Microprocessors in the Automobile

Engineers faced with the problem of designing automotive digital processors and control units with microprocessor chips must select from standard or custom designs.

A new type of microprocessor which can be uniquely modified to tailor its performance to the specific needs of the automotive control system is presented. Examples of performance improvement are given for spark timing and dwell computations.

Trade-offs in cost, performance, risk and development time for standard, modified standard, and custom microprocessors are discussed. Various development approaches are reviewed and conclusions reached for future applications.