Power box gives different approach to enabling power distribution

The central feature of this series is the standardisation of the housing, while at the same time maintaining the possibility to configure the circuit board entirely to the customer’s individual specifications.

The available space in the cabins of construction and agricultural vehicles is getting smaller to an increasing degree, with the result that parts of the power management and control modules must be installed outside the cabin in many cases. This makes it necessary to provide additional protection against dust, moisture, and other weather effects. Würth Elektronik ICS is now presenting a correspondingly protected housing package in two application-specific versions. As part of the 'REDline Power Boxes' product platform, the company is launching the REDline Power Box Medium and the REDline Power Box Hybrid, both of which promise advantages considerably superior to the solutions that have been available so far.

The REDline Power Box Medium is a compact solution for subdistribution circuits and control systems. She enables to position the required functions decentral in close proximity to the consumer, thus reducing not only the dimensions of the central electrical system, but also the complexity of the wiring harness. The integration of control components – for example the ICCS controllers and Micro CAN modules – opens up a multitude of additional options. Local functions such as hydraulic grabs or lifting platforms can now be directly controlled by a CAN bus at the place of the installation, thus reducing the number of necessary connections in the on-board power supply.

Standardised components are connected with variable configuration options for the circuit boards, making it easy to realise customised solutions with only a minimum of development effort. The sealed housing (IP64 protection classes) features a circuit board measuring 85x70mm that can be equipped entirely according to the customer’s specifications – suitable for all standard ICS fuse and relay bases.

The plug-in interface takes the form of a 31-pole HeavyDuty plug connector, featuring four high-current contacts for connecting wires with cable cross-sections of up to 6mm² and 27 contacts with cable cross-sections of up to 2.5mm². The pins can be configured according to the customer’s individual specifications.

The REDline Power Box Hybrid combines circuit-board technology with copper busbars for high currents. Main potentials are separated and fused in the direct vicinity of the battery. The consumer near the battery profits from the direct circuitry and fuse. Different copper busbars enable individual stop alternatives.

In detail:
• Two MEGA and two MIDI fuse slots are provided as standard, and the power-supply slot can also be used optionally for a third MEGA fuse.
• In the IP54 sealed housing part a circuit board is located which measuring approx. 90x90mm, thus providing enough space for the fitting of all ICS bases such as Mini, ATO and Maxi fuses and all standard relay sockets, all the way to the high-current relay base.
• As plug-in interface a 42-pole plug connector with six high-current contacts with cable cross-sections of 2.8mm² to 2.5mm² and a 36 Micro Timer II with 1.6mm contacts with a cable cross-sections of up to 1mm2 are used.

The platform concept behind the REDline Power Boxes enables the broadest range of applications to be realized and requirements to be met. The housing is standardised – which means that tooling costs are eliminated. The individual layout and customised configuration of the circuit boards ensures the highest possible degree of functionality. The cover of the housing can be fitted and removed without the need for extra tools. High IP protection classes guarantee a high degree of safety. Customer-specific projects – from the circuit diagram all the way to the finished product – can be realised swiftly and simply. With its REDline Power Boxes Würth Elektronik ICS offers economic, modular and robust solutions for a various range of commercial vehicles.

The BAUMA 2016 trade fair, which is being held in Munich from 11 to 17^th April, is the place to go to find out more about these new systems. Würth Elektronik ICS will be exhibiting in Hall 5 Stand 306 to present an overview of its entire product portfolio, including the REDline Power Boxes.