ICE-35 — Torque Control

ASSUMPTION — This lesson covers the torque structure conceptually; specific ECU computations are not given.

In this lesson you will learn:

• The torque-based architecture
• Merging torque requests
• Torque production paths

1. Torque-Based Architecture

In modern engines, control is built around a target torque rather than air/fuel quantities. All requests are converted to torque, and the ECU coordinates actuators to deliver it.

FACT — The torque structure converts driver demand and other units’ requests into a single “internal torque request”, so functions like transmission shifts, ESP intervention and hybrid energy management work in the same framework.

2. Request Merging (Arbitration)

FACT — Driver demand is merged with requests from cruise control, ESP, transmission and the hybrid controller; priority and safety rules determine the final target.

3. Torque Production Paths

• Air path — air quantity via throttle/boost; slow but wide range.
• Spark/injection path — advance/injection timing; fast but narrow range.

FACT — In gasoline, torque is managed by the air path (slow) and spark advance (fast); in diesel, by the air path and injected quantity. The fast path serves transient response.

4. Summary

• Control is coordinated around target torque.
• Requests are merged and prioritized.
• Torque is produced via air (slow) and spark/injection (fast) paths.

5. Sources

• Bosch, Gasoline-Engine Management and Diesel-Engine Management

Next Lesson

• ICE-36 — Fuel Control.