Introduction; Applications As An Accelerator Pedal Position Simulator Module; Application As A General-Purpose Control And Monitoring Device - ECM appsCAN Module Instruction Manual

Introduction

The appsCAN module was originally conceived as a device to simulate the analog and digital
signals coming from a drive-by-wire throttle pedal. However, during the product design
process it was realized that with a few enhancements, the appsCAN module could be used as
a general-purpose control and monitoring device. These enhancements were adopted and the
appsCAN module is also sold as gpioCAN. In all but name, the two modules are identical.
In this manual, the module will be referred to as the appsCAN module.
Application as an Accelerator Pedal Position Simulator Module
Most vehicles sold today do not have a physical connection between the accelerator pedal
and the engine's throttle. Instead, command signals from the accelerator pedal are sent to the
engine controller and the engine's throttle is controlled by an electric motor. When engines
or vehicles are tested in dynamometer cells, it is no longer necessary to have a robot or
actuator pushing on the accelerator pedal if these signals can be simulated.
The appsCAN module simulates accelerator pedal position signals based on CAN commands
sent to it from the dynamometer controller. Up to four analog outputs and four PWM
outputs can be simulated. Analog outputs can be absolute (based on an internal voltage
reference) or ratiometric (based on external measured reference voltages.
For fail-safe reasons, all accelerator pedals output at least two signals. Coordination of these
signals must be maintained to avoid triggering an engine fault code. The appsCAN module
supports synchronous signal operation which maintains coordination of these signals.
Application as General-Purpose Control and Monitoring Device
With four analog inputs, four analog outputs, and four PWM (i.e. low-side driver) outputs,
the gpioCAN module can serve as a control and monitoring system. Multiple gpioCAN
devices can be linked together to form powerful distributed control and monitoring systems.
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