Volvo

Robust Engine Control Unit ECU for Volvo Construction Equipment

Develco and GPV has co-operated about the development of an Engine Control Unit for Volvo Construction Equipment (V-ECU). Develco was responsible for the development of electronics, while GPV had the responsibility for the mechanic integration and production.

Meets High Technical Demands

The V-ECU is the central engine control unit in Volvo’s construction equipment like e.g Articulated Haulers, Wheel Loaders, and Excavators. In use the Volvo construction equipment is exposed to harsh environments such as violent vibrations, dirt, temperature fluctuations, moisture etc. Consequently, Volvo had high demands to the electrical and mechanical robustness of the engine control unit. Despite Develco’s extensive expertise within development of electronics for the automotive industry it was a challenge to develop the specified electronics for the engine control unit and to meet the high technical requirements.

Develco - Volvo Robust Engine Control Unit
Volvo

High Accuracy

The complex finished Volvo Engine Control Unit (V-ECU) has both analogue and digital technology, over 2400 components, and high component density. The many I/O with OBD (On Board Diagnostics) represented a great challenge for both the electrical and the thermal design. The high safety requirements demanded OBD on all I/O to ensure that the Volvo Engine Control Unit determines whether a given output functions properly as intended or perhaps is shorted, interrupted, or does not work for some other reasons.

To enhance the safety margins, the V-ECU was designed to comply with significantly tightened EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) requirements according to the applicable regulatory requirements. The V-ECU is designed to be consistent with the requirements for an IEC 61508 SIL2 classification (Safety Integrity Level 2). In addition, the product is tested with 20grms in 32 hours, HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Test) to 50grms and IP65.

Long Product Lifetime

The Volvo control engine unit is designed to have an expected product lifetime of 30 years. As the product meets all the technical and safety requirement, Develco and GPV have in co-operation developed a high-quality product with a guarantee of a long product lifetime value.

PRODUCT FACTS

  • Expected Product Lifetime of 30 Years
  • Analogue I/O with High Accuracy (0.02%)
  • Digital I/O with up to 3 Amps. Output Power
  • On Board Diagnostics OBD
  • Meets IEC 61508 SIL2 classification (Safety Integrity Level 2)
  • Tested with 20grms in 32 hours
  • HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Test) to 50grms
  • IP65