G4 Atom - Entry Level Engine Management

Overview

The G4 Atom runs the same microprocessor and firmware as our top ECU, the G4 Xtreme

Designed and built to be the best "value for money" entry level ECU on the market.

While the G4 Atom is entry level, the following is not compromised

• The loom is AVSS automotive quality cable the same as is used in 21st century car manufacturing
• The same mounting technology as our higher level ECUs
• A fully extruded mounting plate is included
• Mounting hardware is completely hidden for a fully professional installation
• Waterproof automotive plugs
• The same tuning features as our high-end ECUs - tuning is not compromised in this "entry level" ECU
• Full configurability, no preset input/outputs
• Logging, even closed loop fuel and knock if external devices are added (WideBand Controller & G4 KnockBlock)
• Industry standard waterproof connectors, mounting bracket and loom, all supplied with your G4 Atom

• Spec overview
• four injection drives
• four ignition outputs
• two analog inputs (you choose, oil pressure etc.)
• two temperature inputs (usually water and inlet air temperature)
• two digital inputs (e.g. vehicle speed and logging switch - you choose)
• four auxiliary outputs (e.g. fuel pump, fans, boost control, O2 heater etc.) *
• one, twenty six pin, waterproof connector
• built in, 2.5 bar, MAP sensor
• 5V out

New

G4 Atom - launched April 2010

The G4 Atom is a completely new ECU built for the cost conscious market but retaining the superb engine tuning features that has escalated Link Engine Management to the top of the market

KnockBlock G4 Interface

Knock, also known as detonation refers to the spontaneous combustion of an air/fuel mixture inside a combustion chamber.  Knock is induced by excessive pressure within the combustion chamber causing the air/fuel mixture to self detonate.  These pressures can be a result of high engine temperature, inappropriate turbo boost pressure, excessive inlet air temperature, and ignition timing which is over advanced.

The Link G4 Atom with the addition of the KnockBlock G4 as an interface enables knock control. Information is passed between the two devices using one auxiliary channel and one digital input. This allows configurable ‘time windowing’ techniques enabling the Storm to determine which cylinder has knock, and the severity of the knock.  3D knock level threshold tables are used to prevent false detection caused by mechanical engine noise.

Each individual cylinder can be assigned with a 3D knock ignition trim table.  These tables are generally spanned using ‘RPM’ and ‘Load’ as their axis, and zones within these tables are modified dynamically by the ECU upon detection of knock.  Timing is retarded on detection of knock in the particular zone, using configurable sensitivity and clamping properties.  This all happens within the bounds of microseconds.

The G4 Atom can be configured to gradually re-introduce timing advance, at a rate governed by the speed and delay of which the user has specified in the settings when knock is no longer detected.

On Board Data Logging

The latest G4 firmware version enables the ECUs on board data logging functionality.  On board data logging is an essential feature for tuning and motor-sport diagnostics.  On board data logging allows ECU information to be recorded directly to memory inside the ECU.  Recorded information can be retrieved for analysis at a later stage.

All G4 Atoms are built with 512k flash memory. The ECU can be configured to record a large number of parameters at various rates.  High capacity memory allows for recording of approximately 100 parameters at a rate of 50 times per second for nearly 120 seconds. Slower rates allow for over 80 minutes of recording time.

The ECU can be configured to start recording when an external switch is turned on or based on some internal condition.  Log files are independently recorded and can be retrieved without downloading the entire ECU memory.

QuickTune

Using PCLink, QuickTune is an interactive tuning tool that assists in time efficient fuel tuning.   A graphical display of Target AFR (desired AFR) and Actual AFR (measured AFR) is provided.   A dual pointer gauge allows the tuner to quickly see how close Actual AFR is to the Target AFR.  QuickTune can be setup to operate over the entire fuel table or just over a particular area.

QuickTune can be used in Manual or Automatic modes.  In Manual mode, QuickTune guides you to cell centering and advises you when is a suitable time to make a fuel table adjustment.   With the press of a key a calculated adjustment is made.  Often only one or two adjustments are required to tune each cell.  In Automatic mode QuickTune does all the adjustments for you.   This leaves the tuner free to operate the Dyno or perform other tuning work such as making ignition or cam angle adjustments.

Features

G4 Atom Key Features

• Built in 2.5 bar MAP sensor
• 2.5 bar absolute, 1.5 bar of boost
• External MAP sensors available up to 7 bar
• Up to 6D fuel and ignition mapping
• Sequential fuel and ignition delivery
• Digital triggering, all common OEM patterns
• OEM idle hardware supported - not stepper motors use the G4 Storm
• 5D boost control with three switchable tables
• Continuous barometric correction (on board)
• QuickTune - automated fuel tuning
• Individual cylinder correction for fuel trimming and ignition timing (3D correction tables available for fuel and ignition optimisation)
• Odd-fire engines & two-strokes
• USB tuning cable included
• Stats recording into on-board memory
• Gear compensations tables, user selectable e.g. spark, boost etc.
• Real time selectable dual fuel, ignition and boost maps
• Sync and crank sensors can be a combination of Hall effect, variable reluctance or optical
• Boost control referenced to gear, speed or throttle position
• Up to 512k internal logging memory
• Staged injection
• Firmware updates available online (linkecu.com)

• Brief Specification

• four injection drives
• four ignition outputs
• three analog inputs (you choose, oil pressure etc.)
• two temperature inputs (usually water and inlet air temperature)
• two digital inputs (e.g. vehicle speed and logging switch - you choose)
• four auxiliary outputs (e.g. fuel pump, fans, boost control, O2 heater etc.)
• one, twenty six pin, waterproof connector
• built in, 2.5 bar, MAP sensor
• 5V out

Quick Tune

Using PCLink, QuickTune is an interactive tuning tool that assists in time efficient fuel tuning.

A graphical display of Target AFR (desired AFR) and Actual AFR (measured AFR) is provided.   A dual pointer gauge allows the tuner to quickly see how close Actual AFR is to the Target AFR.  QuickTune can be setup to operate over the entire fuel table or just over a particular area.

QuickTune can be used in Manual or Automatic modes.  In Manual mode, QuickTune guides you to cell centering and advises you when is a suitable time to make a fuel table adjustment.   With the press of a key a calculated adjustment is made.  Often only one or two adjustments are required to tune each cell.  In Automatic mode QuickTune does all the adjustments for you.   This leaves the tuner free to operate the Dyno or perform other tuning work such as making ignition or cam angle adjustments.

Up to Six Dimensions of Fuel & Ignition Tuning

Under most circumstances a 3D Fuel Table is sufficient. RPM is typically used for one axis with load (typically represented by MAP or MGP) on another axis.  The 3rd axis/dimension is the fuel zone value.

This 3D mapping will be very familiar to the average tuner and a 3D surface representing the fueling can be easily visualised or physically displayed by selecting Surface Graph.

In special cases 3D mapping may not be adequately flexible to cope with all operating parameters.

Multi-throttle, turbo charged engines typically show an example of this.  With the throttle wide-open at a MAP value of, for example,  200kPa and an engine speed of 5000rpm the engine will have considerably different fueling requirements than with the throttle half open and the same MAP and engine speed.  In this case the 4D Fuel Table table may be used.  This second table may be spanned using throttle position on the load axis.

When a 4D/5D table is turned on, its Table Activation mode can be selected.  This allows the 4D or 5D Fuel Table to become active only under certain conditions.  This is useful if an external switch or switching output is required to activate the table (e.g. switching in the 4D Fuel Table and ignition when the nitrous solenoid becomes active).  If the table is required to be always active, set this adjustment to Always ON.

As with all tables, 4D and 5D Fuel Tables can have their X and Y axis parameters selected and their row/column locations adjusted.  To do this, click on the table and press X or Y.

Specification

• 2-12 Cylinder Distributed
• 2-8 Cylinder Wasted Spark
• 2-4 Cylinder Direct Spark
• Odd Fire Engines
• 2-Stroke Engines
• Configurable Firing Order
• Configurable TDC Points (for odd fire)

• Up to 440 Zone Fuel Table with configurable load and RPM centers. Configurable X and Y Axis Parameters
• Multiple Fuel Tables
• Up to 6D Fuel Mapping
• Injection Rate
• Master Enrichment
• Pre-Crank Prime
• Crank Enrichment
• Post Start Enrichment
• Warm Up Enrichment
• Acceleration Enrichment
• IAT Fuel Correction
• Injector Deadtime Compensation
• Overrun Fuel Cut
• Idle Load Trims
• Fuel Temperature Correction

• Up to 440 Zone Ignition Table with configurable load and RPM centers. Configurable X and Y Axis Parameters
• Closed Loop Knock Control.  (Requires External Link G4 KnockBlock)
• Crank Dwell Extension
• Maximum Advance
• AFR Table Correction
• Spark Duration
• Beginning / End Injection Definable
• Dwell Time Table.  Configurable X and Y Axis Parameters

• Individual Cylinder Trim
• Individual Cylinder Tables
• Multiple Ignition Tables
• Up to 6D Ignition Mapping
• Individual Cylinder Ignition Trim
• IAT Trim
• Voltage Correction
• ECT Trim
• OEM Compatibility
• CDI Compatibility

• Engine Temperature Dependent Progressive Limiting
• Vehicle Speed Limit
• System Voltage Limit
• User Configurable RPM Limit based on external input

• Digital Trigger Decoding
• Reluctor, Optical Proximity or Hall Sensors
• Programmable filtering and arming thresholds
• Configurable trigger patterns or preset triggering options.
• Supports nearly all OEM trigger patterns and custom trigger arrangements

• None, use the G4 Storm

• Each Output independently configurable
• Unused ignition and injection outputs available as auxiliary outputs
• General Purpose Output
• General Purpose PWM
• Closed Loop Idle Speed Control (Solenoid only)
• Fuel Pump
• Fuel Pump Speed Control
• Engine Fan
• Air Con Clutch
• Air Con Fan
• Intercooler Spray
• Tacho
• Check Engine Light
• Purge Solenoid
• Oxygen Sensor Heater
• Switched Cam Solenoid

• 40 MHz Specialised Engine Management Microprocessor
• Ignition control to 0.1 degree, fuel to 0.01 ms
• 32 Bit Calculation
• 10 Bit ADC Resolution
• 20000+ RPM
• 4Mb Non Volatile Flash

• 4 High Current Injector Drives
• 4 Ignition Channels
• 4 Auxiliary Outputs
• 2 Digital Inputs
• +5V Out
• 2 Temperature Inputs
• 2 0-5V Analog Inputs
• 2 Trigger Inputs (Reluctor, Optical or Hall Sensors)
• On Board Baro Correction (Real Time)
• On Board 2.5 bar MAP Sensor

• Tuning Port USB via adapter cable supplied
• Serial RS232 via adapter cable available separately
• CAN - Connector and replacement front plate available separately

• Each channel independently configurable with preset or custom calibrations
• Wide-band O2 (from external controller e.g. Innovate LC1)
• Boost Adjust Signal
• Configurable Fault Detection Settings
• Voltage (0-5V)
• Pyro (from external controller)
• Throttle Position
• Pressure (general purpose, fuel, oil)
• Air Flow Meter
• MAP
• Temperature (coolant, IAT, general purpose)
• Narrow Band O2

• Engine Temp Correction
• IAT Correction
• Multiple Boost Tables
• External Adjustment

• Reliable and accurate user configurable Closed Loop Control
• Solenoid or Uni-polar 6 terminal stepper only. If 4 wire stepper control is required use the G4 Storm
• Aircon, Engine Fan or Power Steer idle up
• Open Loop Control Mode for diagnostics

• Internal Temperature Range -10 - 85oC
• Ambient Temperature Range -30 - 90oC
• Voltage 8 - 22V
• Operating Current 200mA
• Electrical protection on all inputs and outputs

• Adjust ALL parameters in real time
• Mouse or keyboard operation
• Tuning
• QuickTune - automated fuel self tuning
• Logging Analysis
• Diagnostic Information
• Built In Help
• Definable Screen Layouts
• View over 300 possible runtime parameters

• Length: 79 mm
• Width: 126 mm
• Height: 42 mm
• Weight: 360 grams
• Connector : 26 Pin Waterproof Automotive

• G4 Atom ECU
• 2.5 Meter Wiring Harness
• Mounting Brackets and Screws
• Wiring and Installation Instructions

• Looms
• Terminal and plug kit - not recommended unless you have access to the correct AMP crimper
• 250 mm loom
• 2.5m loom (included in purchase price)
• 5m loom (ideal for boat installations)
• Intake Air Temperature Sensor
• 3/8 NPT
• Bosch push in
• 14mm (Aluminium or Steel Mounting Bosses to suit)
• Throttle Position Sensor
• 2 or 3 Channel Link Igniter
• Narrowband Oxygen Sensor
• Wideband O2 Controller & Sensor
• Injector Ballast Resistor Packs
• 1 x 1R (6 x <6R injectors)
• 2 x 1R (12 x <6R injectors)
• 1 x 4R7 (1 x <6R injectors)
• 2 x 4R7 (2 x <6R injectors)
• 1 x 2R2 (1 x <3R injectors)
• 2 x 2R2 (2 x <3R injectors)
• 4 x 4R7 (4 x <6R injectors)
• 6 x 4R7 (6 x <6R injectors)

• ISO 13485

Software

PCLink is a ‘Windows’ application that enables the user to tune and monitor Link Engine Management systems using a laptop or PC. This laptop tuning enables the user to view and alter all functions of the Link system in real time. Help is available on screen, as well as step-by-step introductory tutorials, allowing familiarisation with the PCLink software before tuning of the engine.  PCLink enables the user to view and alter all functions of their Link Engine Management System in real time (while the engine is running).

The programme may be controlled using either the keyboard (quick-keys) or mouse.  Online help is available via the Windows help system and all the information is contained within PCLink as well as step by step introductory tutorials.  There is no need to carry an instruction book as it is all within your laptop once PCLink is installed. The introductory tutorials allow the user to become familiar with the PCLink software before tuning their engine. PCLink and tutorials are available for download from this website.

PCLink Features:

• User friendly interface to Link  Engine Management Systems simplifies tuning and diagnostics
• View the entire fuel or ignition map as a table with crosshairs to accurately pinpoint the engine parameters*
• Advanced time saving table editing features such as interpolate, percentage adjust, fill and import/export
• Serial or USB Connection to Link Engine Management Systems
• Access and adjust all Link Engine Management System features in real time* (while the engine is running)
• Upload, download, save and print configurations
• Attach tuning notes to individual configurations
• View all run-time information as lists or on screen gauges
• Datalog and plot run-time information in real time.  Logs can be saved for later analysis.

• Edit all tables/maps (fuel, ignition, boost etc...) and view as a standard table, 2-D graph or 3-D surface

*important features that differentiate PCLink from competitors software

More information on PCLink

Accessories

The Atom G4 standard kit includes:

• G4 Atom ECU
• 2.5m loom
• USB tuning cable
• Quick Start guide

• Inlet Air Temperature Sensor (highly recommended)
• Igniters
• Ballast Resistors
• Wide band O₂ Sensors

DisplayLink

“Full Information at your Fingertips”

Requires the additional purchase of the 2nd CAN connector. (Supplied as standard equipment on the Storm etc.)

Plug in and go, real time driver display.  Users love the DisplayLink due to its ease of use, fascinating insight into what is happening with the engine and the fact that they can’t “mess up the ECU”.

Connect the DisplayLink, it works out of the box.  Select what you need to see, the DisplayLink provides the instrumentation and information desired, both while the engine is running and subsequently from the internal memory.

All settings, menus and information are accessible using the five built-in buttons.   Warnings are activated if inputs go out of range, a built in warning light alerts the driver and the condition presented graphically (even in direct sunlight).

More information on the DisplayLink

KnockBlock G4

The KnockBlock G4 can act as knock detection interface for Link G4 ECUs. The KnockBlock G4 connects directly with the knock sensor and provides the ECU with an accurate measurement of engine knock. The G4 ECU can then be configured for closed loop knock control, allowing the ignition timing to be advanced and retarded to maintain output power while protecting the engine.

Other Accessories

Input Sensors

Output Conditioners and Devices

Tuning Tools

Downloads

Download the latest PCLink software

Download the latest firmware updates

Download the G4 Atom Wiring and Installation manual - includes G4 Xtreme and G4 Storm (pdf file)

Download the G4 Atom brochure (1.9mB pdf file)

Other G4 ECU brochures available as pdf files:

• Xtreme
• Storm
• RX
• Plug-In