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The modeling, parameters identification, and linear and nonlinear feedback control designs of an electronic throttle control (ETC) system is considered. A commercially available ETC system made by Bosch is selected for our investigation. The unknown parameters identified are used in designing linear and nonlinear controllers. Simulations and extensive experiments were conducted. A real-time linear controller was implemented with the xPC Target. The ETC model is then extended to a separately excited nonlinear dc motor model. The nonlinear controller is designed using the input-output feedback linearization technique; the extension proves to be of solid theoretical value. The results presented in this paper can be considered as an interesting and important case study encompassing system modeling, parameters identification, linear and nonlinear controller designs, and real-time control. The techniques and methodology developed are applicable to similar and/or other types of systems.

Electronic throttle control (ETC) system has worked its way to becoming a standard subsystem in most of the current automobiles as it has contributed much to the improvement of fuel economy, emissions, drivability and safety. Precision control of the subsystem, which consists of a dc motor driving a throttle plate, a pre-loaded return spring and a set of gear train to regulate airflow into the engine, seems rather straightforward and yet complex. The difficulties lie in the unknown system parameters, hard nonlinearity of the pre-loaded spring that pulls the throttle plate to its default position, and friction, among others. In this paper, we extend our previous results obtained for the modeling, unknown system parameters identification and control of a commercially available Bosch’s DV-E5 ETC system. Details of modeling and parameters identification based on laboratory experiments, data analysis, and knowledge of the system are provided. The parameters identification results were verified and validated by a real-time PID control implemented with an xPC Target. A nonlinear control design was then proposed utilizing the input-output feedback linearization approach and technique. In view of a recent massive auto recalls due to the controversial uncontrollable engine accelerations, the results of this paper may inspire further research interest on the drive-by-wire technology.

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