Control Mini-controller with integrated tilt sensor

Related Vendors

Sensor-Technik Wiedemann GmbH (STW)

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

SIMTOS (Seoul International Machine Tool Show)

STW has developed a compact controller with the ESX.4ct that relies on the powerful Aurix platform. In addition, the controller offers an integrated tilt sensor.

The specialists for the automation of mobile working machines from STW have put the entire ESX.4 product family on a uniform basis. From the largest controller ESX.4cl to the very compact ESX.4ct, all STW mobile controllers use the Infineon Aurix microcontroller family. Thanks to the uniform hardware and software platform, applications can be easily ported from one controller to another in a user-friendly way.

The micro-controller ESX.4ct can be programmed using C/C++, logi.CAD 3 (IEC6131-3), or MATLAB/Simulink, making it a powerful solution for smaller mobile construction machines such as mini excavators, compact truck-mounted cranes, or for implementing partially automated assistance and vehicle systems in larger machines.

Features for automated steering systems

The user-friendliness of the ESX.4ct is also contributed to by the optional, integrated 6-axis tilt sensor. This records accelerations and rotational rates in all three spatial axes in a measuring range of ±2/±4/±8/±16 g or ±125 to ±4000 dps. These data can be used in particular to compensate for GNSS information in terms of position, as Christoph Filser, product line specialist for control systems at STW, explains: “Navigation modules of mobile working machines are usually located on the roof of the driver's cabin. However, for GNSS-guided steering or lane keeping systems, these data can be too imprecise if, for example, the machine is located on a slope. For localization and highly accurate positioning, the position of the axes and working tools must be determined with high precision. The differences can be mathematically compensated for with the data from the gyro sensor."

Even in the event of a disruption to the satellite navigation connection, the acceleration and angle data of the integrated sensor of the ESX.4ct can be used to maintain lane guidance. Therefore, the integrated 6-axis tilt sensor contributes to increased safety, precision and thus quality in automated processes, as they are often found in agricultural technology.

Machine manufacturers benefit from the ESX.4ct with integrated tilt sensor technology as a smart and economical solution that provides them with the corresponding measurement data without having to add a dedicated sensor. "In the long term, the integration of intelligent filter algorithms is also conceivable, which preprocess the measurement data and predict further dynamic trends. With these functions, even more precise position compensations would be possible," explains Christoph Filser.

Ideal for smart farming applications

Because automated, highly accurate steering systems are the basis for a multitude of smart farming applications. Optimal lane guidance can minimize travel paths and thus work time, as well as fertilizers, for example, for efficient and resource-saving processing. As the ESX.4ct also provides Isobus interfaces, it makes it a smart choice for the automation of agricultural machines, which often results in a significant relief for the drivers.

Like all STW control components, the ESX.4ct has also been developed for use under the most adverse conditions. The automation components have a protection class up to IP69K and are therefore ideally suited for use in all mobile working machines. Despite its compactness, the ESX.4ct offers a powerful 300 MHz core, up to 13 outputs and 14 multi-function inputs, as well as several interfaces, including a maximum of 3 CAN interfaces (CAN FD ready). The sensor supply is individually adjustable between 5 and 12 V. The maximum available current strength is 250 mA. The inputs are variably configurable, SENT and Namur are supported and the 8 half-bridge outputs can also control PVG valves.