Electronic Engine Controller Simulation and Emulation with Ethernet Connectivity

Abstract

Electronic engine controllers are key components to the overall function and success of many different applications, such as automotive or other power generation equipment. This research documents the design and development of an electronic engine controller based on a microcontroller development kit. The controller application maintains a constant RPM output out of a generator based on varying load conditions. A secondary circuit, an engine simulator, was developed which coupled with the engine controller provides a complete test bed to prove its functionality. Ethernet connectivity was integrated into this project to allow the development boards to access the internet to be viewed remotely or to modify and control the operation of the application through a webpage. The implementation of the test bed associated with this work demonstrates the ability to build and simulate a low cost electronic engine controller circuit using standard microcontroller evaluation kits. The verification of experimental results for monitoring and control of the modeled engine through a webpage is demonstrated by inclusion of numerous screen captures from an oscilloscope. The test bed developed in this research work can be expanded and enhanced to model more complex engines. Additionally, the controller aspect of this experimental setup can be further modified to test and verify more advanced real time control algorithms.