Electronic Control Unit
Formal
An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is a device, such as a sensor or an actuator, that is connected to other devices via a CAN Bus. A vehicle can contain dozens of ECUs for functions such as mirror adjustment, airbags, cruise control, entertainment, and, most significantly, engine control.
Practical
A vehicle can contain dozens of ECUs for functions such as mirror adjustment, window power, airbags, cruise control, entertainment, and, most significantly, engine control. To form a CAN, two or more ECUs are needed.
