Engine off time tracking

摘要

An approach to tracking the engine off time of a system including an internal combustion engine. A timer apparatus may electrically couple to the engine control unit by way of a power connection that provides electrical power to the timer apparatus from the engine control unit. The timer apparatus may include a monitor module that monitors the power connection. A timer module may begin a time interval in response to the power connection transitioning from a powered state to an unpowered state. The timer module may end the time interval in response to the power connection transitioning from the unpowered state to the powered state. A communication module may communicate the time interval to the engine control unit by switching the power connection between the high state and the low state.

主权项

1. A timer apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprising:
a monitor module configured to monitor a power connection that provides electrical power from an engine control unit for powering the timer apparatus; a timer module configured to begin a time interval in response to the power connection transitioning from a powered state to an unpowered state, and further configured to end the time interval in response to the power connection transitioning from the unpowered state to the powered state; and a communication module configured to communicate the time interval to the engine control unit by switching a connection connecting the timer apparatus and the engine control unit between a high state and a low state, wherein the connection is one of the power connection and a second switch connection.