News

Getting in Gear

Delphi's transmission management systems engineers design a range of solutions from custom modules to separate components, providing flexibility for customers.

Developing a transmission system requires vehicle manufacturers to consider a range of variables to meet customer expectations and legislative requirements, including meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards, improving performance, and increasing fuel economy.

Delphi has extensive experience with all of these important variables, and is strongly positioned to provide solutions ranging from supplying components to helping finish an existing system to providing complete transmission control modules, including software and algorithms as well as engineering support. And Delphi's expertise is not limited to conventional transmission management systems, but expands to include next-generation transmission technologies like dual-clutch automatic transmissions and 7- and 8-speed automatic transmissions that are gaining momentum as vehicle makers strive to meet the demands of a changing marketplace.

"Delphi's flexible engineering approach can offer customization opportunities in transmission management systems for specific transmission applications," said Greg Wander, marketing manager, Delphi Gasoline Engine Management Systems, Delphi Powertrain Systems. "A transmission is one of the key contributors to driving 'feel' for a driver, and demands an appropriate and effective management system. And when coupled with our complete powertrain management capabilities, we can help a manufacturer create a product sure to meet the demands of its customers."

In control

Delphi possesses a thorough understanding of the entire powertrain management system, which enables it to provide manufacturers with complete powertrain management capabilities. So whether a manufacturer needs just a few components to complete an existing design, or help with a complete turn-key solution, Delphi presents manufacturers with plenty of options backed by a global network of resources.

At the most basic level, Delphi's transmission portfolio consists of virtually any component a manufacturer might need to complete a system, including controllers, sensors (including transmission range selection sensors and digital speed and position sensors), actuators, valve blocks, and electrical interconnects.

Vehicle makers seeking a more complete transmission solution can select from Delphi's transmission management systems portfolio:

Delphi Transmission Electro-Hydraulic Control Module (TEHCM)

Delphi's highly integrated TEHCM can incorporate all of the items in this illustration, which demonstrates the depth and breadth of Delphi's advanced engineering capabilities.

Transmission Hydraulic Control Module (THCM)

Delphi TCM8 Transmission Control Module

• Transmission Electro-Hydraulic Control Module (TEHCM)
  

  The TEHCM is Delphi's most advanced and fully integrated transmission control module, and is the most customized module in Delphi's transmission portfolio. The TEHCM enables designers to calibrate both electronic and hydraulic controls so they complement each other, minimizing system variation. The comprehensive module provides "the brains" for fluid distribution in a vehicle's transmission.

  In addition to incorporating electronics and hydraulic controls, Delphi's TEHCM can also integrate sensors and electrical interconnects. Patented Delphi algorithms and software can improve transmission performance and reduce a new customer's engineering development costs.

  "With a thorough understanding of vehicle systems integration, Delphi has the expertise to optimally integrate everything in a TEHCM so the vehicle has the best shift feel," noted Dr. Quan Zheng, Delphi staff engineer, Transmission Management Systems, Delphi Powertrain Systems.

• Transmission Hydraulic Control Module (THCM)
  

  A THCM is a complete control system for hydraulic fluid flow. The complete, fully assembled and tested module includes sensors, hydraulic actuators, and electrical and hydraulic connections in a single, robust package.

  The integrated hydraulic controls provide the benefit of reduced actuator manufacturing variation. The reduced size and mass enable design and packaging flexibility, and can contribute to vehicle fuel efficiency. Inherent in modular designs are potential reductions in transmission assembly costs.

• Transmission Electronic Control Module (TECM)
  

  Like the THCM, a TECM is a custom module that can contain sensors, electronic actuators, and electrical connections.

• TCM8 Transmission Control Module Family
  

  Delphi's standard transmission control module component is the TCM8, which can be programmed to be compatible with most other transmission system components on the market to help create a complete transmission control module system. Suitable for most 4-, 5-, and 6-speed transmissions, the TCM8 is a low-cost, robust transmission control module featuring precise actuator control.

  Its high-speed controller area network (CAN) communication system enables multiplexing, while flash programming provides in-vehicle memory updates.

  "The TCM8 is a low-cost solution to help many transmissions operate more efficiently and more reliably," said Dr. Zheng. "It can also be used to support step gear and dual clutch transmission programs."

"Whichever transmission management system option is chosen, Delphi offers complete testing and validation expertise," said Wander. "So in addition to supplying components and modules, Delphi can calibrate the different elements to create an optimized, integrated system."

As far as future applications, Delphi is already working on a transmission management system dedicated for use with dual clutch transmissions (DCTs) that are popular in Europe.

"Our work on the DCT management system is another example of Delphi's intimate knowledge with global requirements and our ability to adapt to changing situations," noted Wander.

Perfect fit

Whatever transmission management solution a manufacturer chooses, Delphi is positioned to customize its modules and products to allow for cost savings and performance advantages. With a series of patented algorithms and modeling techniques at its disposal, Delphi can provide customers with exceptional transmission management system solutions.

And with engineering, customer support centers, and manufacturing facilities strategically positioned worldwide, Delphi is able to respond to customers quickly and efficiently with expertise to deliver an extensive portfolio of transmission management technologies.

"Our physical locations and our in-depth knowledge of regional market requirements enable us to assist a diverse range of manufacturers with new product launches anywhere in the world," said Wander.

For more information about Delphi Transmission Management Systems products, click here.