Home › Power Distribution › PDM28
Power distribution module
Hardwire PDM28 Power Distribution Module
A 28-output PDM built for heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. It can replace fuses and relays with one rugged, solid-state unit. Supplied and supported in New Zealand.
- 1Deutsch DT & DTM connectors
- 250 RGB status LEDs
- 3Radlok quick-release power
- 4Machined aluminium, IP67
28outputs
16inputs
200Acombined
3xCAN buses
Overview
Every circuit, monitored and protected
The Hardwire PDM28 can take inputs from physical switches, analogue signals or the CAN bus to control each output. It monitors the current on every circuit and cuts power the moment a fault appears. It’s built in a machined aluminium IP67 case, made in the UK by Hardwire Electronics, and supplied and supported here in New Zealand by Hardwire Oceania.
Product images: Hardwire Electronics.
Built for demanding vehicles
Why choose the PDM28
Outputs to spare
28 outputs cover lighting, pumps, fans, HVAC and auxiliary systems, with spare channels for later.
Proper current where you need it
Four 30A outputs handle pumps, fans and other heavy loads, and 24 more 20A outputs do the rest. 200A combined.
Talks to your ECU, keypads and more
Three CAN buses (the third reserved for expansion modules) with DBC import. ECUs, keypads and any CAN bus device can be configured to communicate, with fully customised control over the CAN protocol.
Smart control, no extra boxes
Soft start, 1000Hz PWM, run-on timers for fans, logic functions, maths channels and lookup tables are built in.
Know what failed and why
Live current readings and 128Mb of configurable onboard logging show which circuit tripped and when, once logging is set up for the circuits you want.
Built-in IMU and accelerometer
A 9-axis IMU with gyro and accelerometer measures rotation and acceleration, with impact and rollover detection that can trigger safety cut-offs.
Typical applications
Buses and fleet vehicles. Mining and agricultural machinery. Boats and yachts. Rail and transit. Building and infrastructure systems. Heavy-duty motorsport builds that need more than 25 outputs or 30A channels.
Building a car? The PDM25 is usually the better fit. For more on each sector, see our industry solutions.
Setup and support in NZ
Configuration uses the Hardwire PDM software for Windows, connected over USB. No programmer is needed. Email info@hardwireoceania.com.
Specifications
PDM28 specifications
| Outputs | 28 total, all high/low side |
|---|---|
| High-current outputs | 4x 30A continuous, 100A peak, reverse current blocking (pin-limited to 25A at 125°C) |
| Mid outputs | 6x 20A continuous, 80A peak, reverse current blocking (pin-limited to 13A at 125°C) |
| Standard outputs | 18x 20A continuous, 80A peak (pin-limited to 13A at 125°C) |
| Combined output current | 200A maximum |
| Output protection | Overcurrent, overtemperature, load dump and reverse polarity on every output |
| Output control | 0.1A trip steps, 3mA measurement, 1000Hz PWM, soft start, retries, auto trip tuning |
| Inputs | 16x analogue/digital, 0–25V, 16-bit (0.001V), protected from -24V to 40V |
| Input options | Switchable 10k pull-up/down, momentary or latched, hysteresis, frequency up to 300Hz |
| CAN bus | 3x CAN 2.0A/B (third bus reserved for expansion modules), 50–1000kbps, 100-channel input and output streams, DBC import, J1939 |
| LIN bus | 1x, with LDF import and export |
| CAN keypads | Blink Marine CANopen 4–15 button, Blink Marine Race Pad, Grayhill/MoTeC CANopen 4–20 button, Marlin J1939 8 button |
| Data logging | 128Mb onboard, 1–1000Hz, CSV export, logic-triggered logging; set up per channel (nothing is logged by default), oldest data overwritten when full |
| IMU | 9-axis, with impact and rollover detection |
| Logic and maths | Logic functions, maths channels, 5x 20×20 tables, 30 timers, global cut-off and reset |
| Update rate | Up to 2000Hz |
| Operating voltage | 12/24V systems (4–32V) |
| Current draw | 4–5mA quiescent; 350mA at 12V, 250mA at 24V operating |
| Operating temperature | -55°C to 90°C |
| Ingress protection | IP67 |
| Case | Machined aluminium, media blasted, black anodised; 50 RGB status LEDs |
| Connectors | 2x DTM 12-pin, 2x DT 12-pin, 1x DTP 4-pin, plus Radlok quick-release power |
| Size | 318 x 124 x 58mm |
| Weight | 1640g |
| Software | Hardwire PDM configuration software for Windows 10, over USB, with CAN bus analyser |
| Model number | HWPDM28 |
Specifications from Hardwire Electronics. Download the PDM28 manual (PDF).
Size and mounting
Compact, rugged and easy to mount
- Footprint
- 318 × 124 mm
- Height
- 58 mm (70 mm to the top of the posts)
- Weight
- 1640 g
- Mounting
- Ø4.5 mm mounting holes; mounts in any orientation
- Connectors
- 2x DTM 12, 2x DT 12, 1x DTP 4, Radlok power
FAQ
PDM28 questions
What is a PDM?
A power distribution module replaces a vehicle’s fuses and relays with solid-state electronic switches. It measures the current on each circuit and shuts off a faulty one instantly, then can retry it.
Do I need a PDM instead of fuses and relays?
Not always. A PDM makes sense for any vehicle or machine with many circuits: fleets, boats, mining and farm equipment, rail, EV conversions and heavy-duty builds. It saves weight and wiring, removes relays that can fail from vibration, and lets you see exactly what tripped.
Will the PDM28 work with my ECU?
Most likely. The PDM28 imports DBC files and has ready-made CAN configs for common ECUs, so it can read engine data and switch fans or pumps from it. Tell us your ECU and we’ll confirm.
Can I run the PDM28 without a CAN keypad?
Yes. Its 16 inputs take ordinary switches and analogue signals. Keypads are optional.
PDM28 or PDM25?
The PDM28 has 28 high/low side outputs, 30A channels, three CAN buses, LIN, an IMU and an aluminium case, for fleet, marine, industrial and heavy-duty builds. For most cars, the PDM25 is the better fit.
Do you ship within New Zealand and Australia?
Yes. Contact us for current stock and delivery times.
Let’s talk about your application.
Our team is here to help you find the right solution.