An overview of electronic controls for passenger car diesel engines

The penetration of diesel engine technology into the transportation industry began with heavy trucks in the 1940s and has advanced to passenger cars of the 1980s. The application of control electronics to gasoline powered cars of the 1970s is now expanding to diesel powered cars of the 1980s. The successful application of microprocessor technology, sensors and actuators to gasoline cars provides a technology base for improving the performance and emissions of the diesel engine. The conversion from mechanically controlled diesel injection pumps to electronically controlled pumps can provide improved performance with expanded capabilities and help meet government regulations.