XEPS Develops In-House High-Reliability ECU for Intelligent Steering Control

XEPS has independently engineered and validated a next-generation Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for its Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, enabling seamless transition from driver-assist to fully autonomous steering. The ECU—essentially the ‘brain’ of EPS—processes driver torque input and vehicle data (such as speed and lane-keeping commands) to command the steering motor with precision.

What Is an ECU?

An ECU is an embedded computer that manages one or more electronic systems in a vehicle. In the case of EPS, the ECU continuously reads torque, position, and speed sensors, executes real‑time control algorithms, and sends commands to the steering motor. It also monitors system health, initiating fail-safe strategies if a fault is detected—ensuring uninterrupted control.

Core Innovations

Building on this foundation, XEPS’s ECU introduces several breakthroughs:

Precise Torque Control

By finely tuning motor output to match driver intent and driving conditions, the ECU makes low-speed parking effortless while preserving the firmness needed for high-speed stability. This dynamic adjustment ensures a seamless steering feel across all scenarios.

Dual-Sensor Redundancy

To guarantee reliability, the ECU cross-checks signals from redundant torque and position sensors. Should any inconsistency arise, control seamlessly shifts to the backup sensor, maintaining continuous steering guidance without driver awareness.

ASIL-D Functional Safety

Meeting the highest automotive safety integrity level, the ECU incorporates self-diagnostics and safe-degradation modes. Even under component failure, essential steering functionality remains available, safeguarding occupants and meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

Advanced Features and Integration

Beyond core control, the ECU’s architecture supports future-ready steering technologies:

Steer-By-Wire Compatibility

By eliminating mechanical linkages, the ECU enables software-defined steering ratios and over-the-air updates. This flexibility allows manufacturers to tailor steering characteristics and deploy improvements long after vehicles leave the factory.

ADAS & Autonomous Support

The ECU seamlessly ingests commands from lane-keeping assist, automated parking, and other ADAS features. It then translates these into precise motor actions, enabling smooth handovers between driver and machine control—and paving the way toward higher levels of autonomy.

Validation & Outlook

To ensure real-world robustness, XEPS subjected the ECU to extreme temperature, vibration, and electromagnetic tests, surpassing global OEM standards. Its modular design allows rapid integration with various steering columns and electric rack assemblies, making it suitable for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and autonomous platforms alike. On-vehicle trials are currently underway with leading automakers in Europe and Asia, with production launches slated for 2026 model-year vehicles.

As the industry embraces Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), XEPS’s ECU stands ready to serve as the intelligent core of next-generation steering and active safety systems, accelerating the path to fully autonomous driving.