Automotive Software Lexicon
Your reference guide to automotive software terminology. Browse our comprehensive glossary of terms related to vehicle software, connected car technology, and more.
A
ABS
Active Safety SystemsAnti-lock Brake System (ABS) is a safety system that prevents wheel lockup during braking by modulating brake pressure, allowing the driver to maintain steering control during emergency braking.
Read more →APIM
Specific Control ModulesAccessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) is an electronic control unit that manages vehicle infotainment systems, connectivity features, and communication protocols between various vehicle systems.
Read more →B
BCM
Specific Control ModulesBody Control Module (BCM) is an electronic control unit that manages various body-related electrical functions including lighting, windows, door locks, and other comfort and convenience features.
Read more →BECM
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle SystemsBattery Energy Control Module (BECM) is an electronic control unit that manages battery energy distribution, charging strategies, and thermal management in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Read more →BMS
Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system that monitors and manages battery operation, including charge levels, temperature, and safety protection in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Read more →E
ECM
Specific Control ModulesEngine Control Module (ECM) is the primary computer that controls engine operation, managing fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control, and engine protection systems.
Read more →ECU
General and RegulatoryElectronic Control Unit (ECU) is a computer system that controls one or more electrical systems or subsystems in a vehicle, managing various functions through software and hardware integration.
Read more →ESC
Active Safety SystemsElectronic Stability Control (ESC) is an active safety system that helps prevent vehicle skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power.
Read more →ESP
Active Safety SystemsElectronic Stability Program (ESP) is an active safety system similar to ESC that helps maintain vehicle stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction through brake and engine interventions.
Read more →F
FCM
Active Safety SystemsFront Camera Module (FCM) is a vision-based sensor system that provides input for advanced driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance.
Read more →FMVSS
General and RegulatoryFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) refers to safety regulations established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that vehicles must meet for legal sale in the United States.
Read more →P
PCM
Specific Control ModulesPowertrain Control Module (PCM) is the main computer that controls the engine and transmission systems, managing fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions, and transmission shifting.
Read more →PWS
Active Safety SystemsPedestrian Warning System (PWS) is a safety feature in electric and hybrid vehicles that generates artificial sound to alert pedestrians of the vehicle's presence at low speeds.
Read more →S
SAS
Active Safety SystemsSophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) is an advanced sensor system that determines optimal airbag deployment based on crash severity, occupant position, and other factors.
Read more →SDV
General and RegulatorySoftware-Defined Vehicles (SDV) are vehicles that leverage software to define and control their functionality, enabling advanced features and capabilities.
Read more →T
TCM
Specific Control ModulesTransmission Control Module (TCM) is a specialized electronic control unit that manages automatic transmission operation, controlling shift points, torque converter lockup, and transmission protection strategies.
Read more →TPMS
Active Safety SystemsTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a safety system that monitors tire air pressure and alerts the driver when tire pressure falls below safe levels.
Read more →Active Safety Systems
Electronic systems that actively monitor and intervene to enhance vehicle safety
ABS
Active Safety SystemsAnti-lock Brake System (ABS) is a safety system that prevents wheel lockup during braking by modulating brake pressure, allowing the driver to maintain steering control during emergency braking.
Read more →ESC
Active Safety SystemsElectronic Stability Control (ESC) is an active safety system that helps prevent vehicle skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power.
Read more →ESP
Active Safety SystemsElectronic Stability Program (ESP) is an active safety system similar to ESC that helps maintain vehicle stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction through brake and engine interventions.
Read more →FCM
Active Safety SystemsFront Camera Module (FCM) is a vision-based sensor system that provides input for advanced driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance.
Read more →PWS
Active Safety SystemsPedestrian Warning System (PWS) is a safety feature in electric and hybrid vehicles that generates artificial sound to alert pedestrians of the vehicle's presence at low speeds.
Read more →SAS
Active Safety SystemsSophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) is an advanced sensor system that determines optimal airbag deployment based on crash severity, occupant position, and other factors.
Read more →TPMS
Active Safety SystemsTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a safety system that monitors tire air pressure and alerts the driver when tire pressure falls below safe levels.
Read more →Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Systems
Control systems specific to electric and hybrid vehicle operations
BECM
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle SystemsBattery Energy Control Module (BECM) is an electronic control unit that manages battery energy distribution, charging strategies, and thermal management in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Read more →HPCM
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle SystemsHybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) is a specialized control unit that coordinates the operation of both electric and internal combustion engine components in hybrid vehicles.
Read more →ICCU
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle SystemsIntegrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) is an electronic control module in electric vehicles that manages the charging process and 12-volt battery maintenance systems.
Read more →General and Regulatory
Foundational terms, regulatory standards, and overarching concepts in automotive software
ECU
General and RegulatoryElectronic Control Unit (ECU) is a computer system that controls one or more electrical systems or subsystems in a vehicle, managing various functions through software and hardware integration.
Read more →FMVSS
General and RegulatoryFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) refers to safety regulations established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that vehicles must meet for legal sale in the United States.
Read more →OTA
General and RegulatoryOver-the-Air (OTA) updates are wireless software updates delivered directly to vehicles, allowing manufacturers to update vehicle software remotely without requiring a dealership visit.
Read more →SDV
General and RegulatorySoftware-Defined Vehicles (SDV) are vehicles that leverage software to define and control their functionality, enabling advanced features and capabilities.
Read more →Specific Control Modules
Specialized electronic control units that manage specific vehicle subsystems
APIM
Specific Control ModulesAccessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) is an electronic control unit that manages vehicle infotainment systems, connectivity features, and communication protocols between various vehicle systems.
Read more →BCM
Specific Control ModulesBody Control Module (BCM) is an electronic control unit that manages various body-related electrical functions including lighting, windows, door locks, and other comfort and convenience features.
Read more →ECM
Specific Control ModulesEngine Control Module (ECM) is the primary computer that controls engine operation, managing fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control, and engine protection systems.
Read more →PCM
Specific Control ModulesPowertrain Control Module (PCM) is the main computer that controls the engine and transmission systems, managing fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions, and transmission shifting.
Read more →TCM
Specific Control ModulesTransmission Control Module (TCM) is a specialized electronic control unit that manages automatic transmission operation, controlling shift points, torque converter lockup, and transmission protection strategies.
Read more →VCU
Specific Control ModulesVehicle Control Unit (VCU) is a central electronic control module that coordinates and manages overall vehicle system operations, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Read more →