Sauer-Danfoss is releasing the MC038-010 and MC050-055 microcontrollers, thereby expanding the range of control functions and design options available to OEM designers for off-road vehicles. As part of the flexible, powerful, expandable and growing Plus+1 family of mobile machine management products, these microcontrollers are highly versatile. They are general-purpose controllers, equally suitable for use as part of a distributed machine control system with intelligence in every node, or as a standalone controller for both hydraulics and other machine functions.
Dan Ricklefs, product portfolio manager, comments: "When we first introduced Plus+1 in 2004 we envisioned an easily programmable and versatile family of control system tools for OEMs to use in their new machine designs. 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. They also add new vehicle differentiation possibilities to the Plus+1 family. Now designers can create new solutions that leverage the electronics of a vehicle, controlling anything from dome lights to raising ladders or opening hoods."
Designed as a 38-pin controller, the MC038-010 features 15 inputs and 13 outputs, including 6A and 10A 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. However, when one or more inputs changes state, this micro wakes up. This ultimately enables designers to power certain functions without the machine running, thereby opening the possibility for more automotive-style features.
The MC050-055 features 36 input pins, three Controller Area Network (Can) ports, three output pins and three levels of sensor power supply. With its high number of inputs and multiple Can ports, this 50-pin controller facilitates Can bus system capabilities and data management between multiple Can bus systems.
This microcontroller can capture several operator inputs and make data available to the Can networks. It is suitable for machines requiring a large number of switch and analogue 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. Machine designers now have an easily employed tool to increase vehicle system safety, reliability and serviceability.
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 many applications in agriculture, construction and road building. They are naturals for machines like tractors, harvesters and trenchers, to mention a few."
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, email and help desk telephone support. Plus+1 compliant products - such as graphical displays, joysticks, pumps, motors and sensors - complete the Plus+1 family.
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 100V/m.
For more information, visit www.sauer-danfoss.com
