Power Inverter Module (PIM)
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The PIM is a device that converts 12 volt Direct Current (DC) to 115 volt Alternating Current (AC). This AC current can be used to supply small appliances. The output voltage of the inverter can be a full sine wave or a modified sine wave. The voltage output for North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) vehicles is 115 volt and for the European markets, the voltage output is at 230 volt. However, both types of inverters are interfaced in the same way to the 12 volt vehicle system.
The BCM activates an internal 12 volt inverter control line relay when the ignition state is ACC or RUN. This control line is also active during accessory delay. The inverter senses the presence of a plugged in device by closing an internal mechanical switch. This now causes the inverter to activate its inverter enabled signal and send this signal to the BCM. The BCM receives this signal and then sends a bus message to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) for indication display.
The inverter can be disabled by the BCM if the battery is at a critical state, if the vehicle is in load shedding state, or if the vehicle has entered shipping mode.