ECU(Electronics Control Unit) Design Cycle.

1. ECU in auto mobile is basically an embedded device (computer device used for program for decision making based on the information from sensors).

2. ECU gets its signal from the various sensors placed in the various parts of the car and processed the signal and perform some actuation(Actions) thorough actuators (Machines, Motors etc).

3. Basically whole operation consists of the three module :
    A. Sensors module.
    B. Control/Processor module
    C. Actuator Module.

4. ECU is the made up of various electronics components and software.

A low end car contains at least 30 to 40 ECU's and high end car may contains more than the 100-150 ECUs.

As there are the number of  the ECU's so it's important to have proper communication between this ECU networking between ECU also play very important role in the design of complete car system.

So by ECU we are replacing most of the mechanical parts of the vehicle with the electronics devices as a result of this is that car weight will reduced and it increased the car mileage and controlling is ver fast as no human intervention is requires to control any system of car

Example of engine ECU which control the fuel injection, ECU for the breaking(ABS) of car,
ECU for the air bags in the car, ECU for the electronic stability program and many more ECU's for safety and convenience.


Thanks.