Electronic Control Module (ECM) Test

Electronic Control Modules are subsystems consisting of CPUs and assorted signal inputs and outputs dedicated to controlling a component within the vehicle. They range in complexity from an Engine Control Unit which handles the logic for managing the power-train system efficiency, to an Anti-lock Braking (ABS) Control unit that monitors vehicle speed and brake fluid, to a simple body module that controls the automatic door locks or power windows. In many cases, these modules communicate to each other through such protocols as CAN, LIN, J1850, and J1959. The NI Automotive Test Platform provides a flexible and scaleable test architecture that meets these technical requirements in a cost-effective manner, throughout the product lifecycle, from design validation through manufacturing and service.

Benefits of NI's Automotive Test Platform for Electronic Control Module (ECM) Test

• Reduced cost
• Increased flexibility
• Reduced size
• Improved performance
• Improved productivity
• Reduced time-to-market
• Global service and support

Let National Instruments help you improve your testing process. We have multiple options to ensure that you will be successful in implementing your test system.

• Build a system
• Find an integrator
• Buy a system

Build a System with NI Tools

See how you can use NI products to configure an Electronic Control Module Test System.

Application Configurations and Downloads

• Building Flexible, Cost-Effective ECU Test Systems - This tutorial provides an overview of Engine Control Unit functionality, and their major components. Learn how to test these components effectively with NI tools.
• Digital Time Interval Analyzer Start-Up Kit - The National Instruments Digital Time Interval Analyzer Start-Up Kit is designed to monitor digital lines for state changes. You use the kit to monitor digital devices, such as relays and solenoids, and log the times of the digital state changes to disk.

Customer Solutions and Case Studies

• Developing a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulator for Testing Servoassisted Gears
• Lights Go On, Lights Go Off
• Chrysler RS Intelligent Power Module End-of-Line Tester
• LabVIEW Tests Automotive Dash Electrical System On Assembly Line
• Testing Electronic Control Units with NI PXI and TestStand
• Developing a Test System for Intelligent Automotive Components
• Visteon Test System Standardization
• PXI-Based Test System Performs Production Testing of Cam-position sensors
• Magneti Marelli, A Winner Across the Board
• PC-based Simulation and Monitoring of Automotive Electronic Control Modules
• Creating Flexible Engine Simulators with LabVIEW 7 FPGA Module
• Developing a Validation System for Passenger Compartment ECU Software with LabVIEW Real-Time
• Drivven Prototypes FPGA-Based Engine Control System Using NI CompactRIO

Find a System Integrator

If you have time constraints and limited internal resources, we have the answer for you! Our Alliance program has many integrators that serve the automotive electronics industry. The following companies have integrated multiple projects in this area:

USA

• VI Engineering
• Omnicronix
• Wineman Technology

Germany

• GÖPEL electronic GmbH
• Konrad Technology GmbH
• MeasX
• SEA Datentechnik

Italy

• Alfautomazione
• GEAS

Japan

• Peritec

Buy a Turnkey System

Speed your time-to-market by purchasing a complete, pre-built system from a National Instruments partner.

• Alfautomazione
  • Alfautomazione, a National Instruments Select Integrator and global ATE supplier, has developed a test platform, the HFT 3000, for the production and service testing of engine ECUs
• Thermotron
  • Well known for its environmental chambers, Thermotron has additional expertise in the area of test systems. Its Functional Parametric Test System is designed for design validation testing of automotive electronics
• SofTest Designs Corporation
  • Softest has developed the Apollo Test System designed for the production test of HVAC control electronics and automotive switches
• S.E.A. Datentechnik
  • The Automotive Component Test Platform from S.E.A. is an enterprise-level test executive designed for the testing of automotive electronics components
• CIMTEK
  • The CIMTEK Airbag Control Module Test Platform, based on National Instruments' PXI, provides the complete test coverage expected from airbag ECU test solution.