Inputs & Outputs

Inputs

There are 8x "ADIO" Analog-Digital-Input-Outputs.

When configured as inputs they accept variable voltage signals from 0V to +5V. Each input has user-adjustable high and low voltage thresholds for digital input signals. Inputs 5 to 8 are PWM input capable.

Each ADIO has a software configurable 4k7 pull-up to 5V. Pull-up resistors would normally be enabled when using temperature-related sensors and switch-to-ground inputs. 

Outputs

High Power

There are 4x high power outputs with a maximum safe inrush current of 80A and a continuous current limit of 25A at 12V.

While the maximum safe inrush current is 80A, the maximum measurable current is 60A.

The high power outputs each share two pins of the 26-pin super seal connector.

They can be used as high-side or low-side drivers, have a max frequency of 10kHz, and can be configured as 4 x half bridges or 2 x full bridges allowing control of devices such as e-wastegates, fuel pumps and many other high current devices. 

When in full bridge mode, Output 1 is paired with Output 2 and Output 3 is paired with Output 4.  

Outputs can be joined together to allow the use of higher current devices.

Low Power (ADIO)

The 8x ADIOs can be configured as low power outputs able to deliver 8A at 12V. They can be used as a high-side drive only. Outputs 1 to 4 are PWM output capable.  

Outputs can be joined together to allow the use of higher current devices.

Sensors

Sensors should be powered via the PDM SENSOR 5V output pins.

• The 5V output pins are designed for 50mA per pin. Loads above 50mA may result in dropout.

• The two pins are not connected internally, so the user should spread their loads across both pins.

The SENSOR GND pins are provided as a high-quality return for the 5V signals only, DO NOT wire these pins to the vehicle chassis or damage to the PDM may occur.

Protection

All outputs can act as highly programmable electronic fuses. In PDMLink software the user can set parameters to configure:

• how much current will cause the output to trip.

• how long it takes the output to trip.

• how long the output will remain off.

• how many times the output will retry.

• inrush current limits and inrush duration.

High Power Output Protection

All high power outputs feature the following fuse modes:

• Self-resetting fuse mode, Retry, where the pin turns physically OFF for a duration, and then retries up to a set number of times.

  • The Retry Count and Delay settings determine self-resetting behaviour.

  • Once the Retry Count value is reached, the output will remain in a fault status until the user resets it with a power cycle, a setting change or the status going to inactive and then active.

• Normal fuse mode, Latch Off, where the output latches physically OFF, showing a fault status until the user resets the fuse with a power cycle, a setting change or the status going to inactive and then active.

• Both protection modes have a "Fast" version. These modes are faster versions used to protect against short circuits. The behaviour is the same except that the output will shut down instantly when the current exceeds 60A.

There are two stages to fuse function, Inrush and Overcurrent. Inrush is a tolerant stage where extreme current is acceptable for a short duration.

• Inrush current measurement only occurs after the pin switches on.

  • The inrush current tolerance is set by the Inrush Limit, Trip Time and Duration settings.

  • The output will enter a fault state if the Inrush Limit is exceeded for longer than the Inrush Trip Time.

  • When configured as a high side or low side driver, the Inrush Limit is used for the Duration time. Once the pin has been Active for more than the Duration, Overcurrent Limit becomes the output current limit.

  • When configured as a half bridge or full bridge, the Duration setting is not used. Instead, the inrush limit effectively becomes a 'high' limit that is continuously monitored.

• Overcurrent measurement is continuously monitored.

  • The overcurrent tolerance is set by the Overcurrent Limit and Trip Time settings.

  • The output will enter a fault state if the Overcurrent Limit is exceeded for longer than the Overcurrent Trip Time.

  • When configured as a high side or low side driver, Overcurrent Limit is ignored until the Inrush Duration has expired.

Low Power Output Protection

All low power outputs feature the following fuse modes:

• Self-resetting fuse mode, Retry, where the pin turns physically OFF for a duration, and then retries up to a set number of times.

  • The Retry Count and Delay settings determine self-resetting behaviour.

• Normal fuse mode, Latch Off, where the output latches physically OFF, showing a fault status until the user resets the fuse with a power cycle, a setting change or the status going to inactive and then active.

Low power outputs trip at a fixed current of 10A, after the Trip Time has expired.

Over Temperature Protection

All output pins feature an over-temperature fuse-like trip, set by the Over-Temp Limit setting. This is a thermal management feature designed to switch non-critical outputs off under extreme temperature conditions.

When the PDM Temperature exceeds the Over-Temp Limit, it will go into a fault state. The output will be enabled again once the temperature falls 2° below the Over-Temp Limit.