Device and method for internal combustion engine control

A system for an engine, comprising:

• an upstream emission control device and a downstream emission control device in an exhaust system of the engine, said upstream device having a washcoat having a predetermined amount of precious metal and having NOx storage material, wherein at least some of the precious metal is physically segregated, in a zone, from the NOx storage material, and where said upstream device is located in a close coupled location;
• a controller for adjusting parameters of the engine, said controller operating said engine lean, with periodic rich operation to purge stored NOx, said operation carried out during at least a portion of low engine airflow and low exhaust temperature conditions;
• and said controller operating said engine near stoichiometry during at least a portion of other conditions.

A system for an engine, comprising:

• an upstream emission control device and a downstream emission control device in an exhaust system of the engine, said upstream device with a washcoat having a predetermined amount of precious metal and having NOx storage material, wherein a selected amount of the precious metal is physically segregated, in a zone, from the NOx storage material, said upstream emission control device located in a close coupled location receiving untreated exhaust gasses from the engine;
• a controller for adjusting parameters of the engine, said controller operating said engine lean, with periodic rich operation to purge stored NOx, said operation carried out during at least a portion of low engine airflow and low exhaust temperature conditions;
• and said controller operating said engine near stoichiometry during at least a portion of other conditions.