Why Does Everyone Love PDMs?

A lesson on power distribution module (PDM) configuration.
Power distribution modules are rapidly becoming a viable alternative to conventional fuses and relays when it comes to wiring the power distribution circuits in performance applications. In this webinar we’ll take a look at the ECU Master PMU 16 (Power Management Unit) and how we’ve integrated it and programmed it to work in our Toyota 86. In particular we’ll focus on the communication between the PMU16 and the rest of the MoTeC electronics fitted to the vehicle using CAN messaging.
NOTE: A PDM, PMU and PDU are all the same thing with different names, much like how variable cam control is called something different by each different car manufacturer.
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Due to the current global situation we thought we'd help keep you guys out there entertained and release some of these otherwise paid access only webinars to you for FREE, to help pass the time. If you enjoyed this lesson and want more make sure you let us know via a thumbs up and comment below.
0:00 - Introduction
0:30 - What is a PMU and why do we want one?
5:15 - Cost
7:45 - Analogue inputs
8:40 - CAN bus inputs
9:00 - CAN based switch pads
12:20 - PMU software overview
14:35 - Logging
16:15 - Controlling current flow to devices
20:30 - Output monitoring
21:30 - Analog input monitoring
21:50 - Workflow
30:30 - CAN setup
33:30 - Wiper control
34:45 - Logging setup
35:35 - Built in gyrometer - automatic power shut off
36:35 - CAN keypad
37:50 - Questions
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WHAT IS A PDM?
A power distribution module (PDM), power management unit (PMU) and power distribution unit (PDU) are all the same thing with different names, much like how variable cam control is called something different by each different car manufacturer.
Over the last few years we’ve seen PDMs become more popular and more affordable which means we’re seeing them pop up in more and more cars running at the grass roots level. These units replace the conventional fuses and relays we need to control and protect the various electrical circuits on our car with solid state electronics to control current flow. This dramatically simplified the wiring installation and can also improve reliability. With a conventional fused circuit, if the current is excessive then the fuse will blow to protect the components and you need to stop and replace the fuse to get going again.
With a PDM the fusing current can be adjusted in software and the unit will simply shut off the circuit if the fusing current is exceeded. The smart part however is that you can then configure the PDM to wait a specific amount of time before retrying the circuit that just failed. You can also set how many times the circuit will retry before failing permanently. This can often be enough to nurse a car with a failing electrical part back to the pits for repair. It’s also possible to log and display the current draw on each circuit so you can see exactly what’s going on with every part of the electrical system.
At this point a PDM is still going to end up more expensive than using fuses and relays but when weighing up options most enthusiasts overlook the cost involved with mounting and wiring the relays and fuses. When you factor that in, upgrading to a PDM often isn’t going to cost substantially more and by the time you consider the advantages it can start to look pretty attractive.
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#highperformanceacademy #pdm #pmu #pdu #enginebuilding101 #dontletthesmokeout #wiring101 #powerdistribution #powermanagement #motorsports

[@hpa101]

PDM installation and setup is no longer a trial by fire, and if you still have more you want to learn after this free lesson note we do a full step by step course on the topic. Take $25 USD off the PDM or any other HPA course with coupon code: KZbin25 Enroll now: hpcdmy.co/25offyt - Taz.

[@iMiilk182]

This video inspired me to choose my undergraduate thesis. I'll try to build an open source/open hardware version of these modules! Very interesting stuff :^)

[@ShatteredBox]

Hey mate, I'm keen to lend a hand and share some knowledge, definitely swing me a pm

[@Belozw]

Awesome! Do you have github or web page?

[@ShatteredBox]

@@iMiilk182 Best of luck for your thesis, I look forward to hearing big things! Let me know if I can lend a hand at all, would love to help out where possible

[@Alexander-nz1dz]

back in formula sae our electronics lead was crazy enough to fab our own PDM and dash for the wheel that operated over CAN in tandem with Motec, videos like this are making realize how good we had it heh have to keep reminding myself production cars aren't nearly as modular out of the box unless this stuff comes onboard as good as it is unplugging CAN at times also solved some weird logic gremlins for us as well lol

[@GertPaaret]

Great video once again, really useful and knowledgable content as always. Fun fact: From @31:09 in the video, started researching hexadecimal systems, spent hours on paper learning that instead and making calculation and conversion before i understood how the basics of it works and then continued on with the content notes. Double the knowledge win - win!!

[@weduhpeople8504]

My friend just installed a Motec PDM on his M142. Now I want one. I was a mobile electronics installer and have used power and ground distribution blocks, relays or circuit breakers for years. This cleans the wiring up and allows you to control and monitor the voltage to each component.

[@hpa101]

They're awesome and the possibilities beyond the core function of replacing fuses and relays, as you mention, is fantastic. Hardest part is generally squeezing one into the budget, but really, that is difficult for any part at some scale 😅 Hope your friend is enjoying his new setup, shame it's not something we can whip out and borrow for the weekend 😂 - Taz.

[@8power0]

EVERY ONE OF YOUR VIDEOS ARE OUTSTANDING , CAN-COMMUNICATION AND BEING ABLE TO USE DIFFERENT BRANDS OF OF EQUIPMENT IS INCREDIBLE THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND HOPE TO SEE MANY MORE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@hpa101]

Wow, thank you!

[@SaltySRT]

Another great and informative video, keep it up. 👍

[@hpa101]

Thanks! 👍

[@zatiticherry3421]

This video was Super Dope!! Thanks Andre, I'm a car guy and an electronics guy so I love stuff like this!!! 👊

[@MrFGs]

Awesome video as always guys, keep up the good work. I also stumbled across the problem with the undercurrent setting, I spoke to Ecu master about it today & it will be added as an option to trip the circuit for undercurrent in the next free firmware update 🤙

[@hpa101]

Thanks for the info!

[@jackthatmonkey8994]

I won't have the budget to either outsource my wiring job or purchase a PDM but I did have quite the look at them as I will have to do a rather large wiring job soon and I'm still unsure if PDMs can do something for me I'm really pressed on that may be worth postponing the job to save up for one My biggest pet peeve with these is that I haven't yet found a 140A+ PDM unit. Why 140A? I want a very specific airconditioning in my car that works exclusively through electricity and water (seriously!), and I've got a 140A altenator for it And the other thing I was wondering was if I could regulate how much power a component is allowed to draw, and have a volumetype knob to adjust it. Currently, my preferred aircon system can only have three predetermined temperature settings, and I really want a way for continuous adjustment I understand I'm looking at PDMs in a weird way, and I could also go for more orthodox aircon systems, but I really dislike the idea of refridgerant in my car

[@johnny_gtr]

I’d seriously love to put my ST205 Celica on a PDM and redo the whole wiring setup and make it modern. How can you do a road car wiring, for HVAC and the like?

[@hpa101]

Have a watch of this one John. This is just an example, you might need more, or less! Some of what you can and can't do will depend on the specs, outputs etc, of your chosen PDM -Taz kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHO2oWVjiZyJiM0

[@lyan9923]

im curious if you can fully restomod a PMU into a stock car to replace all its decades-old fuses and relay system. Will it work with the steering sticks to control wipers, lights, etc. or there is no other way but to use those CANbus keypads? Thanks

[@hpa101]

Yes sir! The sky is the limit, although every PDM only has a finite amount it can control so you need to make sure you get one big enough, or in our case we run 2 in the SR86 but part of the reason for that is packaging vs time as well I believe. Once you have identified your specific requirements and what that looks like, you can decide if the price and comparative advantages are worth it or not for the project - Taz.

[@minni1094]

Wiring Specialties sells a pdm and wiring harness for the s13 that replaces the entire body harness

[@Gidanski]

Kinda making me want to swap a N15 SRS Airbag steering column and wheel boss kit into my GTIR so I can have +12V, CAN H/L all through the clockspring, allowing me to throw a switchpad into it so I dont have to drill holes/modify the dash and can run all my boost control and other functions neatly and cleanly and within reach at all times.

[@f1hotrod527]

It also replaces flashers.

[@hpa101]

Spot on, there is so much you can do with these! They're not for everyone and every application but for those that want/need they really are a powerful tool - Taz.

[@BEYTEK]

I was keen but fuck ive seen soooo many of them die recently where as oldschool relays could have gotten them home

[@hpa101]

Sounds like a product or user error. Is it with a specific PDM you are seeing the failures? Same person setting them up or on the same car even? This is not a new technology that is going through 1st generation teething issues at the end of the day, although certainly some companies might be new to making them. Out of interest, have you used those Kaizen Relays at all yet? - Taz.

[@BEYTEK]

@@hpa101 EMU PDM, one motec and one maxxecu. are the 3 ive seen fail. are they solid state relays? hella used to make some. i actually pwm control my fans for dct box, rad and fuel pump using fan control modules from bmw, volvo, ford etc. bocsh items. Because im running two fuel pumps i can keep low load current draw to a minimum. outputs is real high like 500hz but input is 140hz 35-95 duty... if you wanted to test some yourself :) i buy full fans from ebay for £15-£20 with the modules on them :)

[@g-mech1244]

Love your videos...but ill stick to 12 fuses, 4 relays and a flasher unit.

[@hpa101]

We obviously love PDMs, but you won't find one in the cars we're driving to work everyday either despite that! Just because something is awesome doesn't mean you have to run out and buy it, nor does something like this fit every and any application, we're all up to different things, have different budgets, skillsets and also class rules when it comes to racing (you can't always do what you want!). Stoked you're enjoying the content too, we'll keep it coming for you guys 😎 - Taz.

[@hpa101]

Power consumption and heat would be more of a problem in a race application if they were an issue, it's really just a cost vs advantage issue to retrofit one to a road car. You will find similar equivalents to PDMs in some late model vehicles too, but their usability is quite different to the aftermarket units we're dealing with here and generally they still have some systems using fuses and relays as well. There are so many cars out there though with varying setups that I can't confidently say that no production car has ever been produced without fuses and relays - Taz.

[@minni1094]

​@hpa101 I have a s13 240sx, the factory wiring harness is absolutely terrible. I'm considering replacing my wiring harness with one of these PDM. I know this is for basic accessories but what if I want to keep all my creature comforts? Radio, A/c etc can wire those outside of the PDM structure?

[@Frietpan]

i like techno and rap music to tho

[@hpa101]

So long as you're happy and cutting shapes on the dance floor we're all for it - Taz.