BREAKOUT BOX

Generic, Dual-Sided Breakout Box

The purpose of a breakout box is to offer the user the ability of monitoring or interrupting signals between the engine controller and the engine via the stock harness. This is accomplished by installing the breakout box between the harness and the controller as shown below. The engine controller is shown attached to the breakout box in the far left picture. The picture to the below shows the harness attached to the interface module. The interface module is then attached to the breakout box.

The HexAlink has special features which make it superior to other breakout boxes.

First, most breakout boxes are designed just for monitoring, without switches to break connections. The HexAlink has heavy duty switches which can handle over 10 Amps of current per switch.

The second, and most important feature, is that all wires within the breakout box and attachment cables are shielded. The shielding cuts down on EMI (electrical noise) being produced and received on the wires. This reduction in EMI is important for good quality data and engine control. It is also paramount for drive-by-wire technologies which are susceptible to noise.

The next feature is the ability to attach Interface Modules. This makes the breakout box universal, so that the same box can be used with many different engines. The only added expense is the cost of the Interface Module and cable, which is far less that a new breakout box.

Finally, the three dimensional design of the box allows it to take less space in a test cell and to be expandable in case more than 200 pins are required.

HeXa-link Jack Panel

One "Breaking Switch" and two banana jack receptacles are provided for each conductor of the engine harness. When the Breaking Switch is in the DOWN position, the connection between the ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the engine is "broken". The connection is maintained when the Breaking Switch is in the UP position.

When the signal is broken, the top banana jack receptacle connects to the ECU while the bottom receptacle connects to the Engine (allowing the EMAS or other test equipment, to take control of the Engine while simultaneously providing artificial signals to the ECU).

When the signal is maintained, both banana jack receptacles can be used for monitoring the respective signal. The banana plugs can be stacked to allow signals to be split-off for multiple applications.