Race cars now feature advanced engine management systems, antilock brake systems, paddle shifters, dataloggers, radios, electric pumps, fans, and lights. All components need to be controlled at the correct moment, and all components require circuit protection to prevent damage or fire.

Traditionally, fuses and relays served all of those purposes, but they have many disadvantages like complicated wiring looms, sensitivity to vibration/temperature, and difficult diagnostics.

All of these problems can be solved by using intelligent power management units (PMUs). Our newly developed PMU unit is at the forefront of technology. It provides 16 high current outputs (and use of multiple units if more outputs are required).

One of the main advantages of the PMU is continuous current sensing and self-resetting function if the current exceeds a defined level. All output state, voltage and current information can be logged and transmitted via a CAN bus to dash displays to inform drivers of potential problems.

An additional advantage of the PMU system is the ability to define logic for controlling outputs. This is done with data from analog input channels or CAN bus data, and math operations can be defined for each channel. The PMU is also equipped with LED indicators to show the status of each output.

With use of CAN bus keypads or steering wheel switches, all wiring is vastly simplified and lightened.

Two unique features are the inbuilt accelerometer and gyro for logging and “inertia switch” in case of accident.

TECHNOLOGY

The PMU is assembled according to IPC-S-815A standards to ensure product reliability. The device is manufactured on an automated assembly line with optical inspection, and automated testing (including burn-in). The PCB material and design, special surface coating and IP60 enclosure ensure reliability even in the harshest environments. Carefully selected components allow for continuous and reliable operation across a very wide temperature range (AECQ-100 GRADE 1 (-40 to +125˚C).

SPECIFICATION

GENERAL
Temperature range	AECQ100 GRADE1 (-40 to +125˚C)
CPU	32 bits automotive, 90MIPS
Reverse polarity protection	Yes, internal
Operating voltage	6-22V, immunity to transients according to ISO 7637
Enclosure	IP 60, bespoke CNC machined aluminium
Size (mm) and weight(g)	131x112x32.5, 345g
Connectors	1 x 39 Automotive connector, 1 x M6 stud for battery connection
PC communication	CAN (ECUMASTER USBtoCAN, PEAK CAN, KVASER)
OUTPUTS
High current outputs	10 x 25A(cont.), 6 x 15A(cont.) with overcurrent and overheating protection. Outputs may be paired to increase continuous current capability. Current and voltage is measured for each output
Total current output	150A continuous
Output current control step	100mA
Wipers output	Dedicated output with wiper braking feature
+5V	Monitored 5V, 500mA output for powering external sensors.
INPUTS
Analog inputs	16 inputs, 10 bit resolution, 0-5V (protected), with software selectable 10K Ohm pullup and pulldowns
CAN Keypads	2 x Ecumaster keypads (4, 6, 8, 12 keys)
OTHER
Output state indication	16 bicolour LEDs
Accelerometer/Gyroscope	3D accelerometer with 3D gyroscope for logging and crash detection
Real time clock	Yes, super capacitor for backup power (up to 3 days)

CAN BUS
CAN interface	2 x CAN2.0 A/B
CAN standard	CAN2.0 A/B – 125, 250, 500, 1000 kbps
Input/output stream	User defined with bit masking, up to 100 input messages
LOGGING^*
Logging memory	256 Mbytes
Logging speed	Variable, defined per channel, up to 500Hz
FUNCTIONS
Logical operators	AND, OR, NOT, XOR, >, <, =, >=, <=, !=, isTrue, isFalse, Toggle, Flash, Pulse
Number of functions	100
Number of operations	250
Update frequency	500Hz
Special functions	Wipers, blinkers