Product Line Approach to Develop an Engine Control Unit for the Emerging Markets

The wide varieties of passenger cars which exist today globally address a range of legislations and buyers preferences unique to different markets. These requirements would be impossible to meet without the electronics that manage everything from ignition and fuel delivery to every aspect of emissions control. A single platform solution of Engine management system (EMS) which addresses the functional requirements of all engine types makes it difficult to reach cost sensitive segments and markets. An engine management system has been developed for the emerging market considering low cost and reduced time to market. A product line approach has been implemented for this development to reuse product components and apply variability. The emerging markets require a number of strategies for reducing the overall system cost, some of which are also addressed in this paper.