Development of an Electronic Control Unit for Power-Shift Gears

A microprocessor-based power control unit has been developed for an off-road utility vehicle (16 to., 240 kW). The control unit enables the internal combustion engine to be operated according to selected criteria, such as minimum fuel consumption or minimum noise emission. Implementation of the microelectronics, instrumentation and control peripherle and additional safety components in the test vehicle was followed by an extensive programme of developement and testing. There were evident advantages for the electronic control unit as compared to series models, for example in respect to consumption and to the operating and driving characteristics of the vehicle.