Control board

Control board#

General specification#

The PDS_CTRL module serves as the central controller in the system. Its main functions include:

  • managing and acquiring data from up to six connected modules,

  • facilitating communication over CAN FD with support for integration into the CANdle ecosystem,

  • handling the RGB switch for powering the system on and off, with status reporting via the RGB diodes,

  • the monitoring input voltage,

  • tracking temperature across the system,

  • managing Safe Turn Off (STO) inputs ensures safe operation in critical situations.

Parameter

Value

Input voltage

12–54 V

Max number of slave modules

6

FDCAN Baudrate (adjustable)

1 / 2 / 5 / 8 Mbps

Current consumption on standby (without slave modules)

37.5 mA

Quiescent current in shutdown

11.63 µA

Mass

36 g

Ambient Temperature (Operating)

0–40 ℃

Ambient Temperature (Non-operating)

0–60 ℃

Maximum Humidity (Operating)

up to 95%

Maximum Humidity (Non-operating)

up to 95%

Altitude (Operating)

–400 m to 2000 m

Ports and communication#

PDS_CTRL

Fig. 4 Control board with highlighted ports#

Connector Name

Included Cable Specification

Wiring Details

SLAVE MODULES CONNECTORS

10-pin Molex PicoBlade

Connect to each submodule

STO1/2

2-pin Molex Microlock 1m

Connect normally closed switch to safe supply (12–30V)

FDCAN

3-pin Molex Microlock 1m

Non-isolated FDCAN port for communication via CANdle or custom FDCAN

CHARGER DETECTION

Optional

Port to detect charging. Connect to charging add-on module

RS422

Optional

RS422 port with isolated power included on request

RGB SWITCH

6-pin Molex Microlock

RGB switch port. Switch enables PDS and indicates states

The CAN FD interface in the PDS is designed to provide essential telemetry data, including information on currents, voltages, and temperature, as well as to facilitate the configuration and control of the system. Its transceiver is non-isolated with split termination on board and operates up to 8-Mbps. In order to connect FDCAN with PDS system user needs to connect FDCAN directly to Control Board. Please take a look at examples of recommended architecture.

Safety Turn Off#

The PDS includes a safety mechanism for controlled power shut-off, similar to those found in standard motor controllers. It features two input channels, each capable of independently disconnecting power from the connected loads, ensuring safe operation. The inputs are protected against reverse polarity.

Each slave module can be integrated into the safety mechanism by setting the STO configuration switch accordingly.

PDS_CTRL_STO

Fig. 5 STO1/2 logic circuit#

Truth table for STO1/2 logic:

STO1_FB

STO2_FB

ENABLE_X_MCU

STO_CONFIG_SWITCH

ENABLE_X_CONNECTOR MODULE ENABLE INPUT STATE

X

X

0

X

0

X

X

1

0

1

0

0

1

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

1

1

1

1

Summarizing:

  1. If STO_CONFIG_SWITCH is in position 0, the ENABLE state set by MCU is passed directly to the output, regardless of the status of STO1_FB and STO2_FB

  2. If STO_CONFIG_SWITCH is in position 1, the ENABLE state set by MCU is passed to the output only when the STOx_FB signals state is 1

RGB SWITCH#

This port is dedicated to connecting the RGB switch which enables the PDS and reports the system state with the RGB diodes.

PDS_CTRL_RGB_SWITCH

Fig. 6 States and transitions on RGB switch#

State

Description

Shutdown

PDS is turned off with a quiescent current of approximately 20 µA.

Battery monitor

PDS shows the battery charge level with respect to the user-predefined voltage levels. In this state, all slave modules are turned off.

Charging

PDS slave modules are turned off. The CTRL module is enabled. The battery is charging. RGB button blinks slowly with color dependent on the battery voltage.

Operating

Normal operation. RGB switch indicates battery level same way as in battery monitor state. If the charger is connected, the RGB switch additionally blinks slowly with BLUE/BAT_LEVEL color alternately.

STO

Device generally works as in operating state but RGB LED indicates an STO event by blinking RED / YELLOW.

Shutdown ongoing

All submodules except isolated converters are disabled. RGB switch turns solid WHITE.

Battery Level can be set in software using Candletool or CANdle-SDK using:

setBatteryVoltageLevels(u32 batteryLvl1, u32 batteryLvl2)
PDS_CTRL_BATTERY_LEVELS

Fig. 7 Battery levels and according color of RGB switch#

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