Theory Of Operation

The Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) communicates with the vehicle through the high speed CAN C bus. The ITBM monitors the Brake Pedal Status, Vehicle Speed and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) status via CAN message. It also outputs the Trailer Status, Gain Setting, and Trailer Brake Output Power to the vehicle. The ITBM connects to the electric trailer brakes through the 7-Way connector and controls the brake force through a Pulse Width Modulating (PWM) duty cycle. The ITBM PWM duty cycle output is present continuously.

The ITBM controls the PWM output to the trailer brakes in three ways. The first occurs while the brake pedal becomes active and vehicle speed is greater than 0 km/h (0 mph). The second is the manual lever on the ITBM that can be controlled by the driver. If both the manual lever and the brake pedal are active simultaneously, the greater of the two, in terms of PWM output, will prevail. The third is that it will become active during an ESC trailer sway event.