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These are just a few examples of inputs used by the PCM. The PCM
uses this information to determine how much fuel to inject, when to
fire the spark plugs and when to activate emission control systems.
Vehicle Speed
TRANSISTORS
Introduction
A transistor is much like a relay in an electronic form. Relays are
Used whenever a current needs to be switched by a remote source. A
transistor can perform this function with greater speed and greater
reliability. To better explain how ,a transistor works, we will compare
its function to that of a relay performing the same task.
Simple transistors have three leads or terminals called EMITTER,
COLLECTOR, and BASE. The construction of a transistor determines
the
specific voltage polarity and application.
Dr. Suleiman Abu-Ein 25
The two most common types of transistors are the “NPN” and the
“PNP”.
The “NPN” type is most commonly used in Ford PCMs to turn ground-
side Switched output devices (like fuel injectors and relays) ON and
OFF.
Transistors can switch a load many times faster than a relay. They
are also much more reliable since they have no moving parts to fail
or wear out. No modern engine performance technician could
possibly imagine current electronic fuel injectors switched by
individual relays! Just as food for thought, do you suppose that relay
actuated fuel injectors could be reliable, durable and capable of
Performing at the speed of an automotive engine?
INPUTS
Types of Inputs:
There are eight main types of input devices
used on today’s vehicles. These devices are
commonly referred to as sensors:
1- Switches 2- Phototransistors
3- Hall Effect Sensors 4- Thermistors
5- Potentiometers 6- Photoresistors
7- Variable Reluctance Sensors
8- Piezoelectric Sensors
Inputs can be classified by the type of electrical
signal they produce:
1. Digital DC; 2.Analog DC; 3. Analog AC
Digital DC
Input devices that produce digital DC signals
are:
- Switches - Phototransistors Digital DC Signal
- Hall Effect Sensors
Switch Devices
A few examples of switch
applications found in electronic
systems include:
1. Brake ON/OFF (BOO)
Switch
2. Brake Pressure Switch;
3. Air Suspension Switch;
4. A/C Low Pressure Switch;
5. Power Steering Pressure
Switch.
These are only a few of the
many switches found in Speed Control System Schematic
electronic systems.
Function
Hall Effect sensors are devices used to measure RPM
(frequency)
and may provide information on position of moving parts. They
provide a digital DC signal to the module.
Hall Effect Sensor Operation
Hall Effect sensors operate electrically like a simple switch.
Magnetism, instead of mechanical action, is used to open and close
the circuit.
Dr. Suleiman Abu-Ein 47
Hall Effect sensors feature a stationary permanent magnet positioned
near the Hall device. When the Hall element is exposed to the
magnetic field, the circuit is completed. When the Hall element is
shielded from the magnetic field, the circuit opens. The magnet is
shielded by vanes positioned on a rotating wheel or cup.
The signal from the Hall Effect sensor is HIGH (VREF) when
the vane passes between the magnet and the Hall element,
shielding it from the magnetic field. With no voltage at
transistor’s base, the circuit is open and no ground is available
for the module’s input circuit.
Potentiometer Functions
A Potentiometer is a type of variable resistor (analog
DC device) commonly used to convert mechanical
position into an electrical signal.
They are used in electronic systems where the module
needs to determine the position of a Component.
Potentiometers are typically composed of a resistive
material and moveable wiper with the following
electrical connections:
1. reference voltage (VREF)
2. signal return (ground)
3. signal voltage
POTENTIOMETER - A variable resistor device with a
moveable wiper that moves up and down theresistive
element.
SIGNAL RETURN - A dedicated ground circuit provided Potentiometer Connections
by the module of an electronic system.
SIGNAL VOLTAGE - A dedicated circuit of an electronic
system’s module that receives the electrical signal from
an input device.
Dr. Suleiman Abu-Ein 64
Potentiometer Operation Voltage is applied to one end of
the resistive material. The other
end of the resistive material is
connected to a signal return
circuit (ground).
The moveable wiper arm in the
potentiometer is attached to the
signal voltage circuit. The tip of
the wiper contacts the resistive
material. The wiper arm follows the
movement of the component it is
monitoring.
As the wiper moves, the voltage
signal increases or decreases.
Modules may not require an
internal current limiting resistor to
perform the voltage divider
function in circuits where a
potentiometer performs the
voltage divider function. Therefore,
the potentiometer sensor itself
performs the function of a sensor
load and a current limiting resistor.
Dr. Suleiman Abu-Ein 65
Potentiometer Sensor With A Voltage Divider Circuit
In some automotive systems, there are current limiting resistors that are
part of potentiometer sensor circuits. When this is the case, you will not
measure reference voltage (VREF) at the sensor.
Using the example in the figure below, let’s suppose that the module
supplies a VREF of 5 Volts, has an internal current limiting resistor of 5 Ω
and the resistance of the potentiometer sensor can range from 0 Ω to 20 Ω.
Potentiometer Devices
Some common potentiometer devices include:
1. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) (Electronic Engine Control Systems);
2. Vane Air Flow (VAF) Meter ( Association Vehicle Electronic Engine
Control Systems);
3. Blend Door Position Sensors;
4. Temperature Controls;
5. Memory Seats and Mirrors.
A Piezoelectric sensor is
an input device used to
detect vibration or
pressure. Depending on
application, these
devices
can produce one of
two types of signal:
1. Analog DC signal -
when used to detect
changes in pressure.
2. Analog AC signal –
when used to detect a
specific vibration
frequency.
Dr. Suleiman Abu-Ein 79
Pressure Sensor Operation
Introduction
Modules are computers. As such, they are very complex electrical
components. We will discuss module operation only as it applies to our
purposes as automotive engineers.
Modules can only process digital DC voltage signals. Input signals must
be converted to digital signals before the microcomputer portion of the
module can interpret the information.
Now the relay coil has power. The driver must complete
the relay coil circuit by closing the fog lamp switch.
If any switch in this circuit is not in the correct position the
fog lamps do not operate. Only the correct combination will
power the relay coil, close the contacts and, provide voltage
to the fog lamps. A processor is simply an expansion of this
type of circuit that can handle more input conditions and
control several outputs.
- Large - Compact
- Requires more power - Lower power to operate
- Limited by mechanical speed - Faster
- High current / Low frequency applications - More Reliable
- Subject to wear over time - High frequency / Low current
applications
Relay vs. Transistor Switching
Continuous (Memory)
These conditions may still be present at the time the codes are
retrieved or may indicate intermittent concerns not currently present.
Continuous DTC’s are stored in Keep-Alive Memory (KAM). They can
be erased using a scan tool. In many instances, disconnecting the
battery will erase the vehicle’s continuous DTC’s .
systems.