Fuel Consumption Reduction and Driving Performance: Digital Engine Management Systems Make it Possible

Engine characteristics significantly influence how the customer rates a car. Driving fun and driving comfort are composed of technical factors such as engine dynamics, responsiveness, idle stability, torque boost, jerk-free acceleration and deceleration, and many more. These drivability factors have to be achieved while fuel consumption is low and emission requirements are fulfilled.

This contribution presents how key functionalities of a control system are implemented. The design, resource planning, and main features of critical algorithms are described. It is shown how injector drivers are enhanced by digital functions in order to precisely realize injection patterns. Some general remarks illustrate the trade-offs between analog and digital implementations.