And who empowers these software updates? It is your modest Flash Bootloader Software!
The need for firmware or application update was not mission-critical, due to not-so-complex features and systems.įast-forward to the era of Connected Cars, Infotainment, ADAS and Telematics applications, and the need for frequent software updates can’t be understated.
The Embedded Software Engineers, during Automotive Product Development, were more focused on the features and functions of the software. When Automotive Electronics was in its nascent stage, software engineers had not fully utilized the capabilities of a Flash Bootloader software.
This can easily be done by professional mechanics.
In many instances, drivers seek an ECU flashing for the sake of both economy and performance. A remapping for performance will allow drivers to maximize on the driveability and responsiveness of their vehicles, particularly regarding the vehicle’s brake horsepower (bhp), acceleration and top speed. Other drivers seek a drive that is more riveting. Remapping for economic reasons has been known to demonstrate a fuel efficiency increase of 10%.
This purpose of tuning is particularly attractive for businesses that prioritize fuel economy and keeping costs to a minimum. Remapping a vehicle’s ECU can reduce the cost of running a vehicle. Different types of ECU FlashingĮCUs can be calibrated in several different ways, depending on the purpose of the ECU flash. Optimising your vehicle’s ECU settings can massively improve power and fuel efficiency, while still keeping the durability and longevity of your vehicle as a priority. In some cases, the performance of a car may be restricted in order to fit certain class criteria, or protect the engine from potential damaging effects and neglect. When manufactured, a vehicle’s ECU will usually be programmed with standard settings and certain safeguards in mind. These changes can notably improve your engine performance by improving power, producing cleaner emissions and bettering fuel efficiency. Data flash which is the area where the variables (such as constants, maps and curves) reside and are referred to by the software when needed.ĮCU flashing, also referred to as tuning, updates the software that runs your vehicle by changing or modifying the vehicle’s memory chip in the ECU.