Legacy product

PDM15 V1

Launched in 2019, the PDM15 has been used in ore mine drilling machines, top-spec drag cars, EV trucks and even greenhouse ventilation. Now replaced by the PDM15 V2.

Replaced by the PDM15 V2. This page is kept for existing customers and support.

Manual (PDF)
PDM15 V1

Technical specification

Features

General

  • Size: 200 × 160 × 54 mm.
  • Weight: 615 g.
  • Operating voltage: 12/24V.
  • Operating temperature: -55°C to 90°C (-67°F to 194°F).
  • Construction: glass fibre reinforced plastic.
  • IP67 water and dust resistant.
  • Connectors: Deutsch DT 12-pin.
  • Update rate up to 800Hz.
  • USB connection to a Windows PC, no external programmer required. Free configuration software.

Inputs

  • 16x inputs measuring 0 to 25V.
  • Resolution: 10-bit (0.01V).
  • Protected from -24V to 40V.
  • Integrated pull-up/down resistors for positive or ground switching.
  • Momentary or latched, with configurable hysteresis.

Outputs

  • 15x high side outputs: 20A continuous (pin-limited to 13A @ 125°C), 80A peak.
  • 180A combined maximum output current.
  • 200Hz PWM on each output with variable duty cycle mapping.
  • Each output is overcurrent, overtemperature, load dump and reverse polarity protected.
  • Output current control in 100mA steps.
  • Peak and High fuse thresholds allow for inrush current.
  • Trip mode: Instant (trips as soon as the threshold is exceeded) or Normal (behaves like a physical fuse and allows short spikes).
  • Outputs can stay on for a set time after the input is removed, useful for radiator fans and water pumps.
  • Outputs can be retried multiple times after an over-current event.
  • Soft start on each output for smoother turn-on.

CAN Bus

  • 1x CAN 2.0A/B.
  • Bus speed: 50, 100, 125, 250, 500, 1000 kbps.
  • Input stream: 40 inputs with bit masking and scaling/offsetting. CAN config files available for common ECUs.
  • Output stream: 40 outputs with customisable frame construction.
  • Generic output stream with DBC file available.

CAN Keypad

  • Control the PDM from a range of CAN bus keypads.
  • Rotary dials, momentary, latching and multi-state buttons supported.
  • Configurable LED colour per button state.
  • Integrated keypad backlighting with adjustable brightness for day/night driving.
  • Supported: Blink Marine CANopen 4 to 15 button, Blink Marine Race Pad, Grayhill/Motec CANopen 4 to 20 button, Marlin J1939 8 button.

Data Logging

  • 128Mb onboard flash.
  • Logging rate 0.1Hz to 50Hz.
  • Download and graph logs in the PDM configuration software, or export to .csv.
  • Trigger logging on a logical condition to capture specific events.

Maths Channels

  • Real-time maths channels convert data on the fly.
  • Basic: addition, subtraction, division, modulus.
  • Bitwise: AND, OR, XOR, left shift, right shift.
  • Advanced: Choose, Min, Max.

Live Data Analysis

  • View all PDM data in real time, numerically or graphically.
  • Overview dashboard with dockable panels for outputs, inputs, device summary and keypads.
  • Multiple live graphs with adjustable time and scale, zoom and .csv export.
  • Variable groups with sparklines, saved for quick fault finding.
  • Capture View records short high-speed snapshots, triggered manually or by a condition, with pre-trigger.
  • Confirm the system is working as intended before deploying the PDM in the vehicle.

Functions

  • Each output can be switched by a user-defined logic function of up to 12 conditions, or follow another output.
  • Logical operators: AND, OR, NOR, XOR, NAND, >, >=, <, <=, Equal, Not Equal.
  • Global Cut Off turns off every output at once, for example on an emergency stop, low voltage or an IMU impact.
  • Global Reset re-enables any tripped outputs in real time.
  • 30 Generic Functions hold reusable logic that outputs, timers, counters and keypads can share.

CAN Bus Analyser

  • Fully integrated CAN bus analyser: monitor all traffic in real time, in continuous or fixed (one row per ID) view.
  • Decode messages with a DBC file.
  • Log CAN bus data to .csv for external analysis.
  • Send CAN messages once, periodically, on a trigger or from a keyboard key.
  • CAN Wizard builds keypad and node commands such as baud rate, node ID and mode.

Downloads

Resources

Questions

FAQ

What is a PDM?

A PDM (Power Distribution Module) replaces the conventional relays and fuses in a vehicle electrical system. It takes inputs from physical switches, analogue voltages or the CAN bus, and powers the attached loads such as radiator fans, lights and pumps.

The current drawn by every load is continuously monitored. If it gets too high because of a fault, the PDM switches that output off to protect the wiring loom and the device, then retries it to see if the fault has cleared.

Solid state technology means maximum reliability without the drawbacks of mechanical relays and fuses. Vibration, water and dirt are no longer a problem.

Not sure which PDM you need?

We love the technical bits. Tell us about your vehicle or machine and we will help you spec the right PDM and keypads.

Get in touch +44 (0) 1652 638375