Available now from Sensor-Technik, the STW ESX-micro is a complete small-footprint control system for vehicle-mounted machinery.
Housed in a compact rugged die-cast aluminium enclosure measuring just 97 x 125 x 45mm, the basic ESX-micro combines a powerful 16bit microcontroller with 128Kbyte of SRAM, 256Kbyte of Flash memory and 8Kbyte of ferroelectric RAM and a CAN 2.0B compliant Controller Area Network interface capable of both low- and high-speed CANbus operation up to 1Mbit/s. Options are available to increase the memory capacity (up to 512Kbyte of RAM and 1Mbyte of Flash memory) with a second CANbus interface and/or RS232 serial communications.
An expansion board can be used to add both a LIN interface for compatibility with the latest automotive systems and a Universal Serial Bus to aid with product development and programming. Despite its small physical size, the ESX-micro comes with a wide array of I/O options.
Its 16-pin AMP automotive connector offers access to as many as 10 voltage and four current inputs, with four analogue inputs switchable in software. Two further analogue inputs accept RPM signals, and the unit can accommodate up to eight software configurable digital inputs. Outputs are available for a wide range of control functions, including up to six pulsewidth-modulated outputs and a further two each of analogue voltage, analogue current and digital outputs. An optional bridge output provides a nominal 3.5A current for direct motor drive.
The ESX-micro is well suited for use in agricultural, off-highway and other construction equipment. It runs from a wide 9-32V DC supply, covering all common automotive battery systems, operates in ambient temperatures from -40 to +85C, and is protected to IP65 ingress standards (with IP67 sealing available as an option). A wide range of approvals includes all relevant automotive, agricultural and construction industry standards, and each unit is CE marked.
