A Spark ignition (SI) engine is a complex, multi-domain component of the vehicle powertrain system. The engine control module (ECM) for an SI engine must achieve both high performance and good fuel efficiency. In this paper, we present a model-based development methodology for an open architecture ECM, addressing the entire development lifecycle including a control algorithm design, parameter calibration, hardware/software implementation, and verification/validation of the final system, both with bench tests on a dynamometer and in a real vehicle on the road. The ECM is able to achieve similar performance as the original proprietary ECM provided by the original equipment manufacturer. Its flexible and modular design enables easy extensibility with new control algorithms, and development of new engine types.
