Advanced Microcomputer for Engine Control

NEC has developed an 8-bit CMOS single-chip microcomputer, the uPD78312, for real time control and high speed data processing applications. The uPD78312 features very powerful on-chip input/output hardware which makes it especially suitable for automotive engine control. Included are multi-function pulse input/output hardware and a novel and efficient interrupt handling facility. These combine to make significant reductions in the software overhead in engine control systems.

The uPD78312 is the first member of a new family of advanced controller microcomputers, the uCOM-78000 series. This new family has been derived from uCOM-7800 series which includes the uPD78C11.

This paper includes a brief description of the uPD78312 and outlines the hardware for an engine control system utilizing the uPD78312 and associated NEC peripheral chips.