What hardware in car computers?

[JT8D]

I always wondered what kind of computers were in modern cars and how they may be compared to PC based components. Z80 based, 8088 based, 16bit, what? Does anyone know anything pertaining to cpu's/memory etc. used in computers in new cars (1980's & newer)

Thanks

 

[Assimilator1]

I'd be interested to know too(being a mechanic) ,but I can tell ya they have nothing on a modern PC

 

[The_Lurker]

o no.. i can see this starting off a new trend.... threads like "How to overclock my CPU on my Mercedes??" will be popping up soon.... uh o!

 

[joechaos]

You would be surprised how sad most car computers are. They're usually only 8-bit processors relying on lookup tables for vehicle settings.

 

[Assimilator1]

Got any links about that?

 

[Rhonda85]

I read that chrysler uses 32bit computers. Car computers do not need a super fast processor or alot of memory. Probably a 286 based processor with a 64k PROM chip is all that is needed to monitor the various sensors.

RT

 

[JT8D]

I guess that no one reading this is old enough to own a car anyways.

 

[Assimilator1]

What on earth gave you that idea?! ,I've owned a car since 1987

I might dig around the manufactures site myself to see if I can found out anything ,when I have time

 

[holdencommodore]

The Saab Trionic system (on old 9000 and 900 Turbo models) claims that it's microprocessor has a larger processing capacity than most PC's. This was back in 1993 though .

Cheers.

 

[Assimilator1]

got any links about that?

 

[holdencommodore]

No havn't got a link...it came out of a Saab book "Form & Function" that I have (I like cars - especially Holden Commodores ). Unfortunately it doesn't go into specs....but since they said it was better than most PC's - in 1993 i would guess that the Trionic system would have the power of a 486

Cheers.

 

[Assimilator1]

ok thanks ,I'm checking out the Ford UK site atm but there doesn't seem to be any technical information available:disgust:

 

[Fingers]

AMD powers Mercedes Benz

no need to overclock this.

 

[Assimilator1]

Thanks ,Interesting ,but it's not the engine management

 

[a Bill]

GM was using 8mhz CPUs a while back. An aftermarket computer I was using ran at 16 mhz. You really can't compare a cars computer to a desktop, like was mentioned earlier, cars use tables.

 

[vegetation]

I don't remember exactly, but I know Nissan were using Motorola 68k's in some of their early 90s vehicles. Not much of a powerhouse really, as I'm sure they were all the plain jane 7mhz variety but probably a lot more computing power than what the Apollo spacecraft had on the way to the moon

 

[Assimilator1]

LOL

anyone else?

 

[oakfan]

Geez - think of what might of happened if the Apollo spacecraft used Microsoft software........

 

[The_Lurker]

<< Geez - think of what might of happened if the Apollo spacecraft used Microsoft software........ >>



***WARNING*** You have performed an illegal operation. The program will now shut down.
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Press ctrl-alt-del to re-activate oxygen supply.

 

[Assimilator1]

LMFAO !