Question:
I have a question for you, can we buy a Lambda sensor and connect it to our MBE system. And does our system contain a auto-tune system?
Answer:
As far as lambda systems are concerned, all MBE ECUs of the current spec are able to run closed loop mapping. The MBE9A4 can either run a narrow band lambda sensor, which is only suitable for emissions (Lambda 1) or an external device such as an ETAS, Bosch (professional lambda equipment for calibration) or a system such as an Innovate, which is a club level lambda sensor and controller. Both use a wide band type lambda sensor, which will then transmit a voltage directly to the 9A4. The maps can then be calibrated in the ECU to allow the ECU to do closed loop adjustments (auto-tune).
This facility is available on the high end motorsport MBE ECUs, the MBE9A9/9A6, which you can directly connect a wide band lambda sensor to.
The only time we use closed loop fuel mapping (Auto-tune) is when we are initially mapping each car/engine. The system is normally disabled after that time and on our high spec ECUs only allow limited changes to occur. This is to prevent damage if the sensor reads incorrectly. Various things could go wrong in competition conditions and if full trust if placed in the sensor reading correctly, this could be disastrous, for example, if a fracture occurs in the exhaust system or part of the exhaust falls off, the sensor could read lean and the ECU could make adjustments based on incorrect information potentially causing engine failure. Also if the sensor reads rich due to the fact that it is beginning to fail or becomes contaminated, the mixture could be leaned off again causing engine failure. So although it is a useful tool, it is only safe when correctly controlled or under mapping conditions, not during a race.
Category:
Lambda