The electronic engine control system (ECM) consists of a controller, sensors for engine and vehicle operation parameters, as well as actuators
The controller is a mini-computer for special purposes, it consists of random access memory (RAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM) and electrically reprogrammable memory (EPROM).
RAM is used by the microprocessor to temporarily store current information about the operation of the engine (measured parameters) and calculated data.
Also, fault codes are written to the RAM.
This memory is volatile, i.e. when the power is interrupted (disconnecting the battery or disconnecting the wiring harness block from the controller), its contents are erased.
EPROM stores the engine control program, which contains a sequence of operating commands (algorithms) and calibration data (settings).
PROM determines the most important parameters of engine operation: the nature of the change in torque and power, fuel consumption, ignition timing, composition of exhaust gases, etc. PROM is non-volatile, i.e. the contents of its memory do not change when the power is turned off.