Precisely Metering Inlet and Outlet Pressure

This proportional pneumatic control valve provided precise turbocharger wastegate control with reduced hysteresis and turbo lag.

Customer Problem

An automotive manufacturer needed a solution that would give more precise control over a pneumatic actuator that controlled a turbocharger wastegate. The component they had been using was a single valve that controlled both inlet and outlet pressure, which did not offer enough precision and produced too much hysteresis and turbo lag. The new solution needed to be airtight and compact.

The TLX Solution

TLX worked with the customer to develop a two-valve solution using pulse-width-modulated proportional pneumatic control valves. One valve metered the inlet pressure, and one valve metered the outlet pressure. Two valves were chosen because a single multiport valve that regulated both inlet and outlet pressure would produce some leakage, resulting in less precise control. The new valve was small and airtight, provided precise proportional control over the wastegate position, and reduced hysteresis and turbo lag.

View Design Solution

Proportional Pneumatic Control Valve

Supply voltage: 24 Vdc nominal
Coil resistance at 20°C: 131 Ω
Operating temperate range: -40°C to 65°C (-40°F to 149°F)
Operating pressure range: -3 to 124 kPa
Flow rate: 24 L/min @ 80 kPa
Leak rate: < 1 cc/min
Response time: < 3 ms
PWM pressure control: 10-90% duty cycle
PWM vacuum control: 10-90% duty cycle

All TLX components are customized to fit system requirements, meaning technical specifications are unique to each customer and design. Examples given on our website are for illustration purposes only.

Working with TLX

Experienced partner of industry leaders, first-tier suppliers, and OEMs
Direct access to our design and engineering team
Localized production in USA and China
Dependable single-source solution from design to delivery

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Our Process

Step 1 / Initial Review

Our engineering team works directly with you to determine the viability of your program and identify the best solution based on your specifications.

Step 2 / Quote

Quotes include all costs related to your project - tooling, prototype, piece part, production and project specific costs.

Step 3 / Design Review & Prototypes

Our engineering team reviews the design with you and makes any adjustments needed. Prototypes are built according to design specifications for testing.