Multifunction display for engines

Diesel Progress North American Edition, June, 2004

I" n an effort to broaden its reach into the wider vehicle and engine-powered equipment markets, Systemes PRAN Inc., Quebec City, Canada, has developed a new monitoring system designed to be used with electronic or nonelectronic engines using SAE J1939. The multifunction display can provide all information broadcast on J1939 for a multitude of engines operating in mobile or stationary equipment.

PRAN has been active in the electronics and control industry since its founding in 1992, with much of its activity in the development of peripheral systems for a range of niche applications. Some of these applications have included controllers for handicap entrance ramps, body suspensions and HVAC systems on buses; networked systems to monitor the many hydraulic and mechanical functions on trash and recycling vehicles; security systems on armored trucks; and engine and hydraulic monitoring systems for snow groomer vehicles and stone crushers.

But with the increasing use of electronically controlled engines across all types of equipment and the emergence of CAN (SAE J1939) system protocols that allow for more effective multiplexing of functional segments of machines and vehicles, the company saw an opportunity to expand its activities beyond its current scope, according to Ronald Bourget, sales director at PRAN.

"This system can be used on engines of almost any kind, electronic or non-electronic, in almost any kind of machine," said Bourget. "With more electronic engines, we saw a need for something like this and it is an opportunity to expand into other markets where we have not been well known."

The new PRAN display has been designed with the ability to survey two protocols at the same time, meaning one J1939 for engine and one J1708 or J1939 for multiplexed body functions with PRAN networking. Eight inputs and four outputs can be used to add switches or sensors to display and record machine information.

It can provide a range of information on critical engine operating conditions, such as engine speed (rpm), oil temperature, oil pressure, etc., directly from the engine's electronic control unit. "We can take the messages from the engine and convert them into graphics in whatever format they choose," Bourget said.

In mechanically controlled engines, the system can receive and display information from sensors wired into the engine. "We can take inputs directly from things like engine temperature sensors, oil level sensors, fuel level sensors, etc." said Bourget. "We are then able to display that and we also have software that allows us to set minimums and maximums and create alarms for critical conditions."

All the screen settings and configurations are protected by a two level password, which provides access to stored configuration and hour meter.

The system can be configured as a stand-alone PLC or as a part of PRAN's multiplexed system. "We don't have a master and slaves, they are all masters," noted Bourget. "That eliminates having a problem if one of the controllers goes bad."

The display, which is programmed at the factory, can be reprogrammed through an interface and PRAN'S VisionPlex software, allowing up grades to comply with future requirements. "The information is selectable by the user and if they want something special, we can download it through the Internet directly into the display," Bourget said.

The display screen incorporates VFD (vacuum fluorescent display) technology designed to provide superior brightness and readability with a temperature range of -40[degrees]F to 185[degrees] F, the company said. In addition, the screen's membrane ix ultraviolet resistant, permitting it to be installed on machinery that works outdoors.

The display can be used in 8 to 32 Vdc systems. The front section of the unit is waterproof, while the rear is splashproof.

Along with its standard modules, PRAN can design and build custom systems. All of its products are built at the headquarters facility in Quebec City.