Una unidad de control electrónico ( ECU ), también conocida como módulo de control electrónico ( ECM ), es un sistema integrado en la electrónica automotriz que controla uno o más de los sistemas o subsistemas eléctricos de un automóvil u otro vehículo de motor .
Los vehículos modernos tienen muchas ECU, y estas pueden incluir algunas o todas las siguientes: módulo de control del motor (ECM), módulo de control del tren motriz (PCM), módulo de control de la transmisión (TCM), módulo de control de frenos (BCM o EBCM), módulo de control central (CCM), módulo de sincronización central (CTM), módulo electrónico general (GEM), módulo de control de la carrocería (BCM) y módulo de control de suspensión (SCM). Estas ECU juntas a veces se denominan colectivamente computadora del automóvil , aunque técnicamente son todas computadoras separadas, no una sola. A veces, un conjunto incorpora varios módulos de control individuales (un PCM a menudo controla tanto el motor como la transmisión). [1]
Algunos vehículos de motor modernos tienen hasta 150 ECU. [2] El software integrado en las ECU continúa aumentando en número de líneas, complejidad y sofisticación. [3] Gestionar la creciente complejidad y el número de ECU en un vehículo se ha convertido en un desafío clave para los fabricantes de equipos originales (OEM).
The development of an ECU involves both hardware and software required to perform the functions expected from that particular module. Automotive ECU's are being developed following the V-model.[1] Recently the trend is to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to develop safe modules by following standards like ISO 26262.[5] It is rare that a module is developed fully from scratch. The design is generally iterative and improvements are made to both the hardware and software. The development of most ECUs is carried out by Tier 1 suppliers based on specifications provided by the OEM[citation needed].
As part of the development cycle, manufacturers perform detailed FMEAs and other failure analyses to catch failure modes that can lead to unsafe conditions or driver annoyance. Extensive testing and validation activities are carried out as part of the Production part approval process to gain the confidence of the hardware and software. On-board diagnostics or OBD help provide specific data related to which system or component failed or caused a failure during run time and help perform repairs.
Some people may wish to modify their ECU so as to be able to add or change functionality. However modern ECUs come equipped with protection locks to prevent users from modifying the circuit or exchange chips. The protection locks are a form of digital rights management (DRM), the circumventing of which is illegal in certain jurisdictions. In the United States for example, the DMCA criminalizes circumvention of DRM,[6] though an exemption does apply that allows circumvention the owner of a motorized land vehicle if it is required to allow diagnosis, repair or lawful modification (ie. that does not violate applicable law such as emissions regulations).[7]