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USER MANUAL
VERSION 6.3.3 | REVISION A

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Summary of Contents for Cortex EBC

  • Page 1 USER MANUAL VERSION 6.3.3 | REVISION A...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Changing Boost Control Profile ............................... 33 Enabling Internal Logger ................................. 34 Enabling Auxiliary Outputs ................................35 Changing Top Button Function Mode ............................. 36 Changing Gauge Data ..................................38 Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 3 Additional Notes for Compressed Air Boost Control ........................... 78 AUXILIARY OUTPUTS ..................................79 Output Configuration ..................................80 Primary Output Activation Criteria ..............................80 Alternate Output Functions ................................83 PWM Configuration ..................................83 INTERNAL LOGGER ..................................86 Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 4: Installation

    The device is not waterproof, and exposure to moisture can cause damage. After installation, it is essential to create a vehicle configuration file to ensure that the Cortex EBC correctly interprets the signals connected to the inputs on the wiring harness.
  • Page 5: Included Parts

    INCLUDED PARTS COMPLETE KIT Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 6: Base Kit

    BASE KIT Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 7: Wiring

    (base kits). 7. Plug the 10-pin wiring harness connector into the back of the Cortex EBC device. The harness should be plugged in such that the purple, red, orange, and black wires are towards the top of the Cortex EBC device.
  • Page 8: Wiring Harness Pinout And Signal Descriptions

    Digital Input or scramble button. Connect to chassis ground if unused. *Solenoids are not polarized and either pigtail wire can be connected to either wire on the solenoid. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 9: Compatible Rpm Signals

    Cam or crank position sensor The Cortex EBC can interpret any trigger wheel pattern with 60 teeth or less (tooth gaps will not cause any issues). All 3-wire Hall sensors can be connected to the controller without any additional hardware.
  • Page 10: Compatible Vehicle Speed Signals

    COMPATIBLE VEHICLE SPEED SIGNALS The Cortex EBC is compatible with vehicle speed signals that generate up to 192,000 pulses per mile. In most vehicles manufactured between 1988 and 2007, a compatible signal can typically be found at the transmission, differential, ECU/ECM/PCM, or gauge cluster.
  • Page 11: Compatible General-Purpose Input Signals

    Min Voltage: 0 V Max Voltage: 16 V Max Frequency: 5,000 Hz Logic Threshold: 2.5 V this section to learn how to configure the general-purpose input on the Cortex EBC. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 12: Connecting External Buttons To Inputs

    CONNECTING EXTERNAL BUTTONS TO INPUTS In general, connecting an external button to the Cortex EBC will require the implementation of a simple “pull-up circuit” that requires an external resistor. This circuit is typically used for boost scramble control or transbrake bump control activation.
  • Page 13 GPI LAUNCH INPUT FROM ONE-WIRE TRANSBRAKE SOLENOID – NO RELAY Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 14 GPI LAUNCH INPUT FROM ONE-WIRE TRANSBRAKE SOLENOID – WITH DIODE PROTECTED RELAY Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 15 GPI LAUNCH INPUT FROM TWO-WIRE TRANSBRAKE SOLENOID – NO RELAY WITH LOW SIDE SWITCH Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 16 GPI LAUNCH INPUT FROM TWO-WIRE TRANSBRAKE SOLENOID – NO RELAY WITH HIGH SIDE SWITCH Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 17 GPI LAUNCH INPUT FROM TWO-WIRE TRANSBRAKE SOLENOID – WITH DIODE PROTECTED RELAY Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 18: Auxiliary Output Wiring

    • The control input (purple wire) on any SIRHC Labs Output Driver Other diode-protected and solid-state relays may be compatible with the Cortex EBC. Please contact info@sirhclabs.com to find out if your relay can be controlled by the Cortex EBC.
  • Page 19: Manifold Pressure Reference

    MANIFOLD PRESSURE REFERENCE To monitor and control boost pressure effectively, the Cortex EBC must be connected to a pressure reference on the intake manifold, located downstream of the throttle body. While the Cortex EBC cannot precisely measure vacuum pressure, it can detect the presence of engine vacuum.
  • Page 20: Boost Control Solenoid Plumbing - Single Turbo

    Connect to a dedicated pressure reference that is as close to the compressor outlet on the turbo as possible. BCS Port 3 DO NOT connect to a pressure reference on the intake manifold. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 21: 3-Port External Wastegate Configuration 1

    Connect to a dedicated pressure reference that is as close to the compressor outlet on the turbo as possible. BCS Port 3 DO NOT connect to a pressure reference on the intake manifold. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 22: 3-Port External Wastegate Configuration 2

    Connect to a pressure port on the top wastegate chamber. Plug any remaining pressure ports on the top BCS Port 2 wastegate chamber. BCS Port 3 Leave open to the atmosphere. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 23: 3-Port External Wastegate Compressed Air Configuration

    Plug any remaining pressure ports on the bottom wastegate chamber. Connections DO NOT connect to a pressure reference on the intake manifold. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 24: 4-Port External Wastegate Configuration

    Leave open to the atmosphere. Connect to a pressure port on the top wastegate chamber. Plug any remaining pressure ports on the top BCS Port A wastegate chamber. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 25: Boost Control Solenoid Plumbing - Twin Turbo

    Plug the pressure port on the compressor outlet of the remaining turbo (if present). BCS Port 3 DO NOT connect to a pressure reference on the intake manifold. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 26: 3-Port External Wastegate Configuration 1

    Plug the pressure port on the compressor outlet of the remaining turbo (if present). BCS Port 3 DO NOT connect to a pressure reference on the intake manifold. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 27: 3-Port External Wastegate Configuration 2

    Use a hose tee fitting to connect to a pressure port on both top wastegate chambers. Plug any remaining pressure BCS Port 2 ports on the top wastegate chambers. BCS Port 3 Leave open to the atmosphere. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 28: 3-Port External Wastegate Compressed Air Configuration

    (if present). Plug any remaining pressure ports on the bottom wastegate Connections chambers. DO NOT connect to a pressure reference on the intake manifold. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 29: 4-Port External Wastegate Configuration

    Use a hose tee fitting to connect to a pressure port on both top wastegate chambers. Plug any remaining pressure BCS Port A ports on the top wastegate chambers. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 30: Device Operation

    DEVICE OPERATION The two buttons and the 7-segment LED display on the front of the Cortex EBC are used to manage the controller's basic operations. Typically, the LED display functions as a configurable gauge that can show various parameters, such as boost pressure and solenoid duty cycle.
  • Page 31: Top Button Function Mode

    TOP BUTTON FUNCTION MODE The top button on the front of the Cortex EBC can be configured to activate one of four available functions. Peak boost recall mode – Pressing the top button will recall the highest boost pressure reached since the controller was powered on.
  • Page 32: Menu System

    The menu system can be activated at any time by pressing the bottom button on the front of the Cortex EBC. After activating the menu system, pressing the button will allow you to navigate through the various sub-menu options. Pressing bottom button will enter the sub-menu corresponding to the text that is being scrolled across the LED display.
  • Page 33: Changing Boost Control Profile

    CHANGING BOOST CONTROL PROFILE To change the active boost control profile, begin by pressing the bottom button on the front of the Cortex EBC to activate the menu system. When the menu system is activated, P r o F I L E (profile) will scroll across the LED display.
  • Page 34: Enabling Internal Logger

    ENABLING INTERNAL LOGGER To enable or disable the internal logging function, begin by pressing the bottom button on the front of the Cortex EBC to activate the menu system. Repeatedly press the button until i n t E r n A L L o g g i n g (internal logging) scrolls across the LED display.
  • Page 35: Enabling Auxiliary Outputs

    ENABLING AUXILIARY OUTPUTS To enable or disable the auxiliary outputs, begin by pressing the bottom button on the front of the Cortex EBC to activate the menu system. Repeatedly press the button until o u t P u t 1...
  • Page 36: Changing Top Button Function Mode

    CHANGING TOP BUTTON FUNCTION MODE To change the top button function mode, begin by pressing the bottom button on the front of the Cortex EBC to activate the menu system. Repeatedly press the button until t o P b u t t o n F u n c t i o n (top button function) scrolls across the LED display.
  • Page 37 E S t o u t P u t s (test outputs) Auxiliary output test mode this section to learn more about the top button function modes. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 38: Changing Gauge Data

    CHANGING GAUGE DATA To change the type of data that is shown on the gauge, begin by pressing the bottom button on the front of the Cortex EBC to activate the menu system. Repeatedly press the button until g A u g E d A t A (gauge data) scrolls across the LED display.
  • Page 39 Raw voltage or frequency from the analog or digital sensor connected to the general- g P i u n S c A L E d (GPI unscaled) purpose input. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 40: Changing Boost Units

    (PSI). To display boost in Bar units, navigate to B A r (Bar). Press the bottom button to save the boost units selection and exit the menu system. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 41: Changing Display Brightness

    CHANGING DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS To change the brightness of the LED display, begin by pressing the bottom button on the front of the Cortex EBC to activate the menu system. Repeatedly press the button until d i S P L A y b r i g h t n E S S (display brightness) scrolls across the LED display.
  • Page 42: Input Signal Configuration

    INPUT SIGNAL CONFIGURATION The configuration settings for the Cortex EBC inputs are stored in a vehicle configuration file. Before adjusting boost with the Cortex EBC, you must first create a vehicle configuration file for your specific application. Vehicle configuration files can only be modified using the Cortex Config software application. For any changes to take effect, you must transfer the updated settings to the device by clicking the "Write"...
  • Page 43: Rpm Input Configuration

    Depending on the signal type, a complete cycle of trigger pulses will be produced each time the crank makes one or two full revolutions. The Cortex EBC calculates engine speed by measuring the time required for a complete trigger cycle to be produced.
  • Page 44 Coil-on-Plug Trigger * Set to 4 for all GM applications ** 2018+ Fords: Set to 1 if calculated RPM is half of actual RPM *** Port fuel injectors only Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 45: Speed Input Configuration

    Scramble – Use speed input for boost scramble control activation. The Pulses per mile field is used to calibrate vehicle speed calculations. For the Cortex EBC to accurately calculate vehicle speed this parameter needs to be set to match the number of pulses produced by your speed signal when the vehicle is driven for one mile.
  • Page 46: General-Purpose Input Configuration

    The Calculate moving average over field sets the smoothing factor for readings from digital sensors. Setting this parameter to 1 will result in no smoothing. Setting this parameter to zero will prevent the Cortex EBC from calculating frequency on the general- purpose input.
  • Page 47: Gear Detection Calibration

    (RPM) by raw speed sensor frequency (Hz). The Gear 1-10 EVS ratio parameters should be set to match the EVS ratio calculated by the Cortex EBC while driving in each gear. This value can be viewed on the device display or in the logger portion of the Cortex Config software.
  • Page 48: Boost Control

    BOOST CONTROL The Cortex EBC controls boost by rapidly pulsing a 3-Port or 4-Port boost control solenoid (BCS) to manipulate the pressure applied to one or more ports on your wastegate(s). The BCS is always pulsed at a constant frequency, but the duration of each pulse can be continuously modulated to control the amount of air that passes through the solenoid.
  • Page 49: Boost Control Settings

    BOOST CONTROL SETTINGS The boost control settings for the Cortex EBC are stored within a boost configuration file. These files can only be modified using the Cortex Config software application. For any changes to take effect, you must transfer the updated settings to the device by clicking the write button at the top of the software window.
  • Page 50 GPI boost control fail-safes to deactivate and reset. In most cases, this parameter should be set to a value between 0.10-0.50 PSI. WARNING: This parameter should only be set to zero to diagnosis the operation of the boost control solenoid. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 51 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE – Basic Boost by Gear Strategy One control point per gear...
  • Page 52 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE – 16-point Boost by RPM Strategy 1,000-8,500 RPM control range, 500 RPM resolution Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 53 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE – 16-point Boost by Speed Strategy 0-150 MPH control range, 10 MPH resolution. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 54 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE – 64-point Boost by Time Strategy 0.0-6.3 seconds control range, 100 millisecond resolution Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 55 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE – 3D RPM + Ethanol Content Strategy RPM: 1,000-8,500 RPM control range, 500 RPM resolution Ethanol Content: 55-85% control range, 10% resolution Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 56: Open-Loop

    OPEN-LOOP Open-loop boost control is a method where you specify the exact duty cycle the controller should apply to the boost control solenoid (e.g., 60% duty cycle at 5,500 RPM in 3rd gear). With this approach, the controller does not make additional adjustments to the duty cycle to reach a specific target boost level.
  • Page 57 If a substantial reduction in spool time is not observed, it is recommended to leave this function disabled. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 58 0.0 PSI. This parameter can prevent the overshoot that can occur if a high duty cycle is applied in transient boost conditions (immediately respooling after a high RPM shift). Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 59: Configuration Example

    CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE: The example settings below will lock duty cycle at 100% until boost reaches 12.0 PSI in 1 gear. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 60 If this field is set to to zero the gear change overboost control will activate as soon as RPM reaches the Enable if engine speed is greater than threshold. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 61: Closed-Loop

    Integral control considers the cumulative boost error over time, while derivative control responds to the rate of change of the boost error. Each algorithm outputs a duty cycle adjustment that can be positive or negative. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 62 0.0 PSI 0.0 × 2.0 = 0.0% −4.0 × 2.0 = −8.0% 10.0 PSI 14.0 PSI -4.0 PSI −8.0 × 2.0 = −16.0% 10.0 PSI 18.0 PSI -8.0 PSI Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 63 Boost error is positive and boost is moving toward the target over time. Negative (-) Boost error is positive and boost is moving away from the target over time. Positive (+) Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 64 The closed-loop target boost tables define the desired boost level that the controller aims to achieve. Each open-loop start duty cycle setting has a corresponding closed-loop target boost value. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 65 Setting the (-) parameter to zero will prevent the closed-loop boost control from making negative duty cycle adjustments. Setting both parameters to zero will completely disable the closed-loop boost control. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 66 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE – Recommended initial settings for 3-Port BCS CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE – Recommended initial settings for 4-Port BCS Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 67: Launch

    RPM, or throttle position, or through an external button connected to the Cortex EBC wiring harness. For the launch boost control function to significantly impact pre-launch boost levels, the vehicle must be equipped with a 2-step rev limiter.
  • Page 68 The Do not activate if throttle is less than field sets the throttle position threshold over which the launch boost control can activate. If this threshold is set to zero it will be ignored by the launch boost control activation logic. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 69 Using the process of trial and error, this parameter should be set to the value that gets you as close to target boost as possible without any additional closed-loop adjustments. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 70 The Max duty cycle adjustment field sets the maximum duty cycle contribution (+/-) of the closed-loop control algorithm. Setting this field to zero will disable the closed-loop control. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 71 10.0 PSI and can adjust the duty cycle by up to 5% in either direction. Based on the open-loop settings above, this allows the duty cycle to range between 40% and 50% to maintain the 10.0 PSI target. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 72: Fail-Safes

    FAIL-SAFES The Cortex EBC includes three distinct fail-safe functions designed to disable boost control and help protect the engine from potential damage. These fail-safes can be triggered by excessive boost levels or abnormal readings from a sensor connected to the general- purpose input (GPI).
  • Page 73 NOTE: The general-purpose input must be properly configured to obtain accurate readings from your sensor for this fail-safe to function as expected. See this section to learn more about configuring the general-purpose input. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 74 Threshold resolution is 0.01 for analog sensors and 1 for digital sensors. NOTE: These fields should be set to the actual sensor value that is calculated by the Cortex EBC (not the raw volts or Hz value). The Delay activation for field sets the number of milliseconds that the sensor readings must be continuously out of the acceptable range before the GPI general fail-safe will activate.
  • Page 75 Activate fail-safe if boost is greater than 5.0 PSI and water/methanol pressure is less than 100 PSI for 200 milliseconds or greater than 220 PSI for 200 milliseconds. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 76 This fail-safe can engage at any boost level above 0 PSI and will remain active until the throttle is closed and boost pressure returns to 0 PSI Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 77 The Reference duty cycle from field sets the auxiliary output that the fail-safe will reference duty cycle from. Set to match the Cortex EBC output (1 or 2) that provides PWM control to your WMI pump or high-speed WMI solenoid.
  • Page 78: Additional Notes For Boost-By-Rpm

    20 PSI, you can put 20 PSI of pressure "on the dome" at 100% duty cycle. Ideally, this would result in a boost level 20 PSI higher than the spring pressure. In practice, however, the actual boost level will be lower than this. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 79: Auxiliary Outputs

    AUXILIARY OUTPUTS The Cortex EBC provides two programmable outputs capable of controlling various devices using either basic on/off operation or progressive PWM control. The outputs can be activated based on boost pressure, engine speed, vehicle speed, general-purpose input, and gear. The outputs can be configured to activate if a parameter is above a specified value, below a specified value, or within a specified range of values (above value 1 and below value 2).
  • Page 80: Output Configuration

    If both thresholds are set to zero it will allow the output to activate at any engine speed. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 81 Threshold resolution is 0.01 for analog sensors and 1 for digital sensors. NOTE: These fields should be set to the actual sensor value that is calculated by the Cortex EBC (not the raw volts or Hz value). The MPH activation logic mode field is used to determine if speed information is included in the activation logic for the corresponding output.
  • Page 82 The count will be reset to zero each time the number of minutes defined by the Reset total activation count every parameter has passed. If the total activation time limit is utilized, then setting either of these parameters to zero will completely disable the corresponding output. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 83: Alternate Output Functions

    To utilize progressive control on both outputs the devices connected to the outputs must be able to operate at the same PWM frequency. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 84 For example, if the duty cycle is referenced to boost, and the Ramp duty cycle at and Per parameters are both set to 1, then the output duty cycle will be change at a rate of 1% per 1 PSI change in boost. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 85 The first parameter sets the value of the initial control point, and the second parameter sets the spacing between all the subsequent control points. The first and last control points will continue to be used for output control in situations that are outside of the axis bounds. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A SIRHC Labs LLC - 2025...
  • Page 86: Internal Logger

    INTERNAL LOGGER The internal logging function can be used to record data from the Cortex EBC without having a laptop in the car. The internal logger records a smaller data set compared to logs that are captured directly through the Cortex Config software, but there is still plenty of information to make educated changes to your boost control settings.
  • Page 87 Internal data logs can be downloaded from the Cortex EBC by clicking the button with the downward arrow in the upper lefthand portion of the Logger window. this section to learn how to enable the internal logging function. Cortex EBC User Manual 6.3.3 Rev A...

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