How old is the UrS4 Motronic Technology?

[UrS4boy]

The question relates to the proprietary ignition driver chip (not one that we swap out when we "improve" performance). They are starting to fail and, as result, render an otherwise perfect ECU useless. So far, there are no replacements because they are "proprietary" to Bosch (or ??). Someone has suggested that the patent on those chips is only for 20 years. If so, since the UrS4s AANs were built starting in Aug. 1991, I would guess the AAN UrS4 ECU was actually developed in 1990 or at the latest early 1991 and therefore the 20 years would be up.

If this is all true, then it *might* be possible to have a good ignition driver chip cloned. This will resurrect many otherwise dead AAN Motronic ECUs.

Anybody? Paul? Dmitri?

Dave F.

[prj]

I think the $$$ required to clone a microchip would be cost-prohibitive.
It's around '89-90.

[UrS4boy]

I think the $$$ required to clone a microchip would be cost-prohibitive.
It's around '89-90.

I guess I was thinking more along the lines that the chip architecture is more or less standard and the trick is the software inside. However, that is probably wishful thinking.