WOODWARD 8280-4401

الوصف

The Woodward 8280-4401 is a specific part number that identifies a LECM (Large Engine Control Module) E6 Generic Control. This is a highly sophisticated electronic control unit designed for advanced management of large industrial internal combustion engines. This particular variant is configured as a standalone module, primarily functioning as an Electronic Ignition/Injection Driver (EID).

WOODWARD 8280-4401: LECM E6 Generic Control (Stand-Alone EID with 20 Drivers)

The Woodward 8280-4401 is a high-performance Large Engine Control Module (LECM) within Woodward’s E6 platform. These modules are specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of large industrial engines, providing comprehensive control over various engine parameters for optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability, with a focus on combustion timing.

Product Overview

• Product Type: Large Engine Control Module (LECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
• Manufacturer: Woodward
• Series: E6 / LECM
• Function: This configuration is a “Generic Control” and is explicitly described as a “Stand-Alone: EID” module. This means it primarily functions as an Electronic Ignition/Injection Driver (EID), providing outputs for directly controlling either ignition coils (for spark-ignited gas engines) or fuel injectors (for diesel or dual-fuel engines). While “stand-alone” implies it can operate independently for its core function, it would typically receive commands and synchronization signals from a main engine control unit (ECU) in a larger engine management system.
• Configuration:
  • Stand-Alone: Indicates it’s a self-contained module for its specified function, not physically “stacked” with a main CPU module in the same housing.
  • EID: Focuses on the precise timing and driving of ignition or injection events.
• Key Capabilities for 8280-4401: This specific model is configured with a substantial number of driver outputs:
  • 20 Channel Driver (DRVR) Outputs: These outputs are designed to precisely control up to 20 individual ignition coils (for gas engines) or fuel injectors (for diesel/dual-fuel engines). This makes it highly suitable for large, multi-cylinder engines requiring individual cylinder control for optimal combustion.

Detailed Description

The Woodward LECM series, including the 8280-4401, offers a powerful and flexible control platform for large engine applications.

Key characteristics of the 8280-4401:

• Advanced Hardware Architecture: It features robust internal components capable of handling high-current outputs and precise timing, crucial for accurate ignition or fuel injection in demanding engine applications.
• Specialized Functionality: As a dedicated EID module, it excels at the critical task of managing combustion timing. This precision is essential for optimizing engine efficiency, controlling emissions, and ensuring smooth operation, especially in large, multi-cylinder engines where individual cylinder balancing is vital.
• Integration into Systems: Although “stand-alone,” it’s designed to seamlessly integrate with a higher-level engine control system via communication protocols (such as CAN) to receive timing and command signals.
• Communication: While its primary role is driving outputs, it would have communication capabilities to allow for configuration, diagnostics, and reporting back to a main controller or service tool. LECM E6 products typically support Ethernet, CAN, and Modbus protocols.
• Rugged Design: It’s built to withstand the extreme environmental conditions typically found in engine rooms, including high vibrations and wide temperature ranges, ensuring long-term reliability in demanding industrial settings.

Applications

The Woodward 8280-4401 LECM E6, with its extensive ignition/injection driver capabilities, is primarily used in applications involving large reciprocating engines where precise control over combustion events for many cylinders is critical:

• Power Generation: For engine-driven generator sets (gensets) where precise ignition timing (for gas engines) or fuel injection (for diesel/dual-fuel engines) is needed for optimal efficiency, stability, and emissions compliance.
• Oil & Gas: For engines driving compressors or pumps in pipeline and upstream/midstream operations, where accurate control of engine combustion is essential for performance and fuel economy.
• Industrial Prime Movers: In various industrial processes that rely on large gas or diesel engines, benefiting from sophisticated, individual cylinder control.

Compatibility and Replacement Notes

It’s important to note the current status of the 8280-4401:

• Obsolescence: The 8280-4401 belongs to the 723, 723+, and 828 product line, which Woodward has officially inactivated (End-of-Life). This decision was made primarily due to component obsolescence. This means direct sales and new production of the 8280-4401 are discontinued. While limited repairs might have been supported based on parts availability until September 2024, as of July 2025, this support period has likely ended or is extremely limited.
• Replacement: Woodward offers newer product lines as replacements for the older 723, 723+, and 828 platforms. These typically include:
  • LECM SA (Stand-Alone) Main board variant: Modern LECM SA modules can be configured and often combined with specific I/O expansion modules to replicate or exceed the functionality (including multiple ignition/injection drivers) of the 8280-4401.
  • Flex500: A highly flexible and modern control platform that can support extensive I/O and custom control logic for advanced ignition and injection strategies.
  • 2300E: Another electronic control option that may be suitable depending on the specific application requirements for ignition/injection control.