CANbus gives load carriers synchronicity
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Sensor-Technik UK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jun 17, 2005
A fully modular, decentralised control system is at the heart of some innovative load carrying platforms from Goldhofer, and CANbus control is the key.
Goldhofer manufacturers a range of load carrying platforms, including heavy duty modules capable of transporting enormous structures weighing many hundreds of tonnes.
Among its range are multi-axis hydrostatic self-driving units which can be used either singly or with multiple units in tandem.
Controlling a single module is a challenge - controlling and synchronising multiple units is extraordinarily demanding.
CANbus was selected as the communications bus for the onboard steering, hydraulic level adjustment and diesel engine drive functions.
It was also suggested as the best means of synchronising multiple platforms.
Each platform includes a CANbus ESX host computer and a further ESX axis control module.
The ESX host communicates both with the axis control module, and also with other ESX host modules on as many other platforms are required, delivering tight synchronisation of movement in a multi-platform system.
The ESX host computer controls the steering on each platform directly, based on information from the other ESX host modules, and from angle feedback signals from the wheels delivered via the ESX axis control module.
The axis control module also monitors the speed of each wheel and feeds this information back to the ESX host for automatic throttle adjustment.
The CANbus controllers also monitor and control the proportional valves for the hydraulic level adjustment system.
Cost-effective cross-linking of all the CANbus controllers makes it possible to design a fully modular, decentralised control system.
With a pair of wires forming the basis of the transmission medium, cabling is kept to an absolute minimum.
The high transfer rates of CANbus with excellent transmission reliability ensure all platforms in a system receive control signals at exactly the same time, giving tight synchronisation of movement.
For more information on CANbus control, Sensor-Technik UK has a free 16-page introductory technical guide now available.
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