Glossary
Engine Management Glossary
Analogue Inputs can be wired to any type of analogue input such as a MAP sensor or Throttle Position Sensor. Analogue sensors will output a signal in the range of 0v to 5v.
Antilag is a feature used on turbocharged engines to minimise turbo lag. It works by igniting fuel and air in the exhaust before the turbo to keep the turbo spinning when the engine is not delivering enough exhaust gas. When anti-lag is on, gunshot sounds and flames can come from the exhaust.
General-purpose outputs that may be used to control various functions including a Relay, a Shift Light or a Boost Control Solenoid. Unused ignition and injection drives can also be used as auxiliary outputs.
The data inside the ECU that contains information and settings used to run the engine, also known as a tune file. To get the most out of your engine a custom map should be created.
(Controller Area Network) is a central networking system that allows the ECU to communicate with other
controllers in the vehicle.
A feature that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The ECU takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.
May be connected to switches, controllers or sensors to provide information and control various functions including launch control, anti-lag, high/low boost, water spray, dual fuel/ignition maps, nitrous oxide and variable valve timing.
Uses a CAN bus to monitor a lambda sensor which measures the proportion of oxygen in exhaust gases allowing you to accurately tune fuel mixtures. Being fully digital eliminates any delays and errors that analogue alternatives cause. The wideband O2 sensor used by the Link CAN-Lambda never requires free air calibration.
(aka Drive by Wire) electronically connects the accelerator pedal to the throttle valve using an electronic system that replace a mechanical linkage.
Methods of calculating the fuel requirements of the engine.
A feature that allows the driver to change gear without taking their foot off the accelerator. The ECU cuts ignition or fuel during gear shifts and blips the throttle during downshifts.
(Gasoline Direct Injection) is a type of fuel injection where the fuel is highly pressurised, and injected directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder leading to more power while using less fuel.
(aka detonation) occurs due to excessive pressure and temperature in the combustion chamber. Knock is one of the greatest causes of damage to an engine.
Used to drive a wide range of ignition systems from a basic distributor set-up through to more complex multi-coil arrangements. Each ignition coil will need an inbuilt igniter or an external igniter.
Used to control injectors in sequential, group and group staged fuel injection systems.
A feature that controls engine speed to reduce wheel spin allowing a vehicle to accelerate as fast as possible. Often used in drag racing.
Special features designed for motor sport use and include Antilag, Gearshift Control, Launch Control and Traction Control.
(On Board Diagnostics) allows you to send engine data from your ECU over a CAN bus to the vehicle’s OBDII port. You can see and use this data on your tablet or phone using an OBDII to a wifi/bluetooth adapter.
An advanced tuning package designed to be simple to use yet deliver the flexibility and advanced features required by professional tuners. PCLink incorporates data log analysis features to further reduce tuning time and provide after event feedback.
A two stage system for driving low impedance fuel injectors. The Peak signal is used to quickly open the injector then it switches to a low power consumption Hold signal to keep the injectors open.
Direct plug-in replacements for the factory ECU. They use the vehicle’s factory sensors, but can benefit from additional sensors.
An interactive tuning tool in PCLink that assists in time efficient fuel tuning.
Designed to receive information from PTC or NTC thermistor sensors such as Engine Coolant Temperature or Inlet Air Temperature
A feature that reduces wheelspin during acceleration. The ECU reduces power when your tires begin to spin.
Connected to crankshaft or camshaft position sensors to calculate engine speed as well as engine position.
A tool built into most G4+ ECUs, it is used to visually display the voltages the ECUs trigger inputs are measuring, similar to an oscilloscope.
(Variable Valve Timing) is the process of altering the timing of the intake and exhaust cams to improve performance, fuel economy or emissions. An ECU can control this by continuously advancing or retarding the camshaft timing.
Supplies a regulated and over current protected +5V to be used by sensors that operate from a 5V supply.
Supplies a regulated and over current protected +8V to be used by sensors that operate from a 8V supply.
