AEM EV has released a new addition to its line of vehicle control units. Built on OEM hardware, AEM’s VCUs are intended for high-performance EV street-conversion and motorsports applications. They are designed to allow the calibrator to create customized torque management strategies applicable to a range of EV systems. 

In its default configuration, the new VCU200 Vehicle Control Unit can manage a single inverter/motor system, communicate with up to four independent CAN bus networks, and be used on direct-drive and indirect-drive EV setups. Multiple motor control systems may be possible, depending on the application. 

Primary functions of the AEM VCU200 include:

• Input characterization, including accelerator pedal, brake switch, PRND switches, and other inputs
• Redundancy and arbitration features for all safety-critical inputs
• Startup and shutdown sequencing of high-voltage components, including independent contactor control
• CAN message translation for BMS, inverter, PDUs and other CAN accessories
• Motor torque management dependent on vehicle operating states and other driver-selectable modes
• Closed-loop motor speed regulation for indirect drive transmission applications
• Dynamic torque limits
• Accessory control of cooling pumps, cooling fans, lights and more
• Diagnostics and fault detection including CAN message timeouts, thermal limits, contactor and inverter enable cross-checks
• IP6K7-rated enclosure (dustproof and waterproof)

AEMcal software allows engineers to customize the power delivery strategies and control the ancillary subsystems of EVs through a graphical interface that combines tables and graphs for implementing strategies for torque delivery, launch control (stationary and dynamic), traction control, regenerative braking, speed limiting, map switching and more.

The VCU200 currently supports all Cascadia Motion PM Series inverters and compatible motors, the Orion BMS2 battery management system and the Isabellenhuett IVT-S Series Smart Shunt for battery management, and has an integrated current, voltage and temperature sensor in conjunction with a BMS. It can also control the EMP WP32 water pump through the CAN bus.

AEM EV says that it has validated Gigavac contactors and Gigavac and ARCOL pre-charge resistors. Switched control for fans, pumps, lights, etc, can be controlled by the VCU200 using AEM’s PDU-8 Power Distribution Unit(s). Eight units can be used for a total of up to 64 channels. The VCU200 currently supports up to 2 PDU-8 units.

Vehicle power, drive activation (PRND) and map switching can be controlled using AEM’s 8-Button CAN Keypad, and display and logging capability for all channels on the CAN network can be performed by AEM CD Carbon Digital Dash Displays.

A Plug & Pin Kit (PN 30-3709) is available for the VCU200. This kit includes a connector and all the necessary pins to create a bespoke wiring harness.

Source: AEM EV