Why are computers used to control vehicle operation?

Early Automotive Computer Applications

The first use of computers began with electronic fuel injection systems. In the late 1960's the Robert Bosch Company developed a computer controlled fuel injection system use on European cars. The next electronically controlled fuel injection system was developed by the Bendix Corporation for the 1976 Cadillac Seville.

These early systems were to provide a proving ground for the next generation of computer controlled systems. As we will see, more and more demands were placed on the automakers to provide a better way to control engine performance.

Emission Regulations

By the mid 1960's California and the Federal Government had begun establishing regulations and specifications for vehicle emission levels. In 1970 the Clean Air Act was passed by congress, mandating strict compliance by the auto industry. The industry had to come up with new technology that would lower tail pipe emissions and allow them to sell their cars in this country.

Fuel Regulations

Fuel consumption was also a major issue at this time due to a gasoline shortage, so the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) regulations were established . These new regulations were so severe that the automobile manufacturers had to develop new drivetrain components, smaller and more efficient engines, and lighter cars that would meet the federal guidelines.

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter was the solution to the problem of controlling tail pipe emission levels. The catalytic converter is capable of providing the required reduction of all three pollutants (CO, HC, and NOx) providing the engine is operating within the stoichiometric range of 14.7 to 1. The only way to maintain the efficiency of the catalytic converter is by controlling the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and controlling the exact moment that the spark ignites the fuel mixture. These tasks were accomplished by developing a Closed Loop computer control system.