This page is about electronically controlled throttles. This technology is getting common
If I wrote an intro it would be similar to [this autospeed article] (except their English is better and they apparently worked on it more than I would have :-).
This page is an index page, and some words about the actuators. However a complete system is much more than that. Redundant network of sensors, smart software and good understanding of failure modes.
See InTake/DriveByWireThrottle/Sensors
Besides the VAG item there are others too.
(make a separate page if info about a particular part > 8 lines)
Vag
Throttle body with DC motor and position sensor:
InTake/ThrottlePlates/VAGElectronicThrottle
There is also a smarter type with CAN interface, but we know little details.
PSA
I heard that PSA's shipping lotsof cars (Peugeot 307 and Citroen C5 comes to mind) with drive-by-wire throttles (for years now). That means they should be available for cheap. Dunno about bus (CAN is likely).
Opel, BMW
New opels have a throttle body manufactured together with the plenum, but the actuator motor (stepper motor inside? I doubt CAN):
- Bosch 0205001039 (058?) electric motor
- with AMP 2-828736-2 connector (2nd line empty of the 4 lines, 4x2 total)
Home made
[designing an electronic throttle.]
MembersPage/PetrPodrazsky plans to install one on his engine from DC motor.
Controlling it via MAP reading, an appropriate (TPS, RPM, TPSdot) => MAPtarget function can make wonders. Note that it's not very good if it sticks open, but the revlimit fuelcut will save your engine if you're foot is on the throttle, and overrun fuelresume is very handy when TPS=0.
If the throttle is slow, it's impossible to make a nice response system. 150..200 ms is nice from end2end. Appr. 10A drivers are required for that.
Issues
Such items are only for very experienced installers.
Control algorithm
Very similar to the BoostController: (effective) TPS => MAPtarget, measured MAP => actuation
WhatEverYouDoYouDoItAtYourOwnRisk
See also