Race cars today feature advanced engine management systems, ABS, paddle shifters, dataloggers, radios, electric pumps, fans, and lights. All components need to be controlled at the right moment with circuit protection to prevent damage or fire. Traditional fuses and relays have many disadvantages: complex wiring, sensitivity to vibration/temperature, and difficult diagnostics. Intelligent Power Management Units (PMUs) solve all of these problems.
Technology
One of the main advantages of the PMU is continuous current sensing and a self-resetting function if the current exceeds a defined level. All output state, voltage, and current information can be logged and transmitted via CAN bus to dash displays to inform drivers of potential problems.
An additional advantage is the ability to define logic for controlling outputs using data from analog input channels or CAN bus data, with math operations definable for each channel.
The PMU is also equipped with LED indicators showing the status of each output. With CAN bus keypads or steering wheel switches, all wiring is vastly simplified and lightened. Two unique features are the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope for logging and an inertia switch in case of an accident.
The PMU is assembled according to IPC-S-815A standards. The device is manufactured on an automated assembly line with optical inspection and automated testing (including burn-in). The PCB material, design, special surface coating, and IP60 enclosure ensure reliability in the harshest environments. Carefully selected components allow continuous operation from -40 to +125˚C (AECQ-100 GRADE 1).
Technical Specifications:
- Temperature range: AECQ100 GRADE1 (-40 to +125˚C)
- CPU: 32-bit automotive, 90MIPS
- Operating voltage: 6-22V, immunity to transients per ISO 7637
- Enclosure: IP 60, bespoke CNC machined aluminium
- Size and weight: 131x112x32.5 mm, 370g
- Connectors: 1 x 39 Automotive connector, 1 x M6 stud for battery connection
- Comunicazione PC: CAN (Ecumaster USBtoCAN, PEAK CAN, KVASER)
- High current outputs: 10 x 25A (cont.) + 6 x 15A (cont.) with overcurrent and overheating protection
- Total continuous current output: 150A
- Analog inputs: 16 inputs, 10-bit, 0-5V (protected), software-selectable 10K pull-up/pull-down
- CAN keypads: 2 x Ecumaster keypads (4, 6, 8, 12 keys)
- Output state indication: 16 bi-color LEDs
- Accelerometer/Gyroscope: 3D accelerometer + 3D gyroscope for logging and crash detection
- Real-time clock: Yes, super-capacitor backup (up to 3 days)
- CAN interface: 2 x CAN2.0 A/B, 125/250/500/1000 kbps