What does a car’s computer do? Does it receive input from the car’s mechanical components? And if so, how?
In: Technology
The cars engine control unit (ECU) will have several sensor inputs, such as throttle position, oxygen sensor, exhaust gas sensor, camshaft sensor, coolant temp sensor.
Input -> Calculation -> Output
The ECU will then have software stored within it to calculate how much fuel and air to add into the engine. This varies with the sensor inputs and situations. Obviously you don’t need much fuel or air when parked up and idling.
This software is called the engine map. The map can be changed for better fuel economy or performance (the only difference between my car and its more expensive faster version is only the ECU map and exhaust pipe!)
The ECU then outputs / controls the fuel injectors, spark plugs and throttle body (amount of air going into the engine). In some cars the ECU can change the valve timing (VTEC)
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