An electric trailer brake controller is a device that
supplies power from a tow vehicle to a trailer's electric brakes. There
are two types of brake controllers on the market today - Time Delay
Activated and Inertia Activated.

While the controllers operate differently, they are very
similar. Both types have the same wiring configuration. Both allow the
driver to adjust the amount of braking power and both have a pressure
sensitive manual override switch that can be used to apply the trailer
brakes independently of the tow vehicle.

Time Delay Activated Brake Controls

Time Delay Activated or "solid state" controllers are enabled by
the depressing of the brake pedal in the tow vehicle. Once enabled,
time delay activated controllers apply a gradual voltage to the
trailer's brakes using a Time Delay Circuit.

The advantages of a solid state brake control unit are the
inexpensive cost, low profile, and they can be mounted at any angle.
The disadvantages mostly pertain to Hazard Flashers issues. In most
applications the digital display will flash with the hazard flashers
and if the gain is set aggressively, some pulsing of the trailer brakes
may be felt.

Hazard Flasher issues can be resolved by using a Pulse
Preventer that will isolate the brake control from the vehicles
flashers, thus eliminating the pulsing.

Inertia Activated Brake Controls

Inertia Activated Brake Controllers or Pendulum Style
controllers are enabled by the depressing of the brake pedal and
activated by a Pendulum Circuit that senses the stopping motion of the
vehicle. The Pendulum Circuit applies a proportional voltage to the
trailer's brakes.

When the Inertia activated brake control is properly adjusted,
the trailer will decelerate at the same speed as the towing vehicle. A
result of this is increased braking efficiency and reduced wear on the
brakes.

Advantages of pendulum style controllers are efficient braking
under a variety of braking conditions including adverse conditions.
They also have a smooth braking motion.

Pendulum style controllers have a few disadvantages also. They
tend to be larger than solid state controller. They usually more
expensive and they must be mounted in a level position. Tekonsha's
Prodigy controller is an exception. Due to its innovative technology,
it can be mounted in almost any position.

Whether the brake control is Timer Activated or Inertia
Activated, the gain can be adjusted by the user. Both feature a
pressure sensitive switch that can be used to apply the trailer brakes
independent of the tow vehicle. Most importantly, both styles achieve
the same goal safely and reliably.