Arduino based logic for ECM remote testing by generating engine and vehicle speed signals

Abstract

In diesel engine, a lot of work is going on to enhance the capability of Engine Control Module (ECM) by adding different improved features. Most of the new features directly or indirectly have engine and vehicle speed as their contributing parameters. We need to provide actual engine and vehicle speed signals while testing these features and other ECM parameters which are affected by engine and vehicle speed. The instruments involved in generating these signals are not cost-effective. Digital circuits used to generate engine and vehicle speed signals have low cost but are inaccurate. So, this paper provides a low-cost Arduino Timer and Interrupt based solution for generating these speed signals with high accuracy and precision. A graphical user interface (GUI) is also developed to get accurate (numeric) input from user. To mimic all possible engine speed conditions, crank cam displaced speed signals were also generated and given to ECM. The hardware developed using Arduino can be used for testing of ECM remotely irrespective of actual vehicle or engine availability as it is self-sufficient of providing crank, cam and vehicle speed signals.