Technical Information
Drive By Wire Advantages
Please check your ECU features to see if it is capable of these functions.
1-Very Fast: Generally capable of opening faster than cable or mechanical linkage setups. For example when a throttle blip is required for downshifts the ECU can command an instantaneous open throttle position (say directly to 25 percent throttle). If you were going to accomplish this with a cable setup the driver must move their foot from stationary position and sweep to the desired position. This sweeping motion takes time.
2-Cruise Control Function: Drive By Wire offers the ability to target a drivers desired vehicle speed.
3-Speed limit function: Ability to override a driver’s throttle command and limit maximum vehicle speed. Helpful to avoid pit lane speed penalties.
4-Traction Control: Controlled torque delivery by using the throttle position. The ability to control torque delivery by gear to control wheel slip.
5-Launch Control: Able to have different ECU configurations for tire compound, track temperatures, wet or dry conditions, and other variables impacting traction.
6-Blip Shifting: ECU automatically opens throttles for rev matching downshifts.
7-Throttle response curve can be manipulated to the driver’s liking: This is often referred to as tip in. Some drivers like a snappy throttle and others prefer a more lethargic feel. For instance if first gear overpowers the car, it can be done such that torque is limited and finer torque resolution is achieved.
8-Idle Control: Able to use the Drive By Wire actuator to automatically adjust and maintain a target idle speed even if engine load and conditions change (example: air conditioning turns on thus engine load increases). Can also be used in combination with ignition control to achieve a fine adjustment range.
9-Stall Recovery: Able to use the ECU to automatically assist keeping the engine running by opening throttles if a stall condition occurs.
10-Possibility of increased safety: There is no mechanical linkage between the pedal and the throttle system. This reduces the possibility of mechanical failures or binding.
Both the pedal and throttle position sensors utilized in a drive by wire system should each have dual outputs (two separate sensors or a single sensor with dual outputs) for safety. If the throttle position does not match the requested target, the ECU can immediately take corrective action.
11-Calibration Aid: The ability to control throttle angle allows easy rpm sweeps (either dyno or in vehicle) at exact throttle positions allowing fueling or ignition mapping to be done much more efficiently.
12-Rev Limiter: The throttle can be used as an engine speed limiter with smoother action than cutting cylinders.
OPTIONAL
Drive-By-Wire Actuator
with
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)