What is ECU ?

 What is ECU?

ECU (Electronic Control Unit) is a small microcontroller-based system — like a tiny computer — that controls electrical systems based on sensor signals or small electrical subsystems.

It is commonly used in industrial machines as well as vehicles.

In industrial machinery such as heavy equipment, an ECU controls engines, hydraulic systems, and other critical operations. It interfaces with PLCs, sensors, and actuators, and is also widely used for diagnostics, data logging, and fault reporting.

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How ECU Works

An ECU works similarly to a PLC, but with certain limitations. It performs small, specific algorithms for operation — typically with microsecond-level response time.

The ECU collects data from various sensors, processes it according to its internal algorithm, and then sends control signals to the respective devices.

Unlike a PLC that can handle complex logic, the ECU is designed to perform simple and fast tasks, ensuring precise and quick control actions.

Check : Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems: SCADA, DCS, PLC, HMI, and SIS

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