Earlier Emerald ECUs

K3 ECU Specification

The K3 ECU was a significant step forward for Emerald and brought comparisons to systems costing up to three times as much.  The K3 was produced between  February 2007 and ceased production in April 2010.  The K3 introduced many new features, some of which are listed below:

By utilising any of the aftermarket wide band lambda sensors with a capability to output a 0-5v signal the K3’s adaptive mapping capability can be used.  Fully user configurable with 3 modes of operation – open loop, closed loop and adaptive you can now have exactly the air to fuel ratio that YOU want anywhere in the speed and load range.

To deal with specific rpm and/or load related issues that arise on different engines (abrupt airflow changes due to cam timing, TB design or boost onset) the K3 speed and load sites are fully user configurable.  Changes made are propagated through all maps and can be made at any time.

The K3 output’s a steady stream of up to 21 data parameters; 20 times a second which can be used by other CAN enabled devices – i.e. Digital dashboards.  Emerald’s CAN protocol is freely available and can be downloaded from our Software & Manuals page.

Exhaust gas temperature is a critical measurement for all engines.  The K3 ECU can utilise exhaust gas temperature from a suitable thermocouple and conditioning unit.  User configurable maps allow reductions to boost pressure and/or additional fuel to be introduced to safeguard the engine.

Electronic Boost control variable by engine speed, load and gear ratio.  Enables precise control of boost pressures which can minimise turbo lag, propagate boost earlier and introduce boost progressively to maximise traction.  In combination with map switching this becomes a very flexible and powerful feature.

Full, configurable control of the Honda VTEC system and also Variable Valve Timing Cam Phasers including the Rover variable cam duration (VVC) engine.

User configurable and for most users operable from an in-car switch, this feature gives the user 3 completely different maps (including all map parameters) to configure as they see fit.  We have seen this feature being used more and more over time with more and more ingenious uses.  See our K6 ECU Specifications for more examples.

As part of Emerald’s commitment to “Future Proofing” many of our earlier 32 bit M3DK ECUs were upgradeable to K3 specification and a large number of M3DKs were returned to us to take advantage of this upgrade service.  The service is still offered – please see our online shop for further details.  Emerald M3DK to K3 upgrade.

M3DK ECU Specification

The M3DK ECU was in production from March 2001 to February 2007 and laid the foundations for the later evolution of the K3 ECU. It was Emerald’s first 32 bit processor ECU – a significant step on from the previous 16 bit M3D ECU. The M3DK was intended primarily for use with 4 cylinder engines, both normally aspirated and pressure charged. The ECU featured full injection and ignition control and offered idle control, narrow band lambda input and direct immobiliser compatibility with the Rover MEMS security modules – used at the time on all Lotus Elise/Exige and Rover MGF’s.