
8 RENR9968-02
Systems Operation Section
As an example, a moving solenoid plunger will
perform work. By performing work, the c omponent
has functioned in order to regulate the engine.
As an example, a control panel light or an alarm will
provide information to the operator of the engine.
These ele ctro nic componen ts provide the ability
to electronically control the engine operation.
Engines with electronic controls offer the following
advantages:
•
Improvement in performance
•
Improvement in fuel consumption
•
Reduction in emissions levels
Various sensors feed data to the ECM. The following
sensors are used by the ECM for data:
•
Engine coolant temperature
•
Engine oil pressure
•
Atmospheric pressure
•
Primary speed/timing sensor
•
Secondary speed/timing sensor
•
Inlet manifold a ir pressu re
•
Inlet air temperature
The ECM processes the data. Then, the ECM sends
an electronic signal to the fuel injector. The signal
will control the amount of fuel that is injected into
the cylinder. This will optim ize the efficiency and the
performance of the engine.
Data Link
A data link is used for the following items:
•
Communicate engine information.
•
Communicate with Caterpillar Electronic Technician
(ET).
•
Calibrate the ele ctronic engin e control system .
•
Troubleshoot the electronic engine control system.
•
Program the electronic engine control s ystem.
The data link is used to communicate engine
information to other electronic cont ro l systems. Also,
the data link can interface with Cat ET.
Cat ET can be used to program the customer
specified parameters. The tool is plugged into
the data link connector. This allows Cat ET to
communicate with the ECM. Also, Cat ET can
be used to display the real time values of all the
information th a t is a va ila ble on the data link. This will
help diagnose engine problems.
Electronic Control Module (ECM)
g0138177
1
Illustration 5
Electronic Control Module (ECM)
The engin
eusesanECM.TheECMisa
microprocessor based device. The ECM is mounted
on the top of the front valve cover on the left side of
the engin
e.
The inputs and the outputs to the ECM are designed
to withst
and short circuits without damage to the
control module. The electro nic engine contro l system
has the following features that are designed into the
system.
•
Resistance to radio frequency
•
Resistance to electromagnetic interference
The syst
em has passed tests for interference by
two-way radios and by switching noise.
The ECM p
ower supply provides electrical power
to all engine mounted sensors and actuators. The
following precautions have been designed into the
ECM.
•
Reverse voltage polarity protection
•
Swings or surges of the voltage in the power
system due to sudden alternator load