Bordcomputer

A Bordcomputer, or onboard computer, is a computer system installed in motor vehicles to monitor and manage operational parameters and to present information to the driver. It typically gathers data from various sensors and control units and can work together with the engine control unit (ECU) and the vehicle's instrument cluster.

Core functions include displaying speed, engine rpm, fuel level, fuel consumption (instantaneous and average), range, odometer and trip data, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and maintenance reminders. Some systems provide additional information such as tire pressure, battery status, climate control status, navigation guidance, and driver-assistance alerts.

Technically, onboard computers rely on vehicle networks, commonly CAN bus, to exchange data with ECUs and sensors. In many regions, OBD or OBD-II provides standardized access to diagnostic data. Modern Bordcomputer platforms may integrate telematics, smartphone connectivity, and cloud-based services for remote monitoring, updates, and data logging.

History: Early cars used mechanical or analog indicators; digital onboard computers emerged in the late 20th century, expanding from simple trip meters to multifunction displays. The spread of OBD-II and standardized diagnostics in the 1990s and the adoption of digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems in the 2000s and 2010s expanded the role of these computers beyond driving data to maintenance and connectivity.

Today, Bordcomputer are an essential element of most passenger vehicles, contributing to fuel efficiency, safety, and user experience. They vary widely in complexity, from basic trip computers in entry-level cars to advanced, integrated infotainment and telematics systems in premium vehicles.