1) No one had access to underlying fuel, timing and boost
maps. This means that all piggy-back tuning attempts were subject to
unknown. Variables that had influence over long-term fuel learning or
knock correction. It was also impossible to determine and compensate
for maximum RPM or Load limits which made extracting full performance
without concessions to safety margin virtually impossible.
2) Limited resolution with respect to tuning control. With
the factory fuel, timing, boost and knock correction maps offering up
to 16x16 cell resolution with engine speed breakpoints every 400RPM, no
interceptor-based tuning device of the time offered commensurate
resolution. Without this resolution, it was impossible to compensate
for sudden spikes or dips in underlying maps. Instead, compromise was
inherent in such applications.
3) Poor crank angle sensor (CAS) replication. Prior
interceptor-based tuning systems improperly replicated the crank angle
sensor waveform, maintaining little more than signal peaks and valleys.
While this was sufficient to manipulate basic timing advance, it often
triggered factory diagnostic strategies, hard-starting, erratic knock
correction and general rough-running characteristics.
4) Limited tuning software flexibility. As with virtually
every aftermarket engine control systems on the market, tuning software
interfaces offered resolution greatly inferior to that of the factory
ECU it is attempting to influence. With the inability to place Load and
RPM breakpoints wherever necessary for coherent management (and the
restriction of having to use the same Load and RPM breakpoints for all
tuning variables) the tuning process was shrouded in compromise.
The XEDE addresses all the above issues as following:
1) With our involvement with the ECUTEK re-flashing system,
we now have full knowledge of all OEM fuel, timing advance, knock
correction, etc,. maps. Knowing all underlying engine control
variables, it's now possible to know exactly what one is tuning upon.
2) With the XEDE offering an ultra-high 20x20 map resolution,
it is now possible to tune upon the factory maps without sacrificing
granularity or having to compromise one zone for another. Additionally,
XEDE users can define not only their own Load and RPM breakpoints for
each map, they can also determine which Load variable to use (TPS, MAP
or MAF) in order to best achieve their specific tuning goals. Simply
put, no other form of engine management offers this degree of tuning
flexibility.
3) Compared to the Unichip, the XEDE is capable of vastly
superior CAS replication. This ability greatly
improves active knock correction performance, general drivability and
invisibility to the factory diagnostic system. Perfect CAS replication
insures that there is absolutely no misunderstandings between the
factory ECU and the XEDE.
4) Unlike the Unichip which is capable of modifying only
Ignition Timing and MAF signals with fixed load (MAP) and RPM)
breakpoints (every 500RPM, the XEDE is capable of modifying Ignition
Timing, MAF, TPS, MAP and Knock sensor signals with respect to RPM (up
to 20 user-definable breakpoints) and any one of three Load variables
(MAP, TPS or MAF).
5) Unlike the S-AFC, the XEDE is capable of providing boost
and spark timing control in addition to high resolution fuel
management. Used appropriately, this enhanced functionality
yields a broader power band as well as a much greater resistance to
detonation.