THUNDERSTRUCKMOTORS Ground Fault Monitor User Manual
- August 5, 2024
- THUNDERSTRUCKMOTORS
Table of Contents
THUNDERSTRUCKMOTORS Ground Fault Monitor
Product Information
Specifications
- Weight: 60-85g (without connectors or harnesses)
- Environment Temperature: -20°C to 117x59x15mm (LxWxH)
- Ingress Protection (IP): IP30 equivalent
- Supply Bus Voltage: 9-15V
- Supply Bus Power: 300-500mW
- Output current (out1, out2): 0-200mA
- Output voltage (out1, out2): 0-15V for an open output
- Internal CAN termination resistance: 120Ω
- Serial Baud Rate: 115200 kbps
- Serial voltage level: 5V TTL Hardware
- HV operational sense voltage: 30-500V
- HV absolute voltage: 0-600V
- Internal measurement resistance: 2.18MΩ
Product Usage Instructions
Installation
- Ensure power is disconnected before installation.
- Mount the Ground Fault Monitor in a suitable location with proper ventilation.
- Connect the necessary wiring according to the provided
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if the Ground Fault Monitor triggers an isofault
condition?
A: If the GFM indicates an isofault condition, immediately disconnect power
and inspect the system for any potential grounding issues or faults.
OVERVIEW
The Thunderstruck Motors GFM (Ground Fault Monitor) measures the isolation
between an electrical system ground and a separate High Voltage (HV) isolated
system. It is designed for use in a wide range of Electric Vehicle (EV)
systems and is highly configurable.
The GFM measures isolation between the two systems by applying a known
resistance between the low voltage ground and both HV buses (positive and
negative) in an alternating sequence, then measuring the very small resulting
current. The advanced measurement algorithm allows the GFM to make accurate
measurements in rapidly changing and noisy systems. The isolation measurement
is reported in several forms: fault resistance, ohms/volt, and average fault
location. Symmetrical, asymmetrical, intermittent, and capacitive faults can
all be measured by the system.
The GFM intelligently uses measured isolation metrics to evaluate two
configurable fault thresholds (warning and fault). The GFM has two outputs
that may be configured to represent these faults, allowing an operator to
create warning lights and system interlocks. The present state of the fault,
the number of occurrences, and the history of each fault is available to the
user. These fault conditions, as well as all measurements, are available over
CAN bus using sID (standard ID) and eID (extended ID) based protocols.
Features
- Rapid and accurate isolation measurement
- Highly configurable
- Wide voltage range (30-500V)
- Fault location detection
- 2x programmable outputs
- 1x CAN Bus
- All measurements and information available over CAN bus
- CAN control of isolation measurement
- Factory calibrated
- Built in compatibility with:
- TSM MCU
- TSM EV Display
- Fellten CCS Controller
Applications
- Automotive EV
- Marine EV
- Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
- Hybrid Vehicles
- Energy Storage Systems
SPECIFICATIONS
General
Parameter| Units| Min| Typ| Max| Comments
Weight| g| | 60| | Without connectors or harnesses.
Environment Temperature| °C| -20| | 85|
Overall dimensions (LxWxH)| mm| | 117x59x15| |
Ingress Protection (IP)
| | | IP30
equivalent
| | Protects against small tools and wires, no water protection.
Figure 1 – General Specifications
Electrical – Low Voltage
Parameter| Units| Min| Typ| Max| Comments
Supply Bus Voltage| V| 9| 12| 15|
Supply Bus Power| mW| | 300| 500|
Output current (out1, out2)| mA| | | 200| Grounding/sinking output.
Output voltage (out1, out2)| V| 0| | 15| For an open output. (1)
Output impedance
(closed), (out1, out2)
| Ω| 0| 0| 40|
Output impedance (open), (out1, out2)| MΩ| 14| 15| 20|
Internal CAN
termination resistance
| Ω| none| none| 120| See CAN Hardware
Serial Baud Rate| kbps| | 115200| |
Serial voltage level| V| | 5| | 5V TTL Hardware
Note 1: Applying unrestricted voltage straight to an output may cause an
overcurrent condition and damage the device. All outputs should sink a load
that consumes 200mA or less.
Figure 2 – Low Voltage Specifications
Electrical – High Voltage
Parameter| Units| Min| Typ| Max| Comments
HV operational sense voltage| ****
V
| ****
30
| | ****
500
| Outside of this range measurement will be degraded and an isofault condition
will be pushed.
HV absolute voltage| ****
V
| ****
0
| | ****
600
| HV circuit isolation
integrity not guaranteed outside of range.
Internal measurement resistance| ****
MΩ
| | ****
2.18
| | Fault created in the system while the GFM makes an isolation measurement.
HV current consumption (measurement ON)| ****
µA
| ****
<1
| | ****
275
|
HV current consumption (measurement OFF)| ****
nA
| | ****
10
| ****
400
|
Figure 3 – High Voltage Specifications
Electrical – High Voltage Measurement
Parameter| Units| Min| Typ| Max| Comments
HV Voltage
measurement accuracy
| %| | 1| |
Fault resistance measurement range| ****
kΩ
| ****
0
| | ****
65535
| Excluding GFM internal measurement resistance.
Fault resistance measurement accuracy| %| | 5| |
Fault resistance measurement noise| kΩ| | ±100| |
Isolation measurement range| ****
Ω/V
| ****
0
| | ****
65535
| Includes GFM internal measurement resistance.
---|---|---|---|---|---
Isolation measurement period| Seconds| 1| 1| 120| Configurable using
isorate parameter.
Isolation measurement initialization time| Seconds| 5| | 120| Configurable using
intimin parameter.
Fault reaction time| Seconds| 1| | 5 (1)|
Note 1: can increase if isorate is set higher than 0
Figure 4 – High Voltage Measurement Specifications
INSTALLATION AND WIRING
The GFM is a high voltage device and is designed to be installed inside of a
protected and high voltage safe enclosure. For example, in a typical EV it is
recommended to install the GFM inside of a high voltage battery box or inside
of a high voltage contactor box. It is important to follow all relevant
regulations and safety practices when working with the GFM or any other high
voltage device.
Included Components
A complete kit of the GFM should contain the following components:
- 1ea GFM Unit
- 1ea HV Harness Assembly
- 2ea EVIL pre-pinned wires
- 1ea LV Connector
- 1ea LV Connector wire removal tool
Separately sold relevant components:
- Serial Cable
- Indicator light / display
- Terminals for connecting HV harness to HV pack bus
- HV fuse and holder for HV sense wires
Hardware and Dimensions
The GFM enclosure is based on the Serpac part#: WM010I,BK.
Connectors
The GFM has three connectors; the Low Voltage (LV), Serial Port, and High
Voltage (HV) connector.
Connector Details
Connector Name| Manufacturer| Mating Part #| Circuits|
Style| Wire Gauge
Low Voltage (LV)| Harting| 14310613101000| 6| Pin-less wire push-in| 20-24AWG
(1)
High Voltage (HV)| ****
Molex
| ****
43645-0600
| ****
6
| Pre- assembled crimped harness| ****
20-24AWG
Serial Port| TSM| TTL-232R-5V-AJ| 3| 3.5mm
‘Aux’ style
|
Connector Pinouts
Pin (wire side, left to right)| Pin Name| Description
LV-1| GND| Connect to chassis/12v system ground.
LV-2| +12V| Powers the GFM.
LV-3| CANL| CAN bus low
LV-4| CANH| CAN bus high
---|---|---
LV-5| OUT1| Configurable grounding output.
LV-6| OUT2| Configurable grounding output.
HV-1| HV+| Connects to HV pack positive. Wire must be properly rated and
protected- the shorter the length the better.
HV-2| N/A| Circuit left empty for isolation purposes.
HV-3| EVIL / HVIL| EV interlock, or HV interlock. Used to interrupt circuit
that disables the HV system if any HV connections are removed. HV-3 and HV-4
are internally connected directly to each other with a small trace.
HV-4| EVIL / HVIL
HV-5| N/A| Circuit left empty for isolation purposes.
HV-6| HV-| Connects to HV pack negative. Wire must be properly rated and
protected. The shorter the length the better.
Note 1: Harting har-flexicon connectors require 20AWG thin-walled
insulation or smaller wire. Standard 20AWG wire will not fully seat into the
connector and risk circuit problems including shorts.
Recommended 20 AWG: 20 AWG TXL (extra thin wall)
Not Recommended 20 AWG: 20 AWG SXL (thick wall), 20 AWG GXL (standard wall)
Figure 7 – Connector Specification and Pinout
The Harting connector used for the Low Voltage connector is a pin-less design.
First, strip the wire to 4.50-6.25mm (~0.18-0.25”), then insert the wire into
the circular hole on the connector. The wire should lock into place and the
wire insulation should sit slightly inside of the hole.
To remove a wire from the Low Voltage connector, use the provided LV Connector
wire removal tools. Just insert the tool into the rectangular hole of the
connector and gently remove the wire. The wire tool may be depressed in the
direction of the wire to better unlock the wire.
Typical Circuit Design
The circuit diagram below illustrates a recommended option for high voltage
design, as well as showing the typical wiring that could be used to create an
interlock circuit as well as a warning indicator (see the OPERATION section).
There are other acceptable ways to wire a system, including placing the GFM on
the other side of the main contactors or having ‘accessory’ high voltage
circuits that are separate from the main contactors.
This is a simplified circuit diagram and does not include many important
components like fuses, switches, control units (BMS, VCU, MCU, ECU, etc…), and
other components that depend on the specific implementation.
CONFIGURATION
The default configuration of the GFM is designed to be suitable for most
isolation monitoring applications. To be flexible to a wide group of end
users, the GFM has many configurable parameters that change its behavior.
If the default configuration is deemed appropriate for the end user, it is
recommended to at least review and configure the maxpv parameter. This
parameter should be set to the maximum design voltage of the system. This will
help the GFM make worst-case isolation calculations.
Parameter Library
The configurable parameters for the GFM are listed below. Most parameters are
changed via the set command. Boolean parameters are changed via the enable and
disable command.
For example:
- GFM> set maxpv 403.2
- GFM> enable zevccs
- GFM> set out1 isofault
Parameter Name| Units| Min| Max| Default|
Description
---|---|---|---|---|---
System Parameters
lbv
| V| 0| 15| 0| Low bus voltage – defines threshold for a low 12v bus fault.
hbv
| V| 0| 15| 0| High bus voltage – defines threshold for a high 12v bus fault.
out1
| enum| n/a| n/a| n/a| Default: -IsoFaultLatch
See Output Mapping
out2
| enum| n/a| n/a| n/a| Default: IsoWarn
See Output Mapping
Canbus Parameters
canbr| kbps| 250| 500| 250| CAN baud rate
zevccs
| ****
Boolean
| | | ****
Disabled
| CAN protocol for Zero EV CCS controller
aka Fellten CCS controller.
canopen| Boolean| | | Enabled| CANOpen/sID CAN protocol.
j1939| Boolean| | | Enabled| J1939/eID CAN protocol.
Pack Parameters
lpv| Volts| 0| 500| 20.0| Low Pack Voltage – threshold for a low pack
fault.
---|---|---|---|---|---
lpvdelay| Seconds| 0| 120| 0| Time hysteresis for lpv.
hpv| Volts| 0| 500| 500| High Pack Voltage – threshold for a high pack
fault.
hpvdelay| Seconds| 0| 120| 0| Time Hysteresis for hpv.
Isolation Parameters
isowarn| Ω/V| 0| 5000| 1000| Threshold for an isolation warning.
isowarndelay| Seconds| 0| 120| 0| Time hysteresis for isowarn.
isofault| Ω/V| 0| 5000| 500| Threshold for an isolation fault.
isofaultdelay| Seconds| 0| 120| 0| Time hysteresis for isofault.
**** isoduration| Seconds| 1| Inf| inf| The GFM
will cease HV isolation measurements after this time. inf means the isolation
can continue indefinitely.
isorate| Seconds| 0| 120| 0| Period of time between the start of one series of
isolation measurements and another. A full isolation measurement sequence
takes ~2 seconds.
initmin| Seconds| 0| 120| 5| The minimum amount of time
after power on before the GFM can move from “init” to “active” and begin
evaluating fault conditions. Useful for avoiding fault declaration during an
extended startup process.
maxpv| Volts| | 500| 50.0| Voltage used to calculate
isolation value. This parameter will automatically increase if the measured
voltage exceeds the configured value.
**** isometer| Boolean| | | enabled| Enables/disables the HV isolation
measurement.
OPERATION
HV Isolation measurement
Unless isometer is disabled, the GFM will begin to make isolation measurements
after being powered on. The GFM does this by connecting a known resistance
between HV+ and chassis, then HV- and chassis repetitively at a rate of 1-2Hz
(by default). As a result, the measured voltage between chassis and either HV
bus can oscillate at the frequency of the isolation measurement. The amplitude
of this observed oscillation depends on the level of isolation.
Isometer State
“State” is a summary of the types of measurements being made by the isometer.
The current state can be seen by entering show in the serial interface. The
three states are “Idle”, “Init”, and “Active”.
Idle
In the Idle state, the GFM will not make any isolation measurements, meaning
that it will not apply its internal test resistance to either HV bus. This is
often used to prevent the GFM from causing an error inside other Isolation
Monitors present in the system, such as when connected to a DC Fast Charging
station.
Init
In the Init state, the GFM will take isolation measurements as normal.
However, the GFM will not process an isolation fault or warning during this
state. This is to allow the GFM enough time to collect sufficient data to make
an accurate assessment of system isolation.
Active
Isolation measurement is done normally, and the GFM will process isolation
faults and warnings.
If isometer is enabled the GFM will proceed from the “Idle” state to the
“Init” state. The GFM will continue to take measurements until the
initialization is complete. By default, <5 seconds is required for
initialization, but this time can be extended using the initmin parameter if
more time to establish the system is required. Once complete with
initialization, the GFM will proceed to the “Active” state. In the Active
state, isolation data will be processed using the configured isolation
thresholds for faults.
If isometer on the GFM is disabled via the serial interface disable isometer
command, over CAN, or via the isoduration parameter, then the GFM will go to
the “Idle” state once the ongoing isolation measurement step is complete. This
will always take <1 second. Once in the “Idle” state, the GFM ceases isolation
measurement and any isolation fault determination.
The GFM may return to the “Init” state from the “Idle” state if commanded to.
If Initialization has already been successfully completed, the GFM will skip
the “Init” state and proceed straight from “Idle” to “Active”.
System Status and Conditions
There are six conditions that are evaluated by the GFM. All six conditions
contribute to the “ Warn” status, but only some of the conditions contribute
to the “Fault” status. A “Fault” status always overrides any “Warn” status.
Status only affects the LED behavior and provides a simplified summary of
overall system condition.
External systems can simply look at the GFM’s Status over CAN to determine
system safety instead of attempting to evaluate the transmitted measurement
data.
All GFM conditions also have an associated “Latch” and “Hist” suffix. The
Latch suffix says whether the fault has occurred during the current power
cycle. The Hist suffix reflects whether the condition has ever occurred. There
is also a count of the number of times a condition has occurred during the
current power cycle, and the Latch variations of the conditions evaluate to
true if the count of the particular condition is greater than 0.
See Output Mapping for more info on conditions.
System Conditions
Condition| Full Name| Is Warn?| Is Fault?| Evaluation
lbv| Low Bus Voltage| Yes| No| Is supply bus voltage < lbv
(if lbv is not configured to 0)
lbv| High Bus Voltage| Yes| No| Is supply bus voltage > hbv
(if hbv is not configured to 0)
lpv| Low Pack Voltage| Yes| No| Is pack voltage < lpv
(if lpv is not configured to 0)
lpv| High Pack
Voltage
| Yes| No| Is pack voltage > hpv
(if hpv is not configured to 0)
isowarn| Isolation
Warning
| Yes| No| Is Isolation (Ω/V) < isowarn
OR isofault is TRUE
isofault| Isolation Fault| Yes| Yes| Is Isolation (Ω/V) < isofault
OR pack voltage < 30.0V
OR pack voltage > 500.0V
Figure 10 – System Conditions
Fitting the GFM into various systems
There are three primary ways the GFM can be used in a HV system. Depending on
requirements, some systems use one, two or all three of the following methods.
- HV safety interlock, via CAN bus
- HV safety interlock, via programmable output
- HV safety warning indicator, via programmable output
In the case of either interlock (A and B), it is the job of the device in the
system that controls the contactors to make the system safe. This device,
typically a VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) or BMS
(Battery Management System), upon detecting a failed interlock signal should
proceed to take steps to safely shut the system down and open the main
contactors.
Safety Interlock via CAN Bus
The GFM can be configured to transmit data over CAN bus. This can come in a
few different formats, including CANOpen (sID) and J1939 (eID). Other devices
can be configured to listen to this data over CAN and respond to fault
conditions to protect system safety.
See the CAN Bus section for more.
Safety Interlock via Programmable Output
The two outputs are mappable to make them easy to use as a system safety
interlock. A well-designed interlock is NO (Normally Open) or only closed/
active when the system is both powered ON and OK. This is to ensure that all
contributing devices to an interlock must be powered ON and contributing an OK
signal before the interlock signal is completed.
For Example:
OUT1 : -IsoFaultLatch
This configuration is suitable for using OUT1 as an interlock signal. In this configuration, the output will be GND (grounded) when the system is ON and isofaultlatch is NOT true. If isofault were to occur at any point during the power cycle of the GFM, then isofaultlatch would become TRUE, and OUT1 would become OFF (not grounded/floating).
See Output Mapping for more.
Note: The GFM is not designed to directly control contactors, or to contribute
to the direct control of contactors. Doing so may increase the likelihood of
unsafe contactor disconnection before a system is allowed to attempt a safe
shut down, or the unsafe connection of contactors without following
appropriate startup and precharge procedures. Always use a device designed to
directly control contactors when the system requires these procedures to be
followed.
Warning Indicator via Programmable Output
The simplest form of involving the GFM in a system is through the usage of a
HV Safety Indicator, or Isolation Warning Indicator. Many organizations and
regulations require an indicator that illuminates if an isolation fault is
detected. In some cases, an indicator as well as one of the interlocks
described above is required.
To set up an Isolation Warning Indicator is simple, and the default
configuration of the GFM is designed to use OUT2 for this.
For Example:
OUT2 : IsoWarn
This configuration is suitable for controlling an isolation warning indicator.
If there is currently an isolation warning (Isolation is less than isowarn)
then the condition isowarn is TRUE, and the output will be GND.
If required, an isolation warning indicator can be wired to be normally on. In
this case, the isolation warning indicator will be ON when the GFM is OFF or
if isowarn is TRUE. One way to do this is to use a normally closed (NC) relay
to power the Isolation Warning Indicator, and control that relay with the
following output:
OUT2 : -IsoWarn
LED
On the front face of the GFM is an LED that provides a quick assessment of the
internal state of the device. There is always at least some activity on the
LED if the device is powered on and working correctly. If there is no LED
activity then the GFM is either powered off or faulty.
SERIAL INTERFACE
Terminal Installation
A terminal application such as PuTTY (Windows) or Coolterm (Mac or Windows) is
needed on the host computer. See the Serial Port Utilities document for
installation and connection details: www.thunderstruck-
ev.com/images/companies/1/DD_SerialPortUtilities_v1.3.pdfBaud
rate: 115200
Primary Serial Commands
The serial interface has several primary commands. All commands that can be
entered into the GFM start with one of these primary commands.
Help
- SHow
- SEt
- ENable
- DISable
- TRace
- REset
UPGRADE
Certain commands have shortcuts available. Shortcuts are indicated by the
capital letters shown in the command listing.
For example, reset can be shortened to re:
GFM> reset
REset [CONFIG|FAULT] config – reset configuration to defaults fault – reset
fault history
GFM> re
REset [CONFIG|FAULT] config – reset configuration to defaults fault – reset
fault history
Entering most of these commands on their own will result in a contextual help
dialog that lists all possible uses of that particular command. These
contextual help dialogs are listed below.
Help
- GFM> help
- SHow [<>|Version|Config|Stats]
- <> – status
- version – firmware version
- config – configuration
- SEt [ <> – ‘set’ help
- isofault – IRPV critical threshold
- isowarn – IRPV fault threshold
- canbr – can baud rate
- lpv – low pack voltage
- lpvdelay – low pack voltage delay
- hpv – high pack voltage
- hpvdelay – high pack voltage delay
- lbv – low bus voltage
- lbvdelay – low bus voltage delay
- hbv – high bus voltage
- hbvdelay – high bus voltage delay
- out
{isofault|isowarn|lpv|hpv|lbv|hbv| - isofaultlatch|isowarnlatch|etc.
- isofaulthist|isowarnhist|etc.]
- ENAble | DISable [ <>
- – ‘enable’ and ‘disable’ help
- zevccs – ZEVCCS control]
- MEasure [ <> – ‘measure’ help
- pp – Ground Fault+
- pn – Ground Fault-
- pv – Pack Voltage
- 12v – 12v]
- REset [CONFIG|FAULT]
- config – reset configuration to defaults
- fault – reset fault history
- TRace [CANbus|OFF]
- can – enable CAN tracing
- off – disable all tracing
- isolation – enable isolation measurement tracing
- UPGRADE – performs a firmware upgrade
- GFM>
- show
- GFM> sh
- –STATUS——–
- status : OK
- state : Active
- pack : 51.3 V
- supply bus: 11.19 V
- isolation : 18838 ohms/v
- leakage : 1736K (@ 3.4V)
- OUT1 : GND
- OUT2 : OFF
- uptime : 0 hour(s), 0 minute(s), 38 second(s)
- –FAULTS——–
-
Name >State >Count >Hist
- LPV false 0 TRUE
- IsoWarn false 0 TRUE
- IsoFault false 0 TRUE
- GFM>
Set
- GFM> set
- ‘set’ help
- SEt [ <>
- isofault – isolation critical threshold
- isofaultdelay
- time hysteresis for isofault
- isowarn – isolation fault threshold
- isowarndelay
- – time hysteresis for isofault
- canbr – can baud rate
- lpv – low pack voltage
- lpvdelay – low pack voltage time hysteresis
- hpv – high pack voltage
- hpvdelay – high pack voltage time hysteresis
- lbv – low bus voltage
- lbvdelay – low bus voltage time hysteresis
- hbv – high bus voltage
- hbvdelay – high bus voltage time hysteresis
- isoduration – isolation measurement time
- isorate – time between each measurement
- initmin – minimum time for iso initialization
- maxpv – design maximum of the HV pack
- out
{isofault|isowarn|lpv|hpv|lbv|hbv} - isofaultlatch|isowarnlatch|lpvlatch|<etc.>|
- isofaulthist|isowarnhist|lpvhist|<etc.>}
- example: ‘set out1 -isofault’
- example: ‘set out2 isowarn lpv hpv’
- GFM>
enable/disable
- GFM> enable
- ‘enable’/’disable’ help
- ENable | DISable [ <>
- zevccs – ZEVCCS CAN control
- isometer – HV isolation measurement
- canopen – CANOpen CAN interface j1939 – J1939 CAN interface
- ]
- GFM>
trace
- GFM> trace
- ‘trace’ help
- TRace [ <>
- can – CAN bus messages
- ISOmeter – isometer measurements
- off – disable all tracing ]
- GFM>
reset
- GFM> reset
- REset [CONFIG|FAULT]
- config – reset configuration to defaults
- fault – reset fault history
- GFM>
upgrade
GFM> upgrade
Starting GFM Upgrade
- Exit from the terminal application ***
- Start the bootloader and download a new .hex file ***
- Restart ***
Output Mapping
The outputs on the GFM may be configured to any of the conditions listed in
the System Status and Conditions section. In addition, each condition also has
a corresponding “Latch” and “Hist” condition. Any condition can be logically
reversed by preceding the condition with a hyphen “-“. Multiple conditions may
also be configured to a single output. In this case, if any of the outputs are
TRUE, then the output is GND (grounded).
For example:
- GFM> set out1 lpv
- OUT1 set to: LPV
- This output will be GND if lpv is TRUE.
- GFM> set out1 -isofault
- OUT1 set to: -IsoFault
- This output will be GND if IsoFault is FALSE.
- GFM> set out1 isowarn lpv hpv lbv hbv
- OUT1 set to: IsoWarn LPV HPV LBV HBV
- This output will be GND if isowarn OR lpv OR hpv OR lbv OR hbv is TRUE
- GFM> set out1 -isofaultlatch -isowarn
- OUT1 set to: -IsoFaultLatch -IsoWarn
- This output will be GND if isofaultlatch is FALSE OR isowarn is FALSE.
- In other words, the output is GND until there is an active isowarn OR isofault was ever TRUE during this power cycle.
- GFM> set out1 -isofaulthist
- OUT1 set to: -IsoFaultHist
- The output is GND unless an isofault has ever occurred, even in previous power cycles.
CAN BUS
CAN Bus is digital communication standard that provides a highly resilient interface between industrial, automotive, and marine devices. There are many standards that define the specific format of the data that devices send and receive on a CAN bus network. However, in general, devices are NOT compatible unless they are designed to be. Some devices with highly configurable CAN bus interfaces can be configured utilize the GFM’s included protocols.
Supported Protocols
Any of these protocols can be enabled or disabled via the serial interface.
Name | ID Format (sID or eID) | Message ID’s | Relevant devices |
---|---|---|---|
CANOpen | sID | 0x293 | EVDisplay-MCU |
J1939 | eID | 0x14ff30e0, 0x14ebd0d8 | MCU |
ZEVCCS | sID | 0x357 | ZEV CCS Controller |
Figure 12 – Supported CAN Protocol Overview
Full details about these protocols are defined in the .dbc files available
from TSM.
CAN Hardware
CAN bus networks consist of the devices (nodes) connected to the network, the
wires that connect these devices, and the CAN termination resistors.
All CAN transceivers on a network must share the same reference voltage
(ground/chassis). The GFM has a non-isolated CAN bus, meaning that there is
not a separate CAN ground connection, the CAN ground is shared with the 12V
GND connection. Some devices have isolated CAN transceivers that have a
separate connection for CAN ground.
On the GFM PCB there is a DIP switch that can be switched to enable/disable
the onboard CAN termination resistor. By default it is disabled.
CAN Network wiring guidelines:
- CAN High and CAN Low wires must be twisted at a rate of ~1 complete turn per inch or tighter.• In an electrically noisy environment, The CAN High and CAN Low twisted pair should be shielded by a wire shield that is connected to chassis/ground on one end.
- All CAN devices should share a voltage reference (ground/chassis). If there is an isolated device, it has a CAN ground that should be connected to a shared ground/chassis.
- A CAN network should be <40m in overall length and any stubs/branches should be 0.3m.
- There should be two total CAN termination resistors, each 120 ohms. These resistors should be located on the farthest ends of the CAN network and connect between CAN high and CAN low.
FIRMWARE
As of the date of this manual, the most recent available firmware version is:
v2.0.7
Contact TSM for firmware updates and feature requests.
Firmware Update
The GFM uses the same 8-bit firmware update procedure as other TSM 8-bit
products. The GFM serial baud rate is 115200.
For more information, review the “Serial Port Utilities” document available at
www.thunderstruck-ev.com
Serial Port Utilities www.thunderstruck-
ev.com/images/companies/1/DD_SerialPortUtilities_v1.3.pdf?1684256128393
WARRANTY AND SUPPORT
ThunderStruck Motors offers a high level of support and warranty consideration for anyone purchasing our products. The DIY industry invites participants of all skill levels, and our goal is to meet their needs with tolerance, understanding and flexibility as our way of contributing to success of the electric transportation movement.
Warranty
The Thunderstruck GFM is guaranteed against operational and material defects
for one year after the device purchase date. The recommended first point of
contact for warranty consideration is the company which sold the product. If
purchased directly from ThunderStruck Motors, please use the contact
information below.
Because the customer is responsible for the device installation and wiring,
the product warranty does not cover errors such as incorrect wiring
connections or device placement, exceeding voltage limits, physical damage to
any part of the unit, or any device failure caused by misuse or modification
by the customer.
Support
Customers purchasing products directly from ThunderStruck Motors have access
to support for instruction and troubleshooting needed during product
installation and operation. Customers purchasing from vendors selling our
products receive support first from the vendor and then from ThunderStruck
Motors if the vendor is unsuccessful or unresponsive.
Contact Us
- e-mail: connect@thunderstruck-ev.com
- Phone: 707.578.7973
- Text: 707.582.0799
- Hours: M-F 9AM to 5PM – Pacific Time
- Website: www.thunderstruck-ev.com
- ThunderStruck Motors
- 2985 Dutton Ave. Ste 3
- Santa Rosa, CA 95407
SAFETY AND DISCLAIMER
High voltage electricity can quickly cause injury or death.
Only trained personnel should work with high voltage, and all relevant
regulations and best practices should be followed.
Some examples of electrical safety best practices are:
-
Always use appropriately rated high voltage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when circuits that have the ability to exceed 60V are present. Gloves, face mask, helmet, and fire proof clothing are all examples of PPE that may be required.
-
Always measure circuit voltage before touching or connecting any circuit. Never assume that a circuit is ‘dead’ or disconnected.
Never work alone. -
When applicable, use a “Lockout Tagout” system.
Disclaimer:
The use of the GFM and these instructions is at your own risk. ThunderStruck
Motors and Dilithium Design are not responsible for any damages or injury that
occur during the use of GFM or these instructions.
The information and illustrations contained in this manual are intended to
assist qualified technicians and personnel install the equipment correctly.
However, it is the responsibility of the individuals working with this manual
to ensure that the information contained in this manual is accurate, and that
the work that is being done is safe and correct. If there is any uncertainty
about the correct way to use this product, DO NOT attempt to proceed by
referring to the manual verbatim.
DOCUMENT HISTORY
Revision Number | Date | Description |
---|---|---|
1.0 | 1 February 2024 | Initial release |
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>