E-T-A PowerPlex
Features that represent a major contribution to safety and reliability:
- E-T-A PowerPlex incorporates high end power semi-conductors with integral protective elements for switching and protecting electrical loads
- PowerPlex is free of mechanical components which would be subject to wear or be susceptible to vibration, shock and other environmental influences
- The semi-conductors provide integral current limitation thereby ensuring that the operating current cannot exceed predetermined limits, even in the event of a short circuit
Bus System for Marine Applications
- Concept E-T-A PowerPlex consists of modules positioned as required around the vessel to facilitate the connection of loads, switches and sensors
- The various components communicate with each other via a CAN bus to function as a single control system despite their different locations
- As each PowerPlex module has its own micro processor, the installation does not require a central controller: each unit is able to work independently
- By mounting the modules as close as possible to the loads, wiring and installation cost can be kept to a minimum
- PowerPlex offers a whole wealth of new possibilities, both for the control of on-board electrical systems and to provide added functionality for the user
- In addition to its normal monitoring and switching duties, E-T-A PowerPlex can be used to perform a wide range of additional functions which otherwise could be achieved only with complex and costly electronic solutions
- Examples include the dimming of lights, or the remote control of any load circuit by means of a suitable device
- For timer controls, delay times within a wide range can be set and four analogue inputs with switching thresholds are available per module for the connection of sensors
- In addition all the necessary control requirements for windscreen wipers can be catered for
Redundant Protection - An Important Contribution to Safety, Particularly in a Marine Environment
Four Level Protection Concept - FLPC based upon the interdependent functioning of four types of overload protection:
- Software controlled overcurrent protection with current measurement
- Hardware controlled safety disconnection
- Intrinsic protection of power transistors
- Thermal protective elements with manual switching function
Under normal operating conditions the software-controlled overcurrent protection can be relied upon for effective protection against electrical faults. However, recognising the safety-critical nature of certain on-board systems, two further levels of back-up protection have been provided. In addition built-in electro-mechanical thermal protective elements will ensure limited operation of the system even in the event of a catastrophic failure