Development of Modula-GM (First High Level Software Language used for Powertrain Controllers)
Written by Ronald W. Cox
Modula-GM
Delco Electronics, Subsidiary of GM Hughes Electronics, developed a version of Modula-2 for embedded control systems starting in 1985. Delco Electronics named it Modula-GM. It was the first high level language used to replace machine language code for embedded systems in Delco Electronics' engine control units (ECUs) which was significant because Delco Electronics was producing over 28,000 ECUs per day in 1988 for GM, the world's largest producer of ECUs at the time (see reference #1). The first experimental use of Modula-GM in an embedded controller was in the 1993 Gen-4 ECU used by the CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) and IRL (Indy Racing League) teams (see reference #2). The first production use of Modula-GM was its use in GM trucks starting with the 1990 model year VCM (Vehicle Control Module) used to manage GM Powertrain's Vortec Engines. Modula-GM was also used on all ECUs for GM's Buick V6 engine 90° Buick V6 family 3800 Series II first used in the 1997-2005 model year Buick Park Avenue. Modula-GM compilers and associated software management tools were purchased by Delco Electronics from Intermetrics.
Modula-2 was selected as the basis for Delco Electronic's high level language because of its many strengths over all other alternative language choices in 1986. After Delco Electronics was spun off from GM with the other component divisions to form Delphi in 1997, global sourcing required that a non proprietary high level software language be used. ECU embedded software now developed at Delphi use commercial C compilers.
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