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Types of Glow Plug Control Units

Innovations in technology have ensured that today’s diesel engines are quieter, more efficient and cleaner than ever before. For over 100 years, BERU®️ has been a trusted technological partner to the automotive industry and the aftermarket sector, continuously adding innovative developments to its trusted range of diesel starting technologies.

This includes Glow Plug Control Units, an innovation that adds even more intelligence to the modern diesel engine. Together with the BERU®️ Glow Plug, the BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Unit ensures the engine runs as smoothly and cleanly as possible during the start-up phase.

How does a BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Unit achieve this? By translating vital information from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) – such as glow request, engine speed, coolant temperature and the amount of injected fuel to an exact desired glow plug voltage – and adjusting the current on-board voltage to the Glow Plugs to match this input.

For more information on how a Glow Plug Control Unit works, read our connected blog post.

Types of BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Units

BERU®️'s three types of Glow Plug Control Units cover over 90% of European diesel cars fitted with a glow plug control unit*.

* Source : F-M PI/TecDoc 2018www.tecalliance.net/en/company

  • BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Relay

This is the simplest version of BERU®️'s three Glow Plug Control Units and is usually used as a switcher for the glow plug on older applications.

The BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Relay works by regulating the current based on sensors that take a variety of measurements, including coolant temperature. The measured values are compared with either an entered value or with a target calculated by the control unit. If the values don’t match, the control unit adjusts the current, which ensures the optimal running of the engine.

glow-plug-control-relay
  • BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Unit – ASIC-based

The second type of Glow Plug Control Unit has an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). It does not operate autonomously, instead it receives the request for the glow function from the ECU. The ASIC-based unit is used for flow control and monitoring of low-voltage glow plugs with a nominal voltage lower than 11. The effective voltage applied is achieved through pulse width modulation. The main advantages of this system are the optimized current control, voltage adaptation and simplified diagnostics. It is protected from moisture by its silicone casing.

glow-plug-control-unit-asci-based
  • BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Unit – Micro-controller

The third type of Glow Plug Control Unit is the most complex and advanced. The BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Unit with Micro-controller has two-directional communication with the ECU through a BUS-system. The ECU sends air requirements, speed injection quantities and engine temperature to the Glow Plug Control Unit and then to the Glow Plug itself along with the effective voltage applied through pulse width modulation, while feedback is sent back to the ECU. In case of failure of the BUS-network, the glow plug has an emergency function to guarantee the engine starts up.

This advanced Glow Plug Control Unit not only regulates the required voltage in a precise fashion, it also allows programming of the temperature profile and dynamic re-glow. Plus, it has an error memory and offers full diagnostics. Like the ASIC-based Glow Plug Control Units, it is protected from moisture by its silicone casing.

glow-plug-control-unit-micro-controller

BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Units

BERU®️'s  wide range of Glow Plug Control Units now cover over 90% of European diesel cars equipped with a glow plug control unit, delivering flawless starting even on the coldest morning. To discover more about BERU®️ Glow Plug Control Units click here.

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