Motronic

Motronic is the trade name given to a range of digital engine control units developed by Robert Bosch GmbH (commonly known as Bosch) which combined control of fuel injection and ignition in a single unit. By controlling both major systems in a single unit, many aspects of the engine's characteristics (such as power, fuel efficiency, drivability, and emissions) can be improved.

Often known as "Motronic basic", Motronic ML1.x was one of the first digital engine-management systems developed by Bosch. These early Motronic systems integrated the spark timing element with then-existing Jetronic fuel injection technology. It was originally developed and first used in the BMW 7-Series, before being implemented on several Volvo and Porsche engines throughout the 1980s.

The components of the Motronic ML1.x systems for the most part remained unchanged during production, although there are some differences in certain situations. The engine control module (ECM) receives information regarding engine speed, crankshaft angle, coolant temperature and throttle position. An air flow meter also measures the volume of air entering the induction system.

If the engine is naturally aspirated, an air temperature sensor is located in the air flow meter to work out the air mass. However, if the engine is turbocharged, an additional charge air temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the inducted air after it has passed through the turbocharger and intercooler, in order to accurately and dynamically calculate the overall air mass.

The Motronic 1.1 System was used by BMW from 1987 on motors such as the M20.

The systems have the option for a lambda sensor, enabling their use with catalytic converter-equipped vehicles. This feedback system allows the system analyse exhaust emissions so that fuel and spark can be continually optimised to minimise emissions. Also present is adaptive circuitry, which adjusts for changes in an engine's characteristics over time. Some PSA engines also include a knock sensor for ignition timing adjustment, perhaps this was achieved using an external Knock Control Regulator.

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