Microcontrollers delight designers

3rd Quarter 2009 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

Advances in off-road vehicle control.

New microcontrollers offer additional key features to extend the Sauer-Danfoss PLUS+1 family of vehicle control solutions.

The recent release of the Sauer-Danfoss MC038-010 and MC050-055 microcontrollers expands the range of control functions and design options available to OEM designers for off-road vehicles. These new general-purpose microcontrollers are suited for use as part of a distributed machine control system or as standalone controllers.

New design possibilities

“In addition to the essentials of hydraulic control, we are now able to offer options for control of small DC motors, lighting and other electrical functions plus expanded input functionalities. The bottom line is the new microcontrollers help address machine productivity and the effect of emission requirements on machine design – so that vehicles will work faster, longer and with lower fuel consumption.” says Dan Ricklefs, product portfolio manager. “Designers can create new solutions that leverage the electronics of a vehicle, controlling anything from dome lights, to raising ladders or opening hoods.”

MC038-010 microcontroller

The MC038-010 features 15 inputs and 13 outputs, including 6 amp and 10 amp outputs. With the highest output current capability in the PLUS+1 family, it is suitable for night lighting, control of variable speed DC electric motors and high current solenoids – and can reduce the need for fuses and relays.

The MC038-010 is also the first PLUS+1 controller to feature a 'sleep mode'. When in sleep mode, outputs are disabled and the microcontroller enters a low power consumption condition. When one or more inputs change state, the micro wakes up.

MC050-055 microcontroller

The MC050-055 features 36 input pins, three controller area network (CAN) ports, three output pins and three levels of sensor power supply. This controller facilitates CAN bus system capabilities and data management between multiple CAN bus systems.

It can capture multiple operator inputs and make data available to the CAN networks and is ideal for machines requiring a large number of switch and analog inputs on the operator control panel. Due to multiple sensor voltage levels, it can be used for digital signal fault detection, making a broad range of digital diagnostics possible.

Integrating machine control

Ricklefs adds, “Our two new controllers add valuable capabilities for the OEM designer who wants to look beyond hydraulic control and add functionality to machines. Obviously these controllers are well suited for applications in agriculture, construction and road building. They are naturals for machines like tractors, harvesters and trenchers.”

Built with the same robust environmental and mechanical features as other PLUS+1 products, a rugged IP67 enclosure keeps out the elements and EMI immunity extends to 100 volts/metre.

Common to both controllers is the PLUS+1 GUIDE software development tool. Users enjoy a graphical drag and drop approach to developing machine control software. An extensive application software library is available for machine development. Sauer-Danfoss further supports PLUS+1 users with classroom training, e-learning, Web, e-mail and help desk telephone support. PLUS+1 compliant products such as graphical displays, joysticks, pumps, motors and sensors complete the PLUS+1 family.

“The new microcontrollers continue to expand the PLUS+1 product line and increase our capabilities to serve customer needs based on both market requirements and emission regulations worldwide. Development of PLUS+1 products will continue. It is the future of machine management,” says Ricklefs.

For more information contact Ron Sheehan, Sauer-Danfoss, +27 (0)11 803 8390, [email protected], www.sauer-danfoss.com

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