Available now from Sensor-Technik UK, the ESX-LT is a smaller and lower-cost version of the company’s ESX freely programmable universal controller that is ideal for mid-sized vehicle-mounted systems. The weatherproof design and wide operating temperature range makes the ESX-LT perfect for designers of off-highway and other construction equipment that has to operate in the most arduous conditions.
The controller is based on a powerful 16bit microcontroller running at 20/40MHz with up to 1Mbyte of Flash memory, 256Kbyte of RAM and 8Kbyte of FRAM or EEPROM. The standard unit has eight digital inputs, eight multifunction inputs and eight digital or PWM outputs. Each of the multifunction inputs can be programmed to read voltage, current, digital or frequency signals. Expansion units enable the ESX-LT to be specified with up to 28 I/Os.
Communications are provided in the form of an industry-standard RS232C serial interface with a programmable baurate, and one or two CANbus interfaces that support both low- and high-speed Controller Area Network communications at up to 1Mbit/s.
Using these communications interfaces, the controller can be freely programmed in C or using a CoDeSys IEC 1131-3 graphical interface.
The rugged ESX-LT controller comes in a compact cast aluminium housing measuring just 154 x 169 x 52mm. With the power supply spanning 9 to 32V DC, the fanless system is compatible with all standard vehicle supplies, and can operate over a wide -40 to +85C temperature range. Ventilation slots are protected with Gore-Tex membrane, maintaining both a continuous electromagnetic screen and environmental sealing to IP65 (optionally IP67).
The unit meets all environmental and EMC requirements of the automotive, agricultural and construction industries, including all requirements for CE marking of completed systems.
