Components Answer Networking’s Call

Networking is expanding rapidly throughout the off-highway equipment field, impacting the many components that are used throughout this broad marketplace. Sensors, gateways, and other modules are beginning to feature CAN interfaces.

“Everyone is looking for some variation of CAN,” says Michael Sewick, product manager at ifm efector Inc. of Exton, PA. The company debuted its controller gateway system at IFPE, controlling special purpose applications on a vehicle and tying that data to the equipment’s power train.

Networking is also making it easier to move to electronic throttle controls. ITT Industries Inc. of White Plains, NY, is rolling out single and double foot pedals designed for rough off-highway applications. The output characteristics, operating force, and deflection angle can all be customized.

Other component and subsystem suppliers are also broadening lines that employ J1939, the heavy equipment version of CAN. For example, Siemens VDO is broadening its CAN Cockpit offerings, supplying more gauges and instrument cluster displays that are network compatible.

Equipment makers are also bullish on the trend towards increasing communications between subsystems throughout the vehicle. “We’re moving to CAN in all our new products as we go forward,” says a spokesman for Ingersoll-Rand.

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