TOPICS

Acronyms and Definitions

ABS (Antilock Brake System): Required on commercial vehicles since 1999. Some of the newest ABS systems are electronically controlled and may record event data.

ACM (Airbag Control Module): The Event Data Recorder most common in passenger cars. It is not the same, either in function or purpose, as the EDR in a heavy vehicle.

CAT ET (Caterpillar Electronic Technician): The software required to access Caterpillar electronic control units.

CDR (Crash Data Retrieval) Tool: The proprietary name for software & hardware used to access passenger car ACMs. It is not used for commercial vehicles.

CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle): Vehicles regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulated vehicles are typically those engaged in interstate commerce; have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) in excess of 26,000 pounds; are designed to transport more than 15 people; require Hazardous Materials placards; or tow a trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the combination of vehicle and trailer is greater than 26,000 pounds. Many, but not all, heavy trucks fall into this category.

DDC (Detroit Diesel Corporation): Engine manufacturer owned by Daimler- AG.

DDDL (Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link): The software required to access DDC and Mercedes engines, including DDEC Reports.

DDEC-x (Detroit Diesel Electronic Control-version #): The proprietary name for the Detroit Diesel ECM.

Deutsch Connection: A six- or nine-pin standardized data port connector found on the dash or cab wall, used when connecting a communication interface to the ECM. It is analogous to the OBDII port on a passenger car.

DOT (Department of Transportation): The primary US government agency that regulates all forms of transportation.

ECM / ECU: (Engine Control Module, Electronic Control Module, Engine Contol Unit, Electronic Control Unit): These acronyms are used somewhat interchangeably to denote the computerized control unit of a truck's engine, ABS brake system, or other electronic vehicle system. This site uses ECM as a generic term for these modules.

EDR (Event Data Recorder): A function that records vehicle performance data relating to an “event,” which has properties defined by the individual ECM’s programming (for example, when wheel speed slows by more than 7mph in one second). Most recorded events are not traffic crashes, but in many cases the circumstances surrounding a traffic crash will cause information to be recorded as an “event.”

ESP (Electronic Stability Program): Bendix Brakes’ advanced ABS & anti-rollover system that may contain some event information.

HV (Heavy Vehicle): Used in this site to denote the large, diesel engine vehicles that are commonly equipped with EDRs. Most of these vehicles require operators to have a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). Many of these vehicles are subject to the regulation of the FMCSA and are therefore considered Commercial Motor Vehicles.

Inline-x: The hardware adapter or “translator” that allows a personal computer to communicate with a Cummins ECU. The most recent version is Inline 5.

InSite 6.x: One of two necessary software packages for downloading a Cummins engine. The most recent version is Inline 6.5.2.

NHTSA: (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) The organization within the US Department of Transportation charged with promoting highway traffic safety.

NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board): The independent advisory board that investigates major accidents and makes safety recommendations to the Department of Transportation and to the US Congress.

OBDR: (On Board Data Recorder): A data recorder primarily used for recording drivers' record of duty status (logs) through any one of several electronic means. Some OBDR technologies have optional EDR capabilities.

PowerSpec: One of two necessary software packages for downloading a Cummins engine. The most current version of PowerSpec is version 4.0.2.

VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor): The device on the output shaft of the transmission or transaxle that the ECM uses to compute vehicle speed for the speedometer, odometer, and the EDR function.

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