Software suppliers are trying to make their software packages more user-friendly. Their best approach, so far, has been to take all the old brochures, and stamp the words, user-friendly on the cover. ~ Bill Gates
Microsoft, Mclaren to supply formula one ECUsVarun Jain (3rd Yr, ECE)Neha Garg (3rd Yr, ICE)
Microsoft and Mclaren Electronics Systems( MES) will be the official suppliers of engine control units (ECUs) to the Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA) Formula one world Championship for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 racing seasons.
As part of the FIA’s commitment to reduce costs, increase competition, and support fuel efficiency and energy recovery initiatives in Formula One (F1), it tendered the contract for the appointment of a supplier of standard ECUs and associated software. MES will work with Microsoft to develop the ECU systems and then well manufacture and supply the units to all competing F1 teams for the installation on their vehicles. The ECUs will monitor all aspects of the powertrain and gather data from more than 100 sensors located in each car.
Generating data at a rate of 100 to 500 kb/s, one car ECU will potentially gather more than 1GB of information from the sensors during a grand prix race, according to the companies. This data will be continuously broadcast in real time back to systems located in the pitside garage of each F1 team for detailed analysis.
These systems will provide enhanced capabilities to process high-fidelity health and performance information; the ability to store and compare historical data from test drives, previous races, and dyno runs; and the verification of car setup and race strategy simulation. As a result, the companies say that faster vehicle setup and race strategy decision may be made.
Power Box Main Control Box
Source--AEI