AU-332-Automobile Instrumentation
Lecture No:19
Dr.Saqib Jamshed Rind
NED University of Engineering and Technology
Department of Automotive and Marine Engineering
Lecture Contents
After completing this lecture student should know about:
• Electronic Engine Control System
• Variables to be Measured
• Automobile Sensors
Electronic Engine Control System
Sensors and actuators play a critical role in determining
automotive control system performance.
Variables to be Measured
1. Mass air flow (MAF) rate
2. Exhaust gas oxygen concentration (possibly heated)
3. Throttle plate angular position
4. Crankshaft angular position/RPM
5. Coolant temperature
6. Intake air temperature
7. Manifold absolute pressure (MAP)
8 Differential exhaust gas pressure
9. Vehicle speed
10. Transmission gear selector position
Air Flow Rate Sensor
The Wheatstone bridge consists of three fixed resistors R1, R2,
and R3 and a hot-film element having resistance RHW is used to
determine the air flow rate.
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT ANGULAR
POSITION SENSOR
Crankshaft angular position is an important variable in
automotive control systems, particularly for controlling ignition
timing and fuel injection timing.
Magnetic Reluctance Position Sensor
In the magnetic reluctance position sensor, a coil wrapped around
the magnet senses the changing intensity of the magnetic field as
the tabs of a ferrous disk pass between the poles of the magnet.
Hall-Effect Position Sensor
The Hall element is a thin slab of semiconductor material that is
placed between the magnets so it can sense the magnetic flux
variations as the tab passes. A constant current is passed through
the semiconductor in one direction, and a voltage is generated
that varies with the strength of the magnetic flux.
Optical Crankshaft Position Sensor
In the optical crankshaft position sensor, a disk coupled to the
crankshaft has holes to pass light between the LED and the
phototransistor. An output pulse is generated as each hole passes
the LED.
Throttle Angle Sensor
Still another variable that must be measured for electronic engine
control is the throttle plate angular position.
A potentiometer consists of a resistor with a movable contact is
used to determine the throttle angle.
Lecture Summary
In this lecture we have learnt:
• Electronic Engine Control System
• Variables to be Measured
• Automobile Sensors
Text Books & References
1) Understanding Automotive Electronics by William B.
Ribbens, 6th edition.
2) Handbook of Automotive Power Electronic by Taylor and
Francis.
3) Automotive Electronics Designs Fundamentals by Springer
4) Automobile Electrical and Electronics by Tom Denton.
