INTRODUCTION #
HTG Tuning offers two distinct products for transmission control: the HTG GCU (Gearbox Control Unit) and the HTG IO CAN (Input/Output Controller Area Network) gateway controller. While both products offer advanced features for vehicle tuning and performance enhancement, they serve different purposes and offer different capabilities. Below is an overview of the differences between the two, along with a comparison table for quick reference.
HTG GCU (Gearbox Control Unit) #
Product Purpose: The HTG GCU is designed to provide standalone control of a vehicle’s transmission. It is geared towards high-performance and motorsport applications, where precise and real-time control over the transmission is crucial or using an upgraded transmission in a OEM vehicle enviorment.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Tuning: Allows for adjustments to transmission parameters in real-time, providing immediate feedback and changes to performance.
- Advanced Functions: Includes features like transbrake, clutch-by-wire (electronic clutch pedal), and other performance-oriented capabilities.
- Customizable Safety Features: Introduces HTG-designed safety features, optimized for motorsport and performance use.
- Complex Wiring: Requires a more intricate and vehicle-specific wiring setup, which may include internal wiring modifications depending on the transmission model.
HTG IO CAN (Input/Output Controller Area Network) #
Product Purpose: The HTG IO CAN serves as a gateway controller that simulates the original transmission environment, interfacing between standalone ECUs (Engine Control Units) and the vehicle’s chassis. It is ideal for retaining functionality when using aftermarket engine controllers.
Key Features:
- CAN Bus Integration: Acts as a CAN bus router, allowing operations on CAN bus messages between four different CAN buses.
- Input Expander: Provides additional physical inputs, with 12 analog inputs and 4 frequency inputs.
- Retains OEM Safety Features: Maintains all safety features designed and implemented by the manufacturer.
- Ease of Installation: Requires a simpler external wiring loom, with no modifications to the transmission necessary.
- Real-Time Configuration: While it cannot change the transmission base tune in real-time (requires flashing OEM TCM with a modified file), other configurations and strategies can be adjusted on-the-fly.
Comparison Table #
| Feature/Aspect | HTG GCU | HTG IO CAN |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Control | Standalone | Simulates original environment |
| Real-Time Tuning | Yes | No (requires TCM flash) |
| Advanced Functions | Yes (i.eg. Clutch-by-Wire, Launch Control, Transbrake) | OEM strategies |
| Safety Features | HTG designed | Maintains OEM |
| Wiring Complexity | More complex | Simpler, external loom |
| CAN Bus Operations | No | Yes |
| Input Expansion | No | Yes (12 analog, 4 frequency) |
| Real-Time Configuration | Yes | Yes (limited to strategies) |
| Software Compatibility | HTG Tuning SUITE | HTG Tuning SUITE |
| Integration Presets | Transmissions, ECUs, selectors (complete HTG database) | Transmissions, ECUs, selectors (complete HTG database) |
| Input/Output Configuration | Highly flexible | Highly flexible |
| Shop Link | HTG Gearbox Control Unit | HTG IO CAN gateway |
In summary, while both the HTG GCU and HTG IO CAN provide robust solutions for vehicle tuning and performance enhancement, they serve different purposes and offer different capabilities. The HTG GCU is more suited for high-performance and motorsport applications requiring direct and real-time control over the transmission. In contrast, the HTG IO CAN is more appropriate for setups looking to maintain OEM functionality and safety features while still offering advanced tuning capabilities.
