Press Information
Partnership between the companies ERNI and STW in the application of Power Boards
Power Boards – also known as central electrical units – are responsible for the distribution, the switching and the control of the electrical power in a vehicle. Here, lights and lamps are primarily controlled, but also air conditioning units and heating systems. In collaboration with ERNI, Sensor-Technik Wiedemann (STW) provides simple and programmable solutions for the mobile machines and automotive applications market.
The partnership between the two companies produces clear customer benefits. By uniting the plug technology and press-fit technology from ERNI, and STW’s years of experience in electronics, design and serial production, it is possible to provide a wide range of modular and customer-specific Power Boards. The requirements on Power Boards comprise a wide spectrum of individual aspects. They start with the intelligence with simple fixed logic right up to 32bit processors, and range from the connection to control units, generally with different CAN implementations, right up to the quantity and characteristics of the outputs. Whereas it is still possible to work without intelligent electronics for simple switching of lighting (headlights, brake lights, working lights, cabin lighting), a trend towards increased functionality and therefore towards programmable Power Boards can be detected on the market. Programmability offers the option of setting flash intervals specific to a certain country; permits the read-back of conditions and the regulation of heating systems or air conditioning units, and also provides the realization of convenience functions such as Coming Home or Leaving Home. The Power Boards thus already act as decentralized control units in the CANbus network of a vehicle.
The Power Boards are typically supplied via an M8 threaded bolt. The connections to the periphery are conducted via robust, mobile-capable plugs. Depending on the requirements, the assemblies are provided with special protection. This protection ranges from painting to aluminum die cast housing, in which the electrics are generally cast using polyurethane cast resin, in order to protect them against moisture. In many cases, the Power Boards have to withstand decades in the field. Through the customer-specific design and production, users receive function and cost-optimized solutions utilizing the tried and tested technology from the companies ERNI and STW.
About STW:
As an internationally-active company, Sensor-Technik Wiedemann GmbH (STW) has provided support for its customers, the globally-leading manufacturers of mobile machines, agricultural machines and special machines and their users in the utilization of the new technical possibilities available through automation, networking and electrification for thirty years.
About ERNI:
The German ERNI Electronics GmbH & Co. KG, which belongs to the international ERNI International AG group of companies, was founded in 1956 and is based in Adelberg, Germany. ERNI develops and manufactures a wide spectrum of plug connectors, backplanes and complete systems, soldering assemblies and cable assemblies. ERNI is active on a global scale, with its own subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia.
Editor:Markus Zeisele
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