Cost and Time Effective Development of Microprocessor Based Control Systems 911750

Through the use of modular electronics designs and specially designed electronic development tools, the development time and cost of electronic control systems, such as an engine controller or transmission controller, can be reduced. The control system electronics are based on a circuit board which includes the required control system components, including SAE J1708 compatible communications, high-current and low-current outputs, analog inputs, and a number of digital inputs. By using the same electronics, all development tools can be used across all development programs. Several such tools include a remote programmer, serial link development system, and a data acquisition system.

Although the use of vehicle electronics is greater than ever before, the use of microprocessor-based electronics has been limited to higher volume products, such as components for monitoring and display. Complex stand-alone electronics for engine control or transmission control are becoming more common, yet more sophisticated control systems linking engines, transmissions, and other hydraulic systems are still limited (1).* This is partially due to the high cost of development, and the risk involved in designing a new, unproven system for each engine-transmission combination. The purpose of this paper is to describe a method of achieving cost and time benefits through the use of a proven, modular system which can be used for a variety of control system and monitoring tasks.