SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Motorcyle Technology

 

Electronic Controls

 

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  image of an SwRI-developed electronic controller using advanced model-based algorithms to provide optimal engine and transmission performance
 

An SwRI-developed electronic controller uses advanced model-based algorithms to provide optimal engine and transmission performance.

Robust engine control systems that balance the often conflicting requirements of performance, fuel economy, and emissions are developed at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) by motorcycle technology engineers. 

 

Full-Authority Engine Controller

SwRI engineers have developed a full-authority engine controller, composed of industry proven components, that provides:

  • Real-time, model-based control

  • Diagnostic functions

  • Classic control

  • Adaptive learn algorithms

  • Advanced signal processing

  • 700-MHz PC with real-time (QNX)

  • 1-million gate Xilinx FPGA for engine synchronicity and output control

  • 16-channel analog input card 6-channel analog output card

  • Graphical display and control via a Linux laptop

Electronic Controls Customization

Customization is available to add more analog and digital inputs and outputs, custom control algorithms, high-speed digital processing, CAN communications, and high-speed data acquisition.

 

On-Vehicle Data Acquisition

image of one setup whereby SwRI engineers provide rapid and cost-effective endurance testing and competitive engine evaluation
 

SwRI engineers provide rapid and cost-effective endurance testing and competitive engine evaluation.

SwRI engineers use advanced on-vehicle data acquisition systems to assist in the testing, development, and analysis of motorcycles. Each system is designed with the most advanced technology in acquisition hardware and software platforms and allows high speed data sampling of all pertinent on-road data, including:

  • Suspension travel

  • Suspension rates

  • Vibration of multiple body components

  • Noise 

  • Vehicle Speed, acceleration, and braking performance

  • Multiple intake, exhaust, engine and transmission temperatures

  • Exhaust pressures

  • Intake pressures

  • Clutch and shifter force

  • Brake forces and temperatures

  • Lean angle

  • Throttle position

  • Fuel flow

  • Combustion analysis

  • Cylinder pressure

  • Peak pressure and location

  • Location of peak pressure

  • Heat release

  • Ignition delay

At SwRI, we are always striving to offer the best services possible to our clients. This motorcycle technology information represents only a small portion of how SwRI can assist your company with motorcycle testing, research, and development.

 

For a more comprehensive review of our capabilities or information about how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Suzanne Timmons, at satimmons@swri.org or (210) 522-2499 to arrange a tour of our complete facilities. We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.
 

Contact Information

Suzanne Timmons

Motorcycle Technology

(210) 522-2499

satimmons@swri.org

Related Terminology

motorcycle research

scooter

motorcycle  development

motorcycle  technology

motorcycle engine design

motorcycle  performance

motorcycle  transmission

motorcycle testing

Related Information

Advanced Combustion and Emissions

Engine, Emissions & Vehicle Research Division

| Engine and Vehicle R&D | Engine, Emissions & Vehicle Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

October 29, 2009