The latest addition to the ESX controller family from Sensor-Technik is the ESX-3XL, an automotive-standard I/O module compatible with CANbus and CANopen protocols. The controller is based on a high-performance 32bit 150MHz TriCore TC1796 processor with 8Mbyte of SRAM, 64Mbyte of Flash memory and 16Kbyte of EEPROM, making it one of the most powerful freely programmable control units on the market.
Like other members of the ESX family, the ESX-3XL is ruggedly constructed to withstand the rigours of the off-highway environment. And, with a separate microcontroller to handle safety-related matters, the unit can be used in safety related applications according to SIL2/ISO61508.
The ESX-3XL provides up to 136 inputs and outputs, with all inputs user-configurable for current, voltage, digital or frequency signals, simply by calling the appropriate function in software. The base version, has 28 inputs, 24 outputs, four CAN interfaces and an RS232 serial interface. However, the controller hardware is highly flexible, with a “building block” design featuring up to six expansion boards. These include RS232/RS485, a real-time clock, additional data memory, incremental encoder inputs, and additional PVG, digital and PWM outputs. Alternatively, Sensor-Technik can produce customer-specific expansion boards with short lead-times.
All the electronics of the ESX-3XL are enclosed in a robust die-cast aluminium housing designed to protect against the environmental challenges of agricultural and construction machinery. The operating temperature range is a generous -40 to +85C.
The controller comes with its own ESX-3XL BIOS package for developing application software in C/C++. Alternatively, systems designers can create code graphically in accordance with IEC1131-3. Additional software libraries simplify system integration and minimise development time. A comprehensive electronic user manual and a low-cost toolchain complete the development package.
