Computer and Network Fundamentals

CHAPTER 18
Computer and Network

Fundamentals
OBJECTIVES
After studying Chapter 18, the reader will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Prepare for ASE Electrical/Electronic Systems

(A6) certification test content area A (General
Electrical/Electronic Systems Diagnosis).
Explain the purpose and function of onboard
computers.
List the various parts of an automotive computer.
List five input sensors.
List four devices controlled by the computer
(output devices).
Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

By James D. Halderman
Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 All rights reserved.
KEY TERMS
Actuator
Analog-to-digital (AD) converter
Binary
Central processing unit (CPU)
Clock generator
Controller
Controller area network (CAN)
Digital
Duty cycle
EEPROM
E2 PROM
Electronic control assembly
(ECA)
Electronic control module (ECM)
Electronic control unit (ECU)
Engine mapping
High-side drivers (HSD)

Input conditioning
Keep-alive memory (KAM)
Low-side drivers (LSD)
Multiplexing
Network
Nonvolatile RAM
Output drivers
Powertrain Control Module
(PCM)
Programmable read-only
memory (PROM)
Random-access memory (RAM)
Read-only memory (ROM)
Serial data
Splice pack
Terminating resistors
Volatile
COMPUTER CONTROL
Modern automotive control systems consist of a

network of electronic sensors, actuators, and
computer modules designed to regulate the power
train and vehicle support systems.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the
heart of this system.
It coordinates engine and transmission operation,
processes data, maintains communications, and
makes the control decisions needed to keep the
vehicle operating.


THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

FUNCTIONS
The operation of every computer can be divided

into four basic functions.
Input
Processing
Storage
Output



FUNCTIONS
FIGURE 181 All computer systems perform four basic functions: input, processing,
storage, and output.



FUNCTIONS
FIGURE 182 A potentiometer uses a movable contact to vary resistance and send
an analog voltage to the PCM.


FUNCTIONS
FIGURE 183 A replaceable PROM

used in an older General Motors
computer. Notice that the sealed
access panel has been removed to
gain access.



FUNCTIONS
FIGURE 184 A typical output driver. In this case, the PCM applies voltage to the
fuel pump relay coil to energize the fuel pump.



FUNCTIONS
LOW-SIDE DRIVERS
HIGH-SIDE DRIVERS
PULSE WIDTH MODULATION

10


FUNCTIONS
FIGURE 185 A typical low-side

driver (LSD) which uses a control
module to control the ground side of
the relay coil.

11


FUNCTIONS
FIGURE 186 A typical modulecontrolled high-side driver (HSD)

where the module itself supplies the
electrical power to the device. The
logic circuit inside the module can
detect circuit faults including
continuity of the circuit and if there is
a short-to-ground in the circuit being
controlled.

12


FUNCTIONS
FIGURE 187 Both the top and bottom pattern have the same frequency.
However, the amount of on-time varies. Duty cycle is the percentage of the
time during a cycle that the signal is turned on.
13

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
In a digital computer, the voltage signal or

processing function is a simple high/low, yes/no,
on/off signal.
The digital signal voltage is limited to two voltage
levels: high voltage and low voltage.
Since there is no stepped range of voltage or
current in between, a digital binary signal is a
square wave.

14

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
A digital computer changes the analog input

signals (voltage) to digital bits (binary digits) of
information through an analog-to-digital (AD)
converter circuit.
The binary digital number is used by the computer
in its calculations or logic networks.
Output signals usually are digital signals that turn
system actuators on and off.

15

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
FIGURE 188 Many electronic components are used to

construct a typical vehicle computer. Notice the quantity of chips,
resistors, and capacitors used in this General Motors computer.

16

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
PARTS OF A COMPUTER
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

COMPUTER MEMORY
COMPUTER PROGRAMS
CLOCK RATES AND TIMING
COMPUTER SPEEDS
BAUD RATE
CONTROL MODULE LOCATIONS

17

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
FIGURE 189 Typical ignition timing map developed from testing and
used by the vehicle computer to provide the optimum ignition timing
for all engine speeds and load combinations.
18

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
FIGURE 1810 The calibration module on many Ford computers contains

a system PROM.
19

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
FIGURE 1811 The clock generator produces a series of

pulses that are used by the microprocessor and other
components to stay in step with each other at a steady rate.

20

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
FIGURE 1812 This Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is

located under the hood on this Chevrolet pickup truck.

21

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
FIGURE 1813 This PCM on a

Chrysler vehicle can only be seen
by hoisting the vehicle because it
is located next to the radiator, and
in the airflow to help keep it cool.

22

COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS
The vehicle computer uses the signals (voltage

levels) from the following engine sensors:
Engine speed (RPM or revolutions per minute)

sensor
MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
MAF (mass airflow) sensor
ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor
O2S (oxygen sensor)
TP (throttle position) sensor
VS (vehicle speed) sensor
Knock sensor

23

COMPUTER OUTPUTS
A vehicle computer can do just two things.
Turn a device on.

Turn a device off.
The computer can turn devices such as fuel

injectors on and off very rapidly or keep them on
for a certain amount of time.
Typical output devices include the following.
Fuel injectors
Ignition timing
Transmission shifting
Idle speed control
Evaporative emission control solenoids

24

MODULE COMMUNICATION AND

NETWORKS
Since the 1990s, vehicles use modules to control

most of the electrical component operation.
A typical vehicle will have 10 or more modules and
they communicate with each other over data lines
or hard wiring, depending on the application.

25

MODULE COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS

SERIAL DATA
Serial data is data that is transmitted by a series

of rapidly changing voltage signals pulsed from low
to high or from high to low.
Most modules are connected together in a network
because of the following advantages:
A decreased number of wires is needed, thereby

saving weight, cost, as well as helping with
installation at the factory, and decreased complexity,
making servicing easier.
Common sensor data can be shared with those
modules that may need the information, such as
vehicle speed, outside air temperature, and engine
coolant temperature.

26


MULTIPLEXING
Multiplexing is the
process of sending multiple
signals of information at the
same time over a signal
wire and then separating
the signals at the receiving
end.
This system of
intercommunication of
computers or processors is
referred to as a network.
FIGURE 1814 A network allows all modules to
communicate with other modules.

27


MULTIPLEXING
This multiplexing has a number of advantages,

including:
The elimination of redundant sensors and dedicated

wiring for these multiple sensors.
The reduction of the number of wires, connectors,
and circuits.
Addition of more features and option content to new
vehicles.
Weight reduction, increasing fuel economy.
Allows features to be changed with software
upgrades instead of component replacement.

28


MULTIPLEXING
The three most common types of networks used

on General Motors vehicles include:
1. Ring link networks

2. Star link
3. Ring/Star hybrid

29


MULTIPLEXING
FIGURE 1815 A ring link network reduces the number of wires it takes to interconnect all of the modules.
30


MULTIPLEXING
FIGURE 1816 A star-link-type network where all of the modules are connected
together using splice packs.
31

SAE COMMUNICATION
CLASSIFICATIONS
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

standards include three categories of in-vehicle
network communications, including the following.
CLASS A
CLASS B
CLASS C

32

SAE COMMUNICATION
CLASSIFICATIONS
FIGURE 1817 A typical bus

system showing module CAN
communications and twisted
pairs of wire.

33

What Is a Bus?
A bus is a term used to describe a

communication network. Therefore, there are
connections to the bus and bus
communications, both of which refer to digital
messages being transmitted among electronic
modules or computers.

34

MODULE COMMUNICATION DIAGNOSIS
Most vehicle manufacturers specify that a scan

tool be used to diagnose modules and module
communications.
Always follow the recommended testing
procedures, which usually require the use of a
factory scan tool.
Some tests of the communication bus (network)
and some of the service procedures require the
service technician to attach a DMM, set to DC
volts, to monitor communications.
A variable voltage usually indicates that messages
are being sent and received.

35

MODULE COMMUNICATION DIAGNOSIS
FIGURE 1818 Checking the

terminating resistors using an
ohmmeter at the DLC.

36

OBD II DATA LINK CONNECTOR
FIGURE 1819 Sixteen-pin OBD II DLC with terminals identified. Scan tools use the
power pin (16) ground pin (4) for power so that a separate cigarette lighter plug is
not necessary on OBD II vehicles.
37

SUMMARY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard J1930 specifies that the term Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) be used for the computer that controls the engine
and transmission in a vehicle.
The four basic computer functions include input,
processing, storage, and output.
Read-only memory (ROM) can be programmable (PROM),
erasable (EPROM), or electrically erasable (EEPROM).
Computer input sensors include engine speed (RPM),
MAP, MAF, ECT, O2S, TP, and VS.
A computer can only turn a device on or turn a device off,
but it can do the operation very rapidly.

38

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
What part of the vehicle computer is considered

to be the brain?
What is the difference between volatile and
nonvolatile RAM?
List four input sensors.
List four output devices.

39

CHAPTER QUIZ
1.
What unit of electricity is used as a signal for a

computer?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Volt
Ohm
Ampere
Watt

40

CHAPTER QUIZ
2. The four basic computer functions include
________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Writing, processing, printing, and remembering

Input, processing, storage, and output
Data gathering, processing, output, and evaluation
Sensing, calculating, actuating, and processing

41

CHAPTER QUIZ
3. All OBD II vehicles use what type of read-only
memory?
a.
b.
c.
d.
ROM
PROM
EPROM
EEPROM

42

CHAPTER QUIZ
4. The brain of the computer is the ________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
PROM
RAM 3
CPU
AD converter

43

CHAPTER QUIZ
5. Computer processing speed is measured in
________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Baud rate
Clock speed (Hz)
Voltage
Bytes

44

CHAPTER QUIZ
6. Which item is a computer input sensor?
a.
b.
c.
d.
RPM
Throttle position angle
Engine coolant temperature
All of the above

45

CHAPTER QUIZ
7. Which item is a computer output device?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Fuel injector
Transmission shift solenoid
Evaporative emission control solenoid
All of the above

46

CHAPTER QUIZ
8. The SAE term for the vehicle computer is
________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
PCM
ECM
ECA
Controller

47

CHAPTER QUIZ
9. What two things can a vehicle computer actually
perform (output)?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Store and process information

Turn something on or turn something off
Calculate and vary temperature
Control fuel and timing only

48

CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Analog signals from sensors are changed to
digital signals for processing by the computer
through which type of circuit?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Digital
Analog
AD converter
PROM

49


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CHAPTER 18

Computer and Network

Prepare for ASE Electrical/Electronic Systems

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Modern automotive control systems consist of a

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

The operation of every computer can be divided

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

FIGURE 183 A replaceable PROM

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

FIGURE 185 A typical low-side

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

FIGURE 186 A typical modulecontrolled high-side driver (HSD)

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

In a digital computer, the voltage signal or

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

A digital computer changes the analog input

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

FIGURE 188 Many electronic components are used to

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

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CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

FIGURE 1810 The calibration module on many Ford computers contains

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

FIGURE 1811 The clock generator produces a series of

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

Copyright 2010, 2007, 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.,

FIGURE 1812 This Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is

Automotive Engine Performance, 3/e

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FIGURE 1813 This PCM on a

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COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS