Glossary
Adaptive Speed Control
Adaptive speed control is a feature that will strive to maintain engine speed during turns or
when trimming.
Ah Amp hour. Battery rating method used in some international locations.
CAN
Controller area network. A communications protocol developed for the automotive industry and
adapted for use in the marine and other industries.
CAN bus
The controller area network circuits anywhere in the system (engine harness, data harness,
command module harness, junction box, etc.).
CAN H
CAN circuit used in joystick piloting applications to communicate between the multiple CAN X
circuits.
CAN P
CAN circuit used to communicate engine data and propulsion information between the PCM,
command module, and helm (blue and white wires). Previously referred to as CAN 1.
CAN V
CAN circuit used to communicate vessel data between various vessel accessories and the helm
(orange and green wires).
CAN X
CAN circuit used to communicate throttle and shift data between the PCM, command module,
and helm (yellow and brown wires). Previously referred to as CAN 2.
CCA Cold cranking amps, a rating method for batteries tested at –17.7 °C (0 °F).
CDS G3 Mercury's latest computer diagnostic system.
Clean Power
Powers up the DTS/SmartCraft system. Two‑wire harness that connects directly to the engine
cranking battery. Also referred to as DTS power. Optional connection into a junction box when
batteries are at the helm.
Closed‑loop fuel control When the PCM is working to adjust the air/fuel ratio to achieve an equivalency ratio of 1.
Command module Small computer that manages communication between the ERC and the PCM.
Cruise control Sets and controls the speed of the engine for cruising (Smart Tow tachometer only).
Data harness
The 14‑pin harness that connects the engine to the command module harness and/or connects
the command module harnesses between stations/helms.
Default fuel delivery
A predetermined table of air/fuel values. If the engine leaves closed‑loop control it uses these
tables to fuel the engine.
DTM Digital Throttle, Mechanical Shift
DTS Digital Throttle and Shift
DTS power harness
Powers up the DTS/SmartCraft system. Two‑wire harness that connects directly to the engine
cranking battery. Also referred to as clean power. Optional connection into a junction box when
batteries are at the helm.
Dual Used to describe an application of two: two engines or two controls installed on a boat.
Dual helm Two control/operating stations installed on a boat.
eBOM Electronic bill of material. Used to identify engine and boat configuration in CDS G3.
ECM Engine control module, controls engine functions. Also referred to as PCM.
ECT Engine coolant temperature
Engine Guardian System
Monitors the critical sensors on the engine for any early indications of problems. The system will
respond to a problem by reducing engine speed and alert the operator to a potentially damaging
situation.
Equivalence ratio
The ratio of the actual air/fuel ratio to the ideal ratio (refer to stoichiometry). A ratio of 1 means
that all of the oxygen is being used in the combustion process. A value greater than 1.00 means
the engine is running rich. A value below 1.00 means it is running lean. Also referred to as 'phi.'
ERC
Electronic remote control, sends throttle and shift inputs electronically to the engine via the
command module and PCM.
Error
The difference between where the system is and where we want the system to be. Also referred
to as ITerm.
ESC
Electronic shift control, sometimes referred to as the shift actuator. Uses a small electric motor
to move a shaft that places the gearcase or transmission in forward, neutral, or reverse gear,
based upon requests from the ERC (via the command module and PCM).
ETC
Electronic throttle control, sometimes referred to as throttle body. Uses a small electric motor to
move the position of the throttle plate, based upon requests from the ERC (via the command
module and PCM).
Glossary, Reference Charts, and Conversions
Page 1D-2 © 2018 Mercury Marine 90-8M0146617 eng JULY 2018
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