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TSAL Overview

As per Formula SAE Rules, the vehicle must include a Tractive Systems Active Light (TSAL). The TSAL is required to illuminate when the Grounded Low Voltage System (GLV) is energized to indicate the status of the Tractive System. It must be directly controlled by the voltage present in the Tractive System using hard wired electronics. When the voltage outside the Accumulator Container exceeds 60V DC or 25V AC RMS the TSAL must flash red with a frequency between 2 Hz and 5 Hz. When the voltage outside the Accumulator Container is below 60V DC or 25V AC RMS the TSAL must remain continuously illuminated green. The TSAL must consist of 6 green and 6 red LEDs with 3 of each on both sides of the board.

As seen in the schematic, the input to the TSAL is a 4 pin molex with +5V Red and Green signals. These signals indicate which state the Accumulator Container is in and dictates which lights should illuminate. NMOS transistors are used to turn the LEDs on and off while a 555 timer is used to generate the flashing signal.

Schematic

Layout

Model (Front & Back)

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