Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Transmission
Control System
Description
1. Functional specification
1.1 General
The APC200 (Transmission Controller for ECM) is a device used to control the shifting of the Spicer
Off Highway Products ECM powershift transmissions.
ECM means Electronic Controlled Modulation and refers to a transmission control technology that is
available on a range of transmission models.
ECI means Electronic Controlled Inching. This refers to the capability of ECM transmissions with
APC200 to run at very low controlled speed at virtually any engine speed. This function is desirable
in a/o. forklift truck applications.
To date, within these models, three transmission types are supported: TE13, TE17 and TE32
transmissions with 4/4, 4/3 and 3/3 gear sets.
POWER Transmission
Throttle Pedal
APC200
Engine Speed
Turbine Speed
Drum Speed
Output Speed
Brake Pedal
Temperature
Mode Selection
Engine
Throttle
Servo
Control
CAN GND
DIG OUT
DIG INP
FB
I-
I/V
STAT
Red.ShutDown
FB
Additionally the APC200 requires some connections for supplying power and for selection of
different operating modes. For more detail, check the application specific wiring diagrams.
Refer to section 5.2 for details about the installation.
The different connector pin functions for the APC200 are listed below.
Ptg pull to ground Input internally pulled high, must be connected to Ground to
activate. Alternately senses resistance 0 - 5 kOhm
Ptp pull to plus input internally pulled low, must be connected to Plus to
activate
Stg switch to ground Output switches internally to Ground. Other side of Load
must be connected with Plus
Stp switch to plus Output switches internally to Battery plus. Other side of
Load must be connected with Ground
Pwr power supply line connected to battery
Gnd ground ground reference line or supply line
Sns sense sensor input for frequency, voltage or current
Pwm pulse width Output uses PWM to control the output current. When
modulated combined with the proper sns input, closed loop current
control is possible.
Comm communication control line used for communicating information with other
controllers and / or PC’s
Hbrg bi-directional motor Output can control the speed of a DC motor in both
control directions
In below table all references to terminals have prefix TC meaning they refer to the APC200
connector pins
Note that different configurations are supported. The Input / Output mix can be varied through the
use of parameter sets which determine the exact I/O allocation. Further, most non-transmission
related functions can be routed through the CAN bus instead.
Connector layout :
The main interface with the driver is the shift lever. It allows selecting the driving direction and the
different ranges. The shift lever output signals serve as inputs for the APC200.
The APC200 is designed to interface with a variety of shift levers. Refer to the application specific
wiring diagram for detailed information about shift patterns.
Note that the APC200 supports remote control via the CAN bus as documented in the CAN EDI.
1.3.2 Display
The display is located on the APC200 front panel and consists of:
The LED lamp labelled 'D' is yellow and is used to indicate test modes.
The LED lamp labelled 'E' is yellow and is used to indicate faults.
The LED lamp labelled 'F' is red and is switched on when the APC200 is in the reset condition.
Refer to SOHPD drawing IAPC200A for installation dimensions.
After power up, the display defaults to the last display mode selected when the controller was last
powered down.
Typically, this will be the gear position mode. In this mode, the centre left digit shows the actually
engaged direction and the centre right digit shows the currently engaged range (gear).
Pressing the 'M' switch changes the displayed information group, while pressing the 'S' button
selects the item within the group.
While pushing the switch (and about 0.5 seconds after it is released) the display shows which
information is about to be displayed.
There are 3 display groups : the most commonly used one allows to switch between gear
display and vehicle speed display.
The second group shows the shift lever position and some other less used but nevertheless quite
relevant values (see list below).
The third display accessed with the M-button isn’t actually a group of screens but is used to inform
you about any current or previously active faults. The display normally shows ‘ — — ‘ to indicate
there are no faults, but if one or more faults are (or have been) detected, themost severe one is
Shows vehicle speed in km/h. Speeds are shown with a 0.1km/h or 0.1 MPH
VSPD resolution (parameter setting).
When the controller detects an error, the 'E' led blinks slowly to indicate this. You can always select
the fault display mode (ERR) to view the nature of the problem. Error codes are described in
section 2.4.14 Indication of faults.
1.3.3 Other
Additionally several on/off switches and position sensors with function described in section 1.6.1
can be used to control the different operating functions. The control system can receive state
information of these inputs either directly through its own inputs or via the CAN-bus using
standardised messages.
The controller uses default limits; all shifts use a default modulation curve.
Inching is disabled.
The GPOS / CPOS display indicates the letters ‘LH’ left of the direction/position indication.
1.5.1 System
Handshake Xon/xoff
SOH protocol
CAN
Bitrate Programmable up to
1MBPS
Switching from automatic to manual is deferred until following conditions are fulfilled :
1.6.2 General
turbine speed
speed ratio = <1
engine speed
Automatic upshifting
An automatic shift to a higher gear is made when the accelerator pedal is pressed, the turbine
speed exceeds a minimum speed, and the slip in the converter (speed ratio) has reached a certain
value. This occurs when the tractive effort in the higher gear is higher than the tractive effort in the
lower gear. The below table indicates for each gear the different limits.
Minimum turbine speed for automatic upshifting :
Shift 2-3
0.86
0.85
0.84
0.83
0.82
0.81
SR
0.8
0.79
0.78
0.77
0.76
0.75
1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200
Turbine RPM
Automatic downshifting
An automatic shift to a lower gear is made when the tractive effort in the lower gear exceeds the
tractive effort in the higher gear (i.e. when the speedratio drops below a ceratin limit)
Below, a typical downshift curve is shown (speed ratio as function of turbine speed).
0.42
0.4
0.38
SR
0.36
0.34
0.32
0.3
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Turbine RPM
Used when the accelerator < 20% and when the speed ratio >= 1. On the vehicle, it means that the
driver has released the accelerator pedal.
turbine speed
speed ratio = > 1
engine speed
Automatic upshift
In principle no automatic up-shifts occur in braking mode. The only exception is when the
transmission overspeeding limit (depends on transmission model) is reached and the shift lever
indicates a higher range than the one selected on the transmission.
Automatic downshift
If the engine speed is below the limit for direction changes, and the vehicle speed is sufficiently low,
the direction change is made immediately without changing the transmission gear.
If the engine speed however exceeds the engine limit, the transmission will remain in neutral, and
the warning lamp will be switched on until the limit is satisfied.
The engine speed limit is typically disabled but can be activated on request.
When hydrostatic drive simulation mode is selected, the service brakes are used to automatically
decelerate the vehicle below the reversal limit and the engine is forced to idle during that time.
1.7.1 Operation
The inching system is controlled with the left brake pedal. The obtained effect depends on how
deep you press the brake pedal.
8 Speed
control
6 No
4 Low Speed
against brake De-clutch
2
0 0.3 0
0 25 50 75 100
Brake position (%)
The 35% point in above graph is called the MID point and should correspond to the point where
the brakes actually start braking.
0% – 4 % Inching is disabled
?? In the 5% - 35% brake pedal range, the service brakes don’t actually apply braking force. This
st
range is used to control the vehicle speed throughout the entire 1 gear speed range. Generally
the higher inching speeds are used to smoothly transition from low speed inching into converter
drive. Indeed, suddenly releasing the brake pedal causes a noticeable ‘shift’ back into
converter drive – comparable to a ‘Neutral – Gear’ shift whereas a gradual release allows a
more continuous engagement.
Note that in this range, if the speed is too high, the APC200 – as it doesn’t control the vehicle brakes – can only
take away traction. If this is the case, you have to press the brakes more firmly to help the speed reduce.
?? In the 35% - 70% brake pedal range, the target inching speed is fixed at 0,3 km/h. This range is
useful for slowly approaching your target, inching uphill or downhill without excess speed
variations. The braking force in this range is sufficient to control the vehicle speed in most
conditions.
?? The 70% - 100% range is used to really make the vehicle decelerate or hold it in standstill
condition. In this range, the target speed is 0 km/h – i.e. the transmission is disconnected from
the wheels.
The thing to do in that case is to stop on the hill (and de-clutch) and gently release the brake pedal
until you get forward movement again. Careful brake pedal usage usually gets you where you want.
The APC200 has a built-in feature that protects the inching clutches. If you use the inching system
in a condition where the required inching torque exceeds a pre-programmed limit, the inching
system is disabled and the clutch engages into converter drive.
When this happens (and it will on certain slopes and with certain loads), you will have to reduce the
engine speed to control the vehicle speed. This behavior is what you’d want anyway, because the
inching system would not be able to provide the power required to get you moving in this condition.
1.8.1.1 General
In this mode, you control the vehicle with the accelerator pedal only. The brake pedal is there just in
case of emergency.
The APC200 optimizes the use of engine and brakes to get you the speed you want. Indeed, the
accelerator pedal is used no longer to control the engine but serves to tell how fast you want to
drive. If you’re going uphill, the engine will rev-up automatically; if you go down hill, the brakes will
automatically kick in to hold the speed.
2.2.1 General
The safety concept is based on the control system's safety classification according to ISO 1508
and on the definition of the Fail Safe State for a powershift transmission used in earthmoving
equipment.
The applicable safety class requires considering single faults affecting driver safety and a
redundant method to achieve the fail-safe state in case of a single safety critical fault.
For earthmoving equipment, acceptable fault conditions are considered to be:
- Fail to higher range
- Fail to next lower range
The fail-safe state (to be attained when all else fails) is:
- Fail to Neutral
2.4.1 General
It is considered critical to be able to select Neutral in all circumstances.
Selection of Neutral also is considered the safe state in case of many faults.
The APC200 has been designed to guarantee automatic selection of Neutral in some conditions.
This is accomplished through use of two separate watchdog timers and a redundant shutdown path
for outputs.
If these tests prevent operation as a transmission controller, then the APC200 locks itself in a reset
state, with all outputs off.
If faults related to shift limits are detected but controlling the transmission is still possible, the
APC200 reverts to shut-down mode (SHDN). In this mode, the transmission can not be operated.
Meaning of indication of FAULT TYPE on the display
20.63 ?? There is a problem with Digital output DIG0. The RSP cannot
function properly. The system will be in Shutdown Mode
20.64 ?? There is a problem with Digital output DIG3. The RSP cannot
function properly. The system will be in Shutdown Mode
General
Faults related to analogue outputs are detected by various principles. Besides being monitored just
like ON/OFF outputs the current through their sense line is compared to the target current.
Significant deviations from the target current are treated as faults too.
Note that the first two digits identify the output exhibiting the fault :
Note that the first two digits identify the output exhibiting the fault :
80 Discrete output 0 related fault A10
81 Discrete output 1 related fault A15
82 Discrete output 2 related fault A16
83 Discrete output 3 related fault A20
84 Redundant shutdown path switch Combined Fault
related fault
Note that the first two digits identify the analogue input exhibiting the fault :
After the last fault has been displayed, the display shows ' -- ' meaning no more errors are detected.
Below table lists faults in order of severity (severest fault on top) along with displayed codes.
Production Test
During the production cycle, all units receive following tests:
? Visual inspection of Printed Circuit Boards and finished product
?? Analog inputs and outputs are calibrated
? Functional test at nominal load and nominal power supply
? Minimum operating voltage @ 20°C is verified
? Speed sensor input function over complete operating voltage range
? Communication link tests and checks of programmed FLASH parameters
?? A desciption of the assembled hardware and all test results are programmed in FLASH
memory
Refer to the ‘APC200 production test procedure' for details about the process.
2.7.1 Identification
Each APC200 unit is marked with a label showing following items:
? Spicer Off Highway Products Logo
? Serial Number
? Spicer Part Number
? Program version reference
Design and implementation details of each released software version is available in a structured
format showing following information:
? Original problem analysis (or reference to it)
? Reason for change
? Revision date and release date
? Impact study of change
? Reference to the revision it is based on
? Program source code or references to untouched modules
? List of changes with reference to reason for change
? Test report of the new release
? Related correspondence with customer
2.7.3 Sourcing
Spicer Off Highway Products Europe is the only supplier for the APC200 described in this
document.
All shipped units are produced, tested, and inspected by the Controls group of the SOHP plant
located in Brugge (Belgium Europe). This guarantees strict conformance to above stated
identification and traceability requirements.
2.7.4 Software
Parameter programming communication services can be disabled during normal operation. In that
case, modifications to APC200 parameters are only possible with the shift lever in Neutral.
The APC200 contains tables of boundaries limiting the range of modification of FLASH parameters;
in order to assure safe values for limits at all times.
Humidity IEC68-2-38
Vibration IEC68-68-2-34Fd 5g pk 10-150Hz 1 Oct /min
2.5Hrs 3 directions
Mechanical Shock IEC68-68-2-29 25g ½ sine 6ms @ 1 Hz
5.1.1 General
Principally there are no specific devices required for first level troubleshooting as the APC200
incorporates several self-test features assisting in this process.
Nevertheless, use of digital multi-meters and simple tools such as an indicator lamp will be required
to pinpoint exact causes of problems.
More in depth troubleshooting and system tuning involves use of a WIN95 Compatible PC with
appropriate software and FLASH parameter programming equipment.
The APC200 allows recall and modification of non-volatile parameters through RS232.
This way, customers can, given the necessary equipment, choose to adapt certain parameters to
suit their needs.
From a maintenance point of view, this is relevant in so far that the APC200 allows reading back the
(modified) parameters along with serial number, part number and modification date.
Several PC hosted tools have been developed to ease the service and trouble shooting process.
Note:
?? If during operation in a self-test mode a fault is detected, the E-led flashes to indicate the
presence of the fault. Pressing S-button for a while however in this case will not reveal
the reveals the fault code.
Self-test mode is activated by pressing the ‘S’-switch on the APC200 front panel while powering up
the APC200.
Switching off the power of the APC200 is the only way to leave the self-test mode.
Pressing a switch (M or S) shortly reselects the current group or mode. This feature is applicable in
all diagnostic-groups.
M M M M M
DISp dinp ainp spd out p vol t
Power vp
8.8.8.8 I II 0. I.2. I 2.0.0. i II 26.3
up + S
S S S S S S
S
Ver 0.i2 0. i i 0.22 0.02 vs
i.02b hi 0853 c 2.24 0833 25.8
S
S S S S S
i.i3 I.28 i.24 i.04 vsen
hi i0ib S i . i33
S
0010 8.2
Logic I/O S S S S
number 2.i4 S 2.29 2.26 2.06 S
lo 2720 C.846 0501
S S S S
Wire number 3.47 3.4 i
... I 020 i I.54
...
S S
I2.29 9.i6
lo lo
S S
i3.47 i0.20
lo LO
POSSIBLE RESULTS: lo 1234 (Ohm) 1234 (Hz) 1234 (mA) 24.3 (V)
hi open open lo
shr t hi
open
shr t
Releasing the switch engages a scrolling text display showing the part number and the version.
The display shows which inputs are active. Each segment of the display indicates a specific logical
input. Different segments can be switched on simultaneously if different inputs are activated
simultaneously. In total there are fourteen inputs: ten digital and four analogue inputs (in this group
treated as if they were digital pull to ground inputs).
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
1 3 5 7 9 11 13
Below example indicates that input 1, 4 and 5 are on. All others are off.
By pressing the ‘S’- switch repeatedly, each individual input is shown in more detail.
While pressing the ‘S’- switch, the display shows the logic-input number with the matching harness
wire. – I.e. below display corresponds with input one connected to wire A12.
Pressing the S-switch at the last analogue input brings back the overview on the display.
Releasing the switch brings an overview of the 4 analogue inputs on the display. The values,
displayed in k? , are separated by a dot.
Above display corresponds with a first input of 1 k? , a second of 2 k? and the last two of 0 k? .
Values that are more accurate can be found while running through the input specific displays (S-
switch).
While pressing the switch, similar to the display of digital inputs, the left side of the display gives
information about which input is tested; the right side gives the matching wire.
The displayed value when the S-switch is released is the resistance in ? .
Note: Although the APC200 also has 4 current sense and 3 voltage sense inputs, these are
not directly accessible through diagnostic displays.
The current sense inputs are treated in combination with analogue output test modes
The voltage sense inputs are not yet supported by the diagnostics modes
Using the ‘S’-switch more detailed information concerning the speeds is available.
While pressing the ‘S’-switch, the display shows the speed channel number on the left side of the
display while the matching wire is shown right.
The three other digits and the dot represent the matching speed in kHz
For instance, in below examples the left display indicates a current speed sensor and a frequency
of 933 Hz. The right one indicates an inductive sensor generating about 1330 Hz.
After the last channel is shown, another press on the ‘S’ switch re-selects the speed sensor
overview.
The display shows which outputs are active. Similar to the digital input test overview screen, each
segment of the display indicates a specific input.
Different segments can be switched on simultaneously if different outputs are activated
simultaneously.
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
1 3 5 7 9 11 13
The displayed value after the M-switch is released is the PERMANENT VOLTAGE Vp in Volts as
measured on wire A01.
The two other modes of this group are switched voltage (Vs) and sensor voltage (Vsen), also
expressed in Volts.
Vs is measured on wire B12. This power supply input is used to allow the APC200 to control the
power down process – allowing it to save statistical information in FLASH before actually shutting
down.
Vsen is measured off an internally generated voltage regulator and should be near 8.0V.
It can be measured on any unloaded analogue input channel (e.g. ANI0 on A11). The Vsen voltage
is used as a reference for the analogue inputs.
These pins are the APC200's ground terminals and must be connected to a well-defined ground
potential. This can be the vehicle's chassis but preferably, each is connected with a 1.5mm² wire
straight to the battery minus.
For the APC200 control to work properly, a T-split of the ground wire (close to the connector) must
be made to form a suitable ground reference for the Control Valve Common Ground CV01 and
CV08.
The Control Valve Common Ground is providing a suitable current return path for the VFS selector
Solenoids (A15 and A16).
Improper grounding may degrade the control system’s operation. The fact that most outputs
conduct pulsed signals tends to generate switching noise on the ground lines. If the ground
lines have insufficient quality or are shared with other loads, serious degradation of the
analogue input signal quality may result.
Pin B18 is the signal ground terminal and is intended for following signals
Tuning Link
The communication protocol is RS232 compatible and is intended to use with existing SOHP
Tuning tools and is reserved for SOHP use only.
Switching off the power of the APC200 is the only way to leave the calibration display mode.
By pressing the ‘M’-switch, the existing calibration modes are displayed, pushing the ‘S’-switch
starts the calibration of the currently displayed mode. The following modes exist:
Some calibration modes may be disabled by the controller software. In that case, when pressing
the ‘S’-switch to start calibration the display shows:
The driver should release the throttle pedal completely and then press the ‘S’-switch.
Now, the display looks as follows:
The driver should press the throttle pedal completely and then press the ‘S’-switch. As long as one
of the led display segments is blinking, the throttle pedal is not pushed hard enough and pressing
the ‘S’-switch will not continue the calibration process.
When the calibration process proceeds and no errors were encountered during the process, the
calibration results are memorised in Flash memory and will become active at the next power-up of
the controller. The display looks as follows:
When errors were detected during the calibration process, the calibration results are ignored and
the display looks as follows:
Pressing the ‘S’-switch once again returns the display back to the start of the currently active display
mode, allowing the user to re-calibrate the current sensor or to use the ‘M’-switch to proceed with
the next calibration mode.
The driver should release the brake pedal completely and then press the ‘S’-switch.
Now, the display looks as follows:
The driver should drive the vehicle slowly and push the brake pedal up to the point the vehicle starts
braking. Then the driver should press the ‘S’-switch. As long as one of the led display segments is
blinking, the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough and pressing the ‘S’-switch will not continue
the calibration process.
When the calibration process proceeds the display looks as follows:
The driver should apply full brake and press the ‘S’-switch. As long as one of the led display
segments is blinking, the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough and pressing the ‘S’-switch will
not continue the calibration process.
When the calibration process proceeds and no errors were encountered during the process, the
calibration results are memorised in Flash memory and will become active at the next power-up of
the controller. The display looks as follows:
When errors were detected during the calibration process, the calibration results are ignored and
the display looks as follows:
The driver should release the hydro lever completely and then press the ‘S’-switch.
Now, the display looks as follows:
The driver should pull hydro lever to its full hydro power position and then press the ‘S’-switch. As
long as one of the led display segments is blinking, the hydro lever is not pulled hard enough and
pressing the ‘S’-switch will not continue the calibration process.
When the calibration process proceeds and no errors were encountered during the process, the
calibration results are memorised in Flash memory and will become active at the next power-up of
the controller. The display looks as follows:
When errors were detected during the calibration process, the calibration results are ignored and
the display looks as follows:
Pressing the ‘S’-switch once again returns the display back to the start of the currently active display
mode, allowing the user to re-calibrate the current sensor or to use the ‘M’-switch to proceed with
the next calibration mode.
Press the ‘S’-switch to start the servo sensor calibration. If the position of the shift lever is not
neutral, the calibration process does not start and the following displays is shown:
If the vehicle is not standing still, the calibration process does not start and the following display is
shown:
If the shift lever is in neutral and the vehicle stands still, servo motor calibration starts. The servo
motor applies idle throttle and the following display appears for about three seconds (no driver
actions are demanded).
The servo motor automatically applies full throttle (no driver actions are necessary) and the
following display appears for about three seconds:
Then, if no errors were encountered during the process, the calibration results are memorised in
Flash memory and will become active at the next power-up of the controller. The display looks as
follows:
Pressing the ‘S’-switch once again returns the display back to the start of the currently active display
mode, allowing the user to re-calibrate the current sensor or to use the ‘M’-switch to proceed with
the next calibration mode.
Press the ‘S’-switch to start the servo sensor calibration. If vehicle is not standing still, the display
shows:
If the position of the shift lever is not neutral, the calibration process does not start and the following
displays is shown:
Now, the driver should select the forward shift lever position, as requested by the following display:
Note : The transmission calibration process can be interrupted at all times by moving the shift lever
into the reverse position. In that case, the transmission controller will reset and ignore the
calibration results obtained so far.
Now, the transmission’s temperature is checked against the minimum required temperature to
calibrate. If the actual temperature is too low, the driver should stall or drive the vehicle. If the
transmission temperature reaches the desired value, calibration proceeds automatically. Meantime
the display shows the actual temperature:
The first two digits show the currently calibrated clutch. The third digit shows the actual calibration
mode and the last digit shows the calibration algorithm’s current step. During the calibration
process, this information is continuously updated.
Depending on the actual calibration mode, a different engine speed may be required. Whenever
the actual engine speed is too low following display is shown:
Whenever the actual engine speed is too high, the display looks as follows:
If the vehicle is equipped with throttle-by-wire, the engine speed will be automatically adapted. In
the other case the driver has to change the throttle pedal position until the display looks as follows:
After the engine speed has been within limits for about three seconds, the calibration process
proceeds.
After successful completion of the calibration process, the calibration results are memorised in
Flash memory and will become active at the next power-up of the controller. The following display
is showed:
6. Statistics
The APC200 automatically and permanently keeps track of certain operating conditions.
Controller Lifetime Time that the APC200 has been powered (ever)
Powerup-count Number of times the controller was powered
Fault Count Number of times a specific fault has occurred
FaultTime Time a specific fault has been detected
Fault Timestamp Last moment of occurrence of a specific fault relative to the
Controller Lifetime
POST results information about how many times the Power Up Self Tests
have detected problems
Production Test results information about results of production testing
Display mode Last selected display mode and set of sub groups
Time in each gear Time that the transmission has operated in each gear position
Shifts to each gear Number of shifts to each gear position that ever occurred
Maximum speed Value and ‘time over limit’ for speed in each gear
Maximum temperature Value and ‘time over limit’ of transmission temperature
This information can be used to get an idea about the way the vehicle has been used in the field in
case of a field problem.
Based on application requirements this list can be extended.
The information can be accessed with specialised tools that download and interpret the statistical
data from the APC200 upon request.
The memory limitation for this kind of storage is 4kBytes.
8. Configuration Record
This Control System Description is intended to be used in conjunction with
4207051 and 4207088, 4501675 - V1.20B software and
APC200 hardware asof REV 2 for non-servomotor applications.
APC200 hardware asof REV 3 for servomotor control applications.