As mobile equipment OEMs face growing pressure to simplify machine electronics while delivering precise motion control, Data Panel, the mobile controls brand of Murrelektronik, recently showcased its xtremeHB H-Bridge Module at iVT Expo, an off-highway vehicle technology event held in Chicago last month.
Sitting natively on a vehicle’s CAN bus network, the J1939 module gives equipment manufacturers bi-directional control of DC motors and proportional hydraulic valves used in agricultural, construction and forestry machinery—reducing physical harness complexity without sacrificing control accuracy.
Balancing Motion Precision with Harness Complexity
Controlling DC motors or proportional hydraulic valves on modern off-highway machinery requires far more than basic binary switching. Equipment demands reliable, responsive direction and speed management that integrates seamlessly into existing vehicle networks. Historically, OEMs were forced to choose between complex, hardwired reversing circuits that added weight and assembly overhead, or costly proprietary control systems.
This dilemma reflects a broader market trend across the mobile equipment sector, where engineering teams are actively eliminating excess point-to-point wiring to streamline assembly and improve field reliability.
Compact, Cost-Effective CAN Bus Motion Control
The xtremeHB module delivers a dedicated CAN bus J1939 H-Bridge solution engineered specifically for bi-directional control of DC loads. Designed for both on-highway and off-highway machinery, the module handles electric motors, fans, pumps, actuators and proportional hydraulic valves with equal ease. By replacing complex relay networks with direct CAN bus messaging, Data Panel offers OEMs a straightforward path to smarter machine architecture.
Beyond standard hardware, Data Panel incorporates this technology into a broader H-Bridge product family. This design approach allows custom H-Bridge integration into other mobile electronic components—such as I/O devices and displays— to accommodate non-standard OEM requirements.
Key Features That Solve OEM Engineering Bottlenecks
Built to withstand harsh working conditions, the xtremeHB combines robust physical hardware with sophisticated internal circuit protection:
- Quad High-Current Channels: Four independent channels, each rated up to 25A, deliver full forward and reverse control for bi-directional motor operation.
- Wide Voltage Range: An operating range of 9–32V DC ensures seamless compatibility with standard 12V and 24V equipment electrical architectures.
- Current Chopping Protection: Built-in current chopping limits initial in-rush current, protecting electrical components and extending equipment life.
- Smooth Motion Profiling: Configurable ramp-up and ramp-down rates minimize mechanical shock during rapid starts and stops.
- Dedicated Actuator Mode: Integrated end-of-travel detection provides precise feedback for linear actuators and hydraulic cylinders.
- Instant On-Site Diagnostics: High-visibility onboard LEDs enable immediate fault isolation and quick troubleshooting in the field.
- Ruggedized Enclosure: An IP67-rated housing featuring industry-standard DEUTSCH connectors ensures long-term endurance in severe environments.
- Native J1939 Integration: Direct vehicle network connectivity eliminates the labor and failure points associated with dedicated hardwiring.
Rather than serving merely as an isolated component, the xtremeHB functions as a modular building block within Data Panel’s broader ecosystem. When paired with Data Panel Power Splitters, xtremeDB distribution modules and Mobile E-STOP units, it enables OEMs to build an end-to-end, fully integrated CAN bus power distribution and control network.
Industry Applications
Data Panel positions the xtremeHB module across key mobile equipment sectors:
- Agricultural Equipment: Electric actuators, cooling fan drives, and metering pumps.
- Construction Machinery: Proportional hydraulic valve drives and positioning cylinders.
- Forestry Equipment: Heavy-duty attachment controls and auxiliary hydraulic circuits.
