SPARK is the programmable ECU developed by Alma Automotive for engine prototyping, research and advanced control development. Combining flexible hardware, open-source software and industry-standard calibration compatibility, it provides a powerful platform for SI and CI engine applications.
Fully Programmable
Full access to Real-Time and FPGA code
Flexible Architecture
Adaptable to different engines and test environments
Ready-to-Use Functions
Start from validated software modules
Standard Calibration Workflow
Compatible with industry-standard tools
The open source ECU is a fully programmable control prototyping system based on the National Instruments System On Module (SOM) sbRIO-9651.
Its Xilinx Zynq™ architecture combines a Dual Core ARM® Processor, an Artix-7 FPGA and 512MB RAM, providing the processing capabilities required for complex control algorithms and real-time signal management.
The platform combines National Instruments technology with hardware developed in-house by Alma Automotive, creating an integrated system for engine and vehicle control.
The ECU software, both Real-Time and FPGA, is fully accessible and open source: allowing to read, edit or even replace any function to meet the customer’s requirements.
A ready-to-use and fully accessible ECU is provided, containing every single control strategy that has already been developed and successfully implemented both on the UniBo Formula SAE car or on other motorsport applications.
Gasoline engines (both GDI and PFI) and diesel common rail engines up to 8 cylinders can be controlled, with measurement and calibration operations supported via the XCP protocol over CAN or Ethernet, thanks to compatibility with all commercially available calibration tools (ETAS INCA®, Vector CANape®, ATI Vision®, etc.).
In both motorsport and laboratory environments, combustion information is much more than a measurement. When properly integrated into the control architecture, combustion metrics can be used to improve performance, increase efficiency and support the development of next-generation engine concepts.
Thanks to its flexible hardware and open software architecture, SPARK enables the implementation of next-cycle control strategies based on measured combustion parameters, creating a direct connection between combustion analysis and engine control.
| SPARK + OBI-M2 (8 cylinders) | SPARK + OBI-M2 (6 cylinders) | SPARK (mono or two cylinders) |
| Complete combustion development package. Full combustion analysis and next-cycle control for advanced development workflows. Up to 8 cylinders. | Fast angle-based acquisition directly inside SPARK, enabling custom development at FPGA and Real-Time level. Up to 6 cylinders. | Compact all-in-one solution for prototype engines and research applications. Up to 2 cylinders. |
| Application environment | How SPARK is used |
|---|---|
| Engine development | Control development and calibration for prototype SI and CI engines |
| Research laboratories | Implementation and validation of custom control strategies |
| Test benches | Real-time engine control integrated into testing and measurement workflows |
| Motorsport development | Rapid development and calibration in performance-oriented applications |
SPARK can be integrated with Alma Automotive combustion analysis and signal conditioning systems to create a coordinated environment for engine control, measurement and development.
SPARK combines an open development platform with Alma Automotive’s experience in engine control, testing and combustion analysis. Customers can develop control strategies independently or work with our engineers to define the system architecture, customize control functions and support application development and validation.
| Absolute Maximum Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 32V |
| Under voltage lockout | 6V |
| Over voltage lockout | 30V |
| Supplu current | 1A |
| 5V sensor supply current | 1,5A |
| 10V sensor supply current | 1A |
| Maximum current on each pin | 11A |
| USB 5V supply masimum output current | 1A |
| GPS antenna supply voltage | 3,3V |
| GPS antenna maximum supply current | 100mA |
| Software requirements | |
|---|---|
| Labview 2014 SP1 or higher | Required |
| Labview 2014 Real Time module or higher | Required |
| Labview 2014 FPGA module or higher | Required |
| NI-RIO 14 or higher | Required |
| NI-embedded CAN for Rio 14 or higher | Required for CAN communication only |
| NI-XNET 14 or higher | Required for CAN DBC interface only |
| INCA (any version) or similar XCP Calibration tool | Recommended |
| WinSCP (any version) | Recommended |
| Putty (any version) | Recommended |
| Environmental Specification | |
|---|---|
| Operation Humidity (relative-non condensing) | 10 - 90% |
| Storage Humidity (relative-non condensing) | 5 - 95% |
| Ambiente Operating Temperature (forced air cooling) | -20 - 85°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 - 90°CA |
| Altitude | 5.000 m MAX |
Via Terracini 2/c - 40131 Bologna - Italy
Tel. +39.051.9923806 / +39.051.0548470
Fax +39.051.0544839
info@alma-automotive.it
PEC amministrazione@pec.alma-automotive.it
HEADQUARTER
Via Terracini 2 , 40131 Bologna
TESTING FACILITIES
Via Provinciale Bologna 28/30
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