After taking apart the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module, a more intricate circuit board is revealed compared to typical performance chips. Notably, a button is present on the board, though inaccessible from the exterior casing. This button is likely intended solely for programming or diagnostic procedures.
Upon closer inspection, the Integrated Circuit (IC) bears a “JDM-USA Rev. 6.0” label. Through rigorous testing, including assessments of Program Memory type, CAN protocol, Program Max Memory Size, and Max CPU Speed, it’s been determined that the chip is a JDM/Microchip variant of the PIC16F59. This version features an upgraded Programming Memory capacity of 24KB and verified CAN Bus support, confirmed through laboratory analysis. Relabeling practices by Microchip have been observed in other computer components, such as video cards. However, this review focuses on the functionality of the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module and not on Microchip’s component handling.
The inclusion of a 4MHz Resonator indicates a higher level of precision compared to the less expensive internal oscillators often found in budget performance chips. This suggests that the GTE Stage 1 module is not a basic scam device.
Based on the component analysis, the board exhibits the potential to deliver on its performance enhancement claims.
Examining the OBD connections from the connector to the circuit board reveals that nine pins are active: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, and 16.
To understand the communication protocol capabilities, let’s refer to the standard OBD protocol pin assignments:
Analyzing this chart, we can correlate the pin connections with supported OBD protocols:
- CAN (Controller Area Network): Pins 4, 6, 14, 16 are connected, fulfilling the requirements for CAN protocol communication.
- PWM (Pulse Width Modulation): Pins 2, 4, 5, 10, 16 are connected, meeting the pin requirements for PWM protocol.
- VPW (Variable Pulse Width): Pins 2, 4, 5, 16 are connected, satisfying the pin requirements for VPW protocol.
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9141 & 14230: Pins 4, 5, 7, 16 are connected, fulfilling the necessary pins for ISO protocols.
Therefore, we can conclude that the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module for Honda:
- Integrates all OBD connections required for CAN protocol communication.
- Integrates all OBD connections required for PWM protocol communication.
- Integrates all OBD connections required for ISO protocol communication.
- Integrates all OBD connections required for VPW protocol communication.
These comprehensive OBD protocol connections confirm that the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module possesses the hardware interface to communicate using a wide range of OBD protocols. According to the manufacturer’s details, the module is specifically programmed for individual vehicle compatibility and necessitates reprogramming for use in a different vehicle.
