Rapid-prototyping platform hits the streets

OpenECU is a novel low-cost rapid-prototyping platform for vehicle control systems.

OpenECU is a novel low-cost rapid-prototyping platform for vehicle control systems.

A starter kit is available for under GBP 5000 ($8200).

First customers include Torotrak (Development), developer of the full toroidal infinitely variable transmission (IVT), which enables over 20% fuel savings.

OpenECU significantly reduces capital outlay and timescales in vehicle development programmes.

A choice of ECU modules, sensors, actuators and harnesses, with a range of proven generic engine and vehicle control strategies operating on the OpenECU software platform, is available.

Neil Robson, Principal Engineer, Torotrak said: "OpenECU is a key enabler in driving our IVT technology to market.

It gives us the flexibility of a completely open software development platform and the inherent stability and reliability of production hardware.

Pi Technology is providing us with a solution that encompasses all of the base engine control functionality that we require, onto which we can layer our IVT specific software.

This allows us to use our resources to best effect and demonstrate the ease with which IVT control can be integrated into a production powertrain application".

The OpenECU controller is based on a high-volume production ECU featuring the Motorola MPC555.

The OpenECU G400 and G800 platforms, catering for up to four- and up to eight-cylinder engines, respectively, are offered in two variants.

The developer version is easy to configure and also allows calibration through a laptop whilst the system is in operation.

The fleet version is suitable for fleet wide deployment and can be reprogrammed when offline.

Paul Gosling, OpenECU Commercial Manager, Pi Technology said: "In simple terms, OpenECU helps hard-pressed development engineers get their new engines to run for the first time faster.

We provide off-the-shelf, ready-to-run generic control strategies and production-based hardware, allowing customers to cut vehicle development times and captures their intellectual property.

This ensures much lower capital and programme costs, fast development and validation, high reliability, and relevant testing".

OpenECU is suitable for early development programmes on engine, chassis, transmission and hybrid control systems and can be run during vehicle fleet trials.

Client strategies are developed in OpenECU as Simulink models and can be converted to production code either manually or by autocode.

OpenECU products are backed by a three-month support telephone package.

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