Functional Description - Integrated Dual Charge Module (IDCM)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

The Integrated Dual Charge Module (IDCM) is a Power Inverter comprised of the following two integral modules:

On Board Charging Module (OBCM): Converts the Alternating Current (AC) power supplied from the grid through the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Charging Port into a Direct Current (DC) power for charging the High Voltage Battery. The OBCM also provides galvanic isolation for the vehicle. Galvanic isolation simply prevents unwanted current from flowing between two units that share the same ground connector. This helps protect the internal electrical circuits as well as people that come into contact with the device.
Auxiliary Power Module (APM): Converts the high voltage DC power in the High Voltage Battery into a low voltage DC power for charging the Low Voltage Battery. The APM contains systems that ensure voltage output, current draw, and current demand "spikes" do not damage any electronic components within the LV circuit while charging the 12V battery.

When the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Charging Cable is plugged into the charge port the IDCM sends a wake up signal to the high voltage modules to allow the modules to operate and the batteries to charge.

High Voltage Charging: The OBCM converts the AC current from the grid into a suitable DC current supplied to the Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) for charging of the high voltage battery. The IDCM regulates voltage and current flow to maintain proper State Of Charge (SOC) and State Of Health (SOH) of the high voltage Battery system.
Low Voltage Charging: The APM is used as a DC to DC converter, responsible for charging of the low voltage system battery. This replaces the need for an alternator on PHEV vehicles. The high voltage can be provided by the EVSE charging cable or the high voltage battery.

The IDCM generates heat as it operates. The IDCM is liquid cooled by the Low Temp Cooling Loop. The IDCM monitors its internal temperature, voltage and current flow. If any of these items are out of range, the IDCM will not operate.

For the IDCM to operate, the IDCM must detect a minimum of 10.0 volts from the 12.0 volt Battery, along with a wake up signal from the HCP Module through the EPT ECU Wake-Up Signal circuit.

The IDCM is a stand alone module that does not contain any internal serviceable parts, but does have full diagnostic and programming capabilities through the vehicle Controller Area Network (CAN) C-EPT Bus.