/systems/ep_steering.html
Infotainment: http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,2426316,00.asp