Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair
Modern vehicle electrical systems use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for better control of devices and components while simultaneously reducing power consumption. Proper electrical diagnosis of this type of system requires professional tools and training. The experts at Hollenshade’s Auto Service in Towson provide the highest level of electrical diagnosis and repair for automobiles.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a well known technique used across multiple diciplines of electrical engineering. The principle is to provide a speed control, or to control the power consumption of a specific device. Instead of driving a defvice constantly, the PWM control supplies pulses of power to a device with a defined width to run the device at a desired speed or reduce the power consumed. The term ‘duty cycle’ is used in order to quantify the time the signal is ON compared with the total time of one cycle. So, if the PWM duty-cycle is 20% the device will be driven for 0.2 seconds in every one second, or whatever time is defined as one period.
The PWM technique is useful for many things in a vehicle. There are plenty of fans and pumps that benefit from not being run constantly. This gives the engineers more control and configurability over the car. In some cases it is necessary to drive devices that draw more current than a PWM signal output can provide. In these cases a relay is used to provide both adequate current and control.
The combination of computer module control and the use of PWM affords engineers more circuit configuration options and a greater ability to monitor and/or protect devices and wiring. Because the computer module can monitor both sides of the circuit it is able to control the respective device with much greater precision. By tracking current draw of the device engineers can integrate more advanced features including circuit trip protection and automatic resets.
The experts at Hollenshade’s in Towson can address any problems you may experience with your vehicle’s electrical system. Please CONTACT US for an appointment or to ask us a question about replacing the spark plugs on your vehicle.