The Emtron TM16 is a fully programmable Transmission Control Module designed for complex motorsport driveline applications. It combines dual 650 MHz 32-bit automotive processors with a Xilinx 7 Series FPGA for high-speed, deterministic control of proportional solenoids, clutch packs, and driveline actuators. 512 MB DDR3 RAM and 8 GB onboard data logging are standard.
The TM16 connects to Emtron ECUs via CAN bus using dedicated Emtron TM16 CAN integration built into Emtune and TMtune. The ECU sends engine speed, throttle demand, torque values, and brake status to the TM16; the TM16 returns gear position, input/output shaft speeds, and torque limit requests. This bidirectional torque management allows the ECU to retard ignition timing or reduce fuelling during gearshifts for smooth, fast gear changes without mechanical stress.
Supported Transmissions
| Transmission type | Support |
|---|---|
| ZF 8HP automatic | Yes — see compatibility table below |
| Dual clutch (DCT) | Yes |
| Multi-clutch automatic | Yes |
| Conventional automatic | Yes |
ZF 8HP Compatibility
Only 8HP variants with 16-pin connectors are supported. 10-pin models lack the I/O required for external TCM control.
| Variant | Generation | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 8HP45 | Gen 1 | Yes |
| 8HP50 | Gen 2 | Yes |
| 8HP70 | Gen 1 | Yes |
| 8HP75 | Gen 2 | Yes |
| 8HP90 | Gen 1 | Yes |
| 8HP95 | Gen 2 | Yes |
| 8HP51 | Gen 3 | Only with Gen 2 valve body retrofit |
| 8HP76 | Gen 3 | Only with Gen 2 valve body retrofit |
Technical Specifications
Processing
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Processors | 2× 650 MHz 32-bit automotive-grade |
| FPGA | Xilinx 7 Series |
| RAM | 512 MB DDR3 |
| Data logging | 8 GB onboard |
Inputs
| Input type | Channels | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Analogue inputs | 16 | 0–5 V, 12-bit (1.22 mV/step), switchable 5 V pull-up |
| Digital/frequency inputs | 16 | 0.5–20 kHz; 0–39 V tolerant; Hall effect + reluctor compatible; pins 1–8 programmable threshold (0–5 V), pins 9–16 fixed (2.4 V / 0.5 V) |
| Hall sensor inputs | 4 | 2-wire, 0.5–20 kHz; open circuit / short-to-battery / short-to-ground detection |
| IMU | Built-in | 3-axis accelerometer (±2/4/8/16 g); 3-axis gyroscope (±125–±4,000 dps) |
| Barometric pressure | Built-in | Onboard sensor |
Outputs
| Output type | Channels | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Proportional solenoid outputs | 16 | Low-side, 0.1–20 kHz PWM, 1.8 A continuous per channel, current monitoring on all |
| Solenoid power supply outputs | 4 | Over-current protected; current and voltage diagnostics; grouped 1–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–16 |
| Auxiliary half-bridge outputs | 8 | 0.1–20 kHz PWM, 35 A peak / 8 A continuous per channel, bi-directional current monitoring |
| Analogue outputs | 4 | 0–5 V, 10-bit, 11 mA per channel |
| 5 V reference outputs | 2 | Sensor power supply |
| 8 V reference output | 1 | Sensor power supply |
Communications
| Interface | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAN bus | 2× CAN 2.0A/B, fully configurable, selectable termination |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps (PC tuning via TMtune) |
| RS232 | 1× serial interface |
Power Supply
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage compatibility | 12 V and 24 V systems |
| Reverse polarity protection | Yes |
| Over-temperature protection | Yes |
| Over-current protection | Yes |
| Battery constant supply | 1× |
| Auxiliary driver supplies | 2× |
| Solenoid supplies | 2× |
| Ignition switch input | 1× |
Connectors
All three connectors are TE Connectivity AMP Superseal 1.0 series. Wire range: 0.30–1.25 mm² (22–16 AWG).
| Connector | Part Number | Pins | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connector A | 4-1437290-0 | 34 | Analogue inputs, digital/frequency inputs, sensor reference |
| Connector B | 4-1437290-1 | 34 | Proportional solenoid outputs, auxiliary half-bridge outputs, analogue outputs |
| Connector C | 3-1437290-7 | 26 | Power supply, CAN bus, Hall sensor inputs, Ethernet, RS232 |
ECU Integration
The TM16 integrates with Emtron ECUs over CAN bus. Both devices are configured in Emtune (ECU side) and TMtune (TM16 side) to use matching CAN IDs (0x150–0x159) at the same bitrate (typically 1 Mbit/s).
TM16 → ECU: Gear position, gear request, input shaft speed, output shaft speed, torque limit (slow/ignition retard), torque limit (fast/ignition cut), upshift and downshift switch status.
ECU → TM16: Engine RPM, manifold pressure, throttle demand, pedal position, engine torque, driver demand torque, brake switch, engine temperature, idle target, check engine light.
Software
TMtune is the free Windows-based configuration and calibration software for the TM16. Connects via Ethernet. Firmware updates over Ethernet. Two base calibrations are included: ZF 8HP (based on the 8HP70) and Nissan GR6 (R35 GT-R). All other transmissions require building a calibration from scratch.
What You Can Do With the TM16
- Replace a factory ZF 8HP or Nissan GR6 transmission control unit entirely, using the included TMtune base calibrations
- Control up to 16 proportional solenoids simultaneously with individual 12-bit current monitoring on every channel
- Implement torque-modelled shift strategies: send ignition retard or fuel cut requests to the Emtron ECU during upshifts for fast, low-stress gear changes
- Log 8 GB of transmission data onboard — gear position, shaft speeds, solenoid current, oil temperature — independent of ECU logging
- Connect paddle shift inputs via CAN bus, analogue signal, or direct digital switch wiring
- Integrate with non-Emtron ECUs via the two fully open, user-configurable CAN bus nodes — engine RPM and TPS can also be wired directly if no CAN ECU is present
- Monitor input and output shaft speed independently for slip detection across all four solenoid supply groups
Compatible ECUs
FAQ
Does the TM16 require an Emtron ECU, or will it work with any ECU?
The TM16 has two fully open CAN bus nodes that can be configured to receive data from any ECU. Engine RPM and throttle position can also be wired directly as analogue or digital inputs. Full torque-modelled integration — where the TM16 requests ignition retard or fuel cut from the ECU during shifts — uses Emtron’s proprietary CAN protocol and requires an Emtron ECU. Basic transmission control without torque modelling is possible with any CAN-capable ECU.
What base calibrations are included? Do I need a calibration for my transmission?
Two base calibrations ship with TMtune: ZF 8HP (based on the 8HP70) and Nissan GR6 (R35 GT-R). If your transmission is not in this list, you will need to build a calibration from scratch. The Getrag GS7 is listed as under development. Sequential dogbox transmission control requires custom calibration — there is no base map and no out-of-box support.
Can the TM16 log transmission data independently of the ECU?
Yes. The TM16 has 8 GB of onboard eMMC storage and logs transmission-specific channels — gear position, shaft speeds, solenoid currents, oil temperature, and all diagnostic flags — independently of whatever the ECU is logging. Data downloads via Ethernet using TMtune.
What software does the TM16 use, and does it cost anything?
The TM16 uses TMtune — a separate application from Emtune (which is for Emtron ECUs). TMtune is a free download from the Emtron downloads server. Connection is via Ethernet. Firmware updates are also delivered over Ethernet.
Is the TM16 the only Emtron transmission controller, or is there a smaller variant?
The TM16 is currently Emtron’s only TCM. The “16” refers to its 16 proportional solenoid outputs. There is no TM8 or smaller variant in the Emtron lineup.
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