MoTeC Power Distribution Modules

PDMs are the next big thing in race car electronics. To quote Motec:

“MoTeC Power Distribution Modules (PDM) are designed to replace conventional relays, fuses and circuit breakers, simplifying wiring and reducing weight while increasing reliability.

They not only provide electronically switched power to various systems in the vehicle, but can also be programmed to make smart decisions while the vehicle is out on track. For example, they can restart devices automatically after a short, switch to a reserve pump if a main pump fails, systematically shut down devices if battery voltage drops, even regulate the water in a driver’s cool suit.

In addition to that the PDMs provide full diagnostic information, including output currents and error status, enabling teams to monitor the entire vehicle via telemetry.”

Basically a PDM can control all of your vehicle’s power systems with one box and the intuitive PDM Manager software.  Programming and monitoring your circuits is as easy or as complicated as you want it to be.  Lights on when you flip a switch? OK. Differential cooler on when you’re in the southern hemisphere, going more than 15mph, using between 37% and 49% throttle, while the diff temp is more than 25C but not more than 400C? No problem (Seriously).

For the overwhelming majority of customers we are going to recommend either the PDM15 or PDM30. The 16 and 32 units are functionally identical, more expensive, require pricey Autosport connectors, and are slightly heavier than their flat counterparts. They make sense in top tier applications, but the 15 and 30 units offer the best value.

The PDM15 offers eight 20A outputs, seven 8A outputs, and sixteen inputs. The PDM30 offers an additional fifteen 8A outputs, bringing the total to twenty two 8A outputs. Note that equivalent outputs can be combined to make higher current circuits. For example three 8A outputs can be combined into one 24A output, while you cannot combine an 8A and 20A output to make a single 28A output.