What is the detection principle of the electronic throttle pedal?
2 Answers
The detection principle of the electronic throttle pedal involves connecting the rotating shaft to the brush of a sliding potentiometer inside the sensor. When the position of the accelerator pedal position sensor changes, the voltage between the brush and the ground terminal changes, and the ECU converts this voltage into the position signal of the accelerator pedal. Below are the specific impacts of electronic throttle position sensor failure: 1. Inability to measure throttle position: The circuit between the ECU and the sensor is open. 2. Weak acceleration: The two sets of resistors inside the sensor cannot detect each other, and the ECU cannot obtain the correct position of the current throttle pedal, resulting in the fault phenomenon of weak engine acceleration; failure of one set of resistors in the potentiometer causes the ECU to receive incorrect signals.
The working principle of the electronic throttle pedal is actually quite cool, just like your smartphone touchscreen sensing finger movements. It has two sensors at the bottom, usually Hall sensors or potentiometers. When you press the pedal, the changing position of the magnet generates varying voltage signals. The primary sensor tells the engine control unit how much you want to accelerate, while the second one serves as a backup monitor. The ECU checks these two signals hundreds of times per second to ensure synchronization - if they differ too much, it's flagged as a malfunction. This system makes throttle response much faster than mechanical cable systems and can coordinate with ESP traction control to automatically limit power during rainy-day acceleration to prevent wheelspin. However, the sensors are particularly vulnerable to moisture and strong magnetic fields, so you need to avoid this area when installing aftermarket audio systems.
