Overview

AEM VCU300 Programmable Electric Vehicle Control Unit

AEM EV Vehicle Control Units (VCUs) are the missing link for high-performance EV street-conversion and motorsports applications. They allow the calibrator to create customized torque management strategies applicable to a wide range of EV systems and component combinations. They integrate EV systems and unify the tuning experience providing motorsports- and conversion-ready features presented in a high feature, modern and customizable interface. Be In Control with AEM EV.

AEM EV's VCU300 is built on OEM hardware and features OEM quality strategies. Combined, these provide the highest level of reliability, and more importantly, safety for both the programmer and end-user.

The VCU300 can manage up to four inverter/motor systems, communicate with three independent CAN bus networks, and it can be used on direct-drive and indirect-drive EV setups. Please refer to the Supported Applications Tab for supported Motors, Inverters Battery Management Systems (BMS) and other EV devices.

Primary functions of the AEM VCU300 include:

Input characterization including accelerator pedal, brake switch, PRND switches, and other driver/vehicle inputs
Redundancy and arbitration features for all safety-critical inputs
Startup and shutdown sequencing of high voltage components, including independent contactor control for each inverter system
CAN message translation for BMS, inverter, PDUs, and other CAN accessories
Motor torque management dependent on vehicle operating states and other driver-selectable modes
Closed-loop motor speed regulation for indirect drive transmission applications
Dynamic torque limits that maximize safety and optimize performance
Accessory control of cooling pumps, cooling fans, lights and more
Diagnostics and fault detection including CAN message timeouts, thermal limits, contactor, and inverter enable cross-checks

Associated & Mating Parts

Features

VCU300 Features:

The AEM EV VCU300 features a waterproof aluminum enclosure (IP69K, -40C - 105C) and has a 196 pin connector. It is built on OEM hardware with OEM control strategies and uses proprietary AEMcal software for programming. (learn more about AEMcal software).

The VCU300 can control up to four independent electric motors/inverters and link 3 independent controller area networks (CAN bus). A base set of hardware features is shown below. Actual features are application dependent (contact sales@aemev.com).

INPUTS:

• 31 Analog inputs
• 8 Digital Inputs
• 5 Frequency inputs

• 39 Low-side drivers
• Two (2) High-side drivers
• Three (3) H-bridge channels
• One (1) Main power relay

VCU300 comparison

	VCU200	VCU300
General
AEM Part Number	30-8000	30-8100
User Interface	AEMcal	AEMcal
Pin Count	80	196
Clock Speed	64 MHz	200/260 MHz
Motor Control	1*	4
Inverter Control	1*	4
CAN Buses	4	3
Inputs**
Analog Inputs	13	31
Digital Inputs	15	8
Frequency Inputs	4	5
Outputs**
Low Side Outputs	12	39
High Side Drivers	6	2
H-Bridges	N/A	3
1/2 Bridges***	4 LS PWM or 4 HS Drivers	N/A
Main Power Relay Driver	N/A	1
Environmental
Enclosure Rating	IP6K7 (Waterproof)	IP6K9K (Waterproof)
Enclosure Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Operating Voltage	9-16V DC	9-16V DC
Overvoltage Protection	16V DC	16V DC
Dimensions	210 x 137.5 x 37.2mm	181 x 231 x 50mm
Weight	1.2 lbs (.06kg)	2.2 lbs (1.1kg)
Operating Temp Range	-40c to +105c	-40c to +105c

* Multiple motor control systems may be possible depending on the application. Contact sales@aemev.com for more information.
** Input and Output count listed is based on hardware capability. Actual I/O counts are model dependent. For information or model development contact sales@aemev.com.
*** With shunt resistors.