ZombieVerter VCU V1.2

[Jack Bauer]

So after a long time here is the next hardware revision for the ZombieVerter VCU. Now before anyone gets too excited I want to make one point crystal clear : The existing hardware is NOT deprecated and will continue to be able to avail of future software releases that do not employ the added features of V1.2. If anyone needs this further clarified please let me know.

With the exception of the RS232 option V1.2 is fully pin compatible with existing hardware.

There will be no price changes.

Once verified, design files will be available via Patreon and the webshop.

Extra features of V1.2 will be utilised in future sw releases but as of now it will behave as V1.1 on current release software.

Prototypes will be ordered in the next few days and of course a boring and long video will be made explaining all.

ZombieVerter VCU V1.2 Hardware Changes

- Sleep mode. Main 5V supply can be shutdown by the STM32.

- Wake via T15 , HVReq or CAN1

- All IO now have TVS protection.

- Main 12V supply also has a Gas Discharge arrestor.

- Supply outputs poly fuse protected.

- CAN1 Transciever changes to a TJA1043T to enable wake on can capability.

- DigiPots changed to a constant current driver that emulates a resistance range of approx 50 to 400 Ohms to ground. Inteded to drive analog fuel, temp gauges etc by emulating a resistance based sender.

- DAC amplifier changed to a TCA0372 witha gain of 4x providing approx 0-12V DC outputs at up to 1A per channel.

- Onboard KXTJ3-1057 three axis accelerometer.

- Onboard NTC temperature sensor.

- CAN-FD based on MCP251863T. Now 4 CAN channels.

- Real time clock with CR1220 backup battery. Runs in sleep mode.

- ESD protection on all CAN and LIN channels.

- Extra green LED for debug.

- Hardware detection resistor to enable firmware to detect V1.1 or V1.2 hardware.

- Now using Kicad 9 EDA.

- Switch to 6 layer PCB. 3V3 now on own layer.

- Only removal is RS232 from V1.1

[Alibro]

Gimme gimme gimme! I want one.

[Jack Bauer]

And prototype boards ordered.

[Jack Bauer]

Zom 1.2 also in production. Ignore the missing parts just a footprint mismatch.

[marcexec]

Congrats Damien! Great selection of features and awesome to see the product evolving.

You continue to be an inspiration for us all

[modellfan]

Nice additional functions . Some of them would also have been on my backlog .

What Gas Discharge arrestor do you use ? Never saw something like this in an automotive Ecu power supply . Is it if the car gets hit by a lightning strike while charging ?

Why having 4 different can transrecievers on one board ? The price tag can’t be that big not to go for two and two .

IMHO such a new version would be a good chance too kick off some very special functions eg for450 transmission propably just a few use .

[tom91]

IMHO such a new version would be a good chance too kick off some very special functions eg for450 transmission propably just a few use .

NO

With the exception of the RS232 option V1.2 is fully pin compatible with existing hardware.

[Alibro]

Nice additional functions . Some of them would also have been on my backlog .

What Gas Discharge arrestor do you use ? Never saw something like this in an automotive Ecu power supply . Is it if the car gets hit by a lightning strike while charging ?

Why having 4 different can transrecievers on one board ? The price tag can’t be that big not to go for two and two .

IMHO such a new version would be a good chance too kick off some very special functions eg for450 transmission propably just a few use .

I'd have thought the 450 transmission is a popular choice for conversions. Certainly for anyone building a RWD conversion.

[modellfan]

NO

I mean this was not a question but my opinion.
I have the Zombie VCU also in use in my car but with a custom software .

[tom91]

Its the whole, Lexus and Toyota inverter range that is the same comms set. So NO the GS450h do not features have a small user base.

Sure but your opinion does not match the reasoning given by damien for having it pin compatible.

Have you written your mods in way they could be contributed into the main code base?

[PaulHeystee]

I just ordered and received the V1.1 ....
For my application (L409 Merc) with the L210 would be fine with it, I guess.
However, I wish I new this before buying it

I am very happy the HW is developing further, a good thing.

[Jack Bauer]

And until such time as the V1.2 is proven to work at least from a HW standpoint the V1.1 will be supplied as it is tried and tested. This is one reason I hesitate to publish development nowadays.

[modellfan]

Have you written your mods in way they could be contributed into the main code base?

Sure I did. It is based on Johannes STM32 template with libopeninv https://github.com/Modellfan/Zombie-Slave

[danjulio]

Damien, I've been studying your schematic and I'm a little confused about the CAN1_WAKE_OUT signal. Probably I'm just confused but I'm not sure this will work the way you have IC18 wired. The TJA1043 spec and the AH1014 app note say that the INH output will have the following values in the two low-power states.

1. Standby Mode (EN=0, STBN=0) -> INH = High (VBAT)
2. Sleep Mode (EN=1, STBN=0) -> INH = Low (GND)

There are two things I wonder about.

1. INH stays high when the device is in the Active Mode (EN=1, STBN=1) so once powered, it will always keep your board alive.
2. If #1 is fixed and the 3.3V can go away then wouldn't the TJA1043 enter Standby mode instead of Sleep mode and still hold INH high?

Also in my general noob understanding of CAN and reading a note about ISO 11898-2 wakeup it takes two CAN bus packets to wake this transceiver up? I'm interested in waking up a system based on the 0x679 packet sent by the Leaf OBC when a charger is plugged in. Would this work for that?

[marcexec]

Also in my general noob understanding of CAN and reading a note about ISO 11898-2 wakeup it takes two CAN bus packets to wake this transceiver up? I'm interested in waking up a system based on the 0x679 packet sent by the Leaf OBC when a charger is plugged in. Would this work for that?

From various reverse-engineered components not precisely sticking to standards I think you're better off on the Nissan Forum (https://openinverter.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=4) for this bit - as this thread is on the updated hardware.

[danjulio]

From various reverse-engineered components not precisely sticking to standards I think you're better off on the Nissan Forum (https://openinverter.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=4) for this bit - as this thread is on the updated hardware.

Yeah, that was just an example (one I'm interested in). But let me rephrase: What's the intended use for this wakeup feature?

[modellfan]

Two more topics, that came in my mind:

• Why not take over FOCCCI power module? It not only allows to be woken up on Ignition but also wake others up on the same line

• Add a eeprom? I would really like to implement freeze frames into ZombieVerter universe. This would make debugging of rare problems so much easier

[Jack Bauer]

Prototype V1.2 boards arrived. Initial tests in the Red Arrow are looking good. Core functions working as well as basic wakeup. More testing to follow.

[Jack Bauer]

Zom 1.2 will now be shipping for all orders. I'll put together a video next week going through the details.

[nkiernan]

This looks like another fantastic selection of updates, thank you for the effort and also the team helping develop the options

[loudboy10]

Very cool. I dont know what most of those words mean, but I will like to use the original fuel gauge in my classic truck. I look forward to ordering this when I get to that stage. Thanks for all you do for this community.

[Jack Bauer]

So just an update. Testing is going well. One problem is the ESP8266 wifi modules are proving no longer capable of dealing with the amount of data (JSON) going to an from zombie so an update to an ESP32 based module will be required.

Good news is there is a drop in ESP32 based version of the Wemos module I use : https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006026692511.html

Have some on the way and will test and then supply these with present and future orders.

Design files will be available once a few changes are made and tested so please be patient.

[marcexec]

drop in ESP32 based version of the Wemos

I have a spare one here in Ireland, do you want it now?

[Jack Bauer]

Yes please would be great to validate early. Thanks

[marcexec]

An Posted to you now. Only basic ESP Home firmware on it.