Electronics Control Units
Electronics Control Units from Cummins:
The Electronics Control Unit (ECU) or Electronic Control Module (ECM), commonly known to be the brains behind the engine, provides key data to the engine and components within it. At Cummins, we have a range of ECMs to suit a variety of applications, from light-duty to high-horsepower, while meeting multiple emission regulations across the globe.
Diesel ECMs
Cummins Diesel Electronic Control Modules are engine controllers fit to power the worldwide diesel market meeting a variety of emissions regulations. At Cummins we design our ECMs to meet criteria for the most advanced technology in the commercial diesel markets.
Natural Gas Electronic Control Modules
Cummins Natural Gas engine controllers are fit for evolving technology in the commercial alternative fuels market. The natural gas capabilities can support up to 10 cylinders and has an external RAM of 4Mb. This ECM is adaptable across a variety of applications, and can be adjusted per application to meet emissions targets at the customer site.
Aftertreatment Control Modules
The Cummins aftertreatment control units are designed for aftertreatment systems for both developed and emerging markets. Designed in-house, these cutting-edge electronic modules are capable of controlling aftertreatment systems for enhanced system performance and meeting tighter emissions regulations.
Electronic Control Units
The Cummins CM2950 is a motor controller fit for a wide scope of applications. It is an actuator controller that can be used for a variety of purposes to both reduce emissions and increase performance. It is fit-for-market with low cost application.
What are Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
- Electronic Control Units (ECUs) play a significant role in enhancing performance, lowering emissions, driving fuel economy, ensuring safety and maintaining the vehicle.
- Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) are a type of ECU that optimizes engine performance and enhances efficiency. They do this by by monitoring sensor data and adjusting critical parameters such as fuel consumption and ignition timing as needed.
- The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), another type of ECU, monitors engine, transmission and powertrain components through strategically placed sensors, ensuring optimal operation.
Role of ECUs
- ECUs facilitate diagnostics by continuously monitoring sensor and actuator behavior, recording fault codes when anomalies are detected and aiding in quicker problem identification and resolution.
- ECMs optimize engine performance by analyzing sensor data and adjusting parameters like fuel consumption and ignition timing. The resulting emission reduction and efficiency enhancement is particularly evident in cold weather engine starts.
ECUs in Internal Combustion Engines
- ECUs power and sequence the injectors, spraying fuel into the combustion chambers. This includes controlling air-flow through turbo controllers as well as exhaust gas recirculation.
- They also manage after-treatment processes for exhaust cleaning. Cummins, for example, has been developing advanced control modules for these engines, ensuring high fuel economy and lower emissions.
ECUs in Natural Gas Engines
- While natural gas is cleaner and does not require extensive after-treatment, the ECMs in these systems still manage fuel injection and spark ignition systems.
- In various applications the ECUs control the valve timing to allow earlier ignition or delayed ignition which changes the power and torque output of the engine from each ignition cycle.
ECUs in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
- The ECUs in BEVs differ significantly from those in diesel, hydrogen and natural gas engines. They handle multiple power conversion functions like onboard chargers that convert AC to DC power to help charge batteries.
- They also manage high-voltage batteries to power conventional vehicle electronics. The ECUs look out for electrical faults that could be potentially risky to the drivers and to the charging infrastructure.
Considerations for Developing ECUs for the Energy Transition
- One of the challenges of sustainable transportation is to develop a cost-effective and precise electronics architecture that caters to different fuel systems while meeting regional market requirements.
- Strong engineering talent, customer-focused teams with diverse expertise and continued R&D investment will be required.
- The shift to next-generation control units for evolving regulations (Euro 7 and EPA 2027 standards) is also going to require more investment, time and resources.