User:1sfoerster/enes100/fall2013/p1ECO/ECU Market

Open Source ECU Simulation
http://iaw-ecu-simulation.soft112.com/ (project inactive) http://ecuproject.com/index.html http://www.romraider.com/ (Subaru only) https://sites.google.com/site/hondamodgbbo00/open-source/engine-simulator (in development) http://shenzhenzeus.en.made-in-china.com/product/JeCExbuMJqRL/China-Mst-9000-Plus-ECU-Simulator.html (US $560)

These open source ECU simulators are free to use (except one). The software appears to be designed for personal use in response to careless or faulty reprogramming by dealers. In addition, these projects aim to educate auto owners on how to perform reflashing themselves and save money and time.

ECU Market Trends and Standards
A report by the Arthur D. Little company describes the state of the ECU market and current trends in automobile electronics (p.9). This is an example of a company attempting to match with others to create an industry standard and increase market shares.

ADL is reporting alternative power sources used in the United States, Europe, and Japan in response to environmental considerations (p.12). Specifically, ADL seems to be looking for hybrid power solutions.

Among the motor industry trends reported by ADL is the increasing pressure for technological innovation due to competition and costs. The industry is moving from mechanical systems to electronic systems, focusing the market on ECUs. The goal of electronics companies in the auto industry now is to develop more advanced methods of electronic control to replace belt-driven and other mechanical components. (p.23)

Obviously, all of these automobile systems are controlled by ECUs, which companies appear to be developing to reduce the number of control devices needed despite the increasing complexity and number of functions in automobiles.

Source: http://www.adl.com/uploads/tx_extthoughtleadership/ADL_Study_Power_Electronics_2015.pdf

Overall, the ECU market is largely standardized, especially in a time when electronics are becoming an increasingly integral method of control.