Engine controller with VCI (Valve Controlled Injection) function that helps reduce fine dust

Fine dust, which has recently become a hot topic worldwide, is known to be generated from power plants, factories, automobile exhaust fumes, etc. and to have a negative impact on the respiratory system and health. Developed countries are working to reduce fine dust by establishing various regulations.

In particular, the European Union (EU) has established a strengthened exhaust gas regulation called 'Euro 6c' and is increasing the level every year to induce reduction in fine dust emissions from new vehicles.

To effectively respond to this, Kona was equipped with a 1.6 gasoline turbo GDI engine with VCI (Valve Controlled Injection) function.

This engine injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber, so it is advantageous in terms of engine output and fuel efficiency, and it injects fuel multiple times, which contributes significantly to reducing fine dust. However, in order for this engine to operate properly, the engine operation control of the 'controller' is essential, and the VCI controller jointly developed by Hyundai Autron, Hyundai Motor Company R&D Center, and Hyundai Kepco plays a key role in this.

The engine controller with VCI function calculates the opening/closing time of the injector to control the injector injection amount/opening/closing timing and corrects errors that occur when performing multiple fuel injections. Hyundai Autron, together with Hyundai Motor Company, was in charge of core development including VCI software control logic that reduces fine dust, as well as basic software that operates the controller, controller circuit, and mechanical design.



Automotive semiconductors made with Hyundai Autron’s technology

The gasoline engine controller with VCI function also uses two types of semiconductors developed by Hyundai Autron. The main characters are the 'composite power semiconductor' that supplies optimized power to each circuit that makes up the controller, and the 'GDI engine control function integrated semiconductor' that is in charge of the control functions of the high-pressure pump and high-pressure injector of the GDI engine.

The composite power semiconductor, which began mass production in August 2015, integrates three types of semiconductors: a monitoring semiconductor, a transmission controller power supply semiconductor, and an engine controller power supply semiconductor. It is a product that implements the optimal performance required for the controller. It has already been applied to Gamma, Kappa GDI engine controllers, and front/rear 8-speed transmission controllers, proving its excellence. This semiconductor was recognized for its contribution as the first domestic powertrain semiconductor in Korea, and was honored with the grand prize at the 'Change and Innovation Leaders Awards', an award ceremony held within the Hyundai Motor Group in 2015.

The functional integrated semiconductor for GDI engine control is the core semiconductor of the VCI control logic. This product implements the fuel injection injector, high-pressure fuel pump, and ignition coil drive functions into a single semiconductor, and can be used in a variety of vehicle types from compact to mid-sized cars.

Hyundai Autron said it will continue to focus on developing electronic control technologies to be applied to vehicles manufactured by Hyundai and Kia in the future, and will also work hard to cooperate with various parts affiliates within the Hyundai Motor Group to contribute to exports of Korean automobiles and automobile parts.