Motorized Throttle Positioning Simulation Model

A motorized throttle model has been developed in block diagram form (Simulink^®). Its primary input is the control signal to the throttle motor's electrical H-driver. The model's primary output is throttle position sensor signal. The model's utility for vehicle and engine simulations is proved with validation data.

While a DC motor actuated positioning device is well known, special attention is paid to modeling subtle but significant physical characteristics. Further, the model is structured to overcome numerical simulation issues. The laboratory environment that connects a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to vehicle powertrain simulation hardware is diagramed.

This paper is useful to those modeling this and similar actuators as it points out pitfall avoidance for real time simulation issues. It avoids reliance on difficult-to-measure characteristics that cloud validation validity.