Electronic Controller targets OEMs and other integrators.

Press Release Summary:



Featuring die-cast aluminum sealed housing with 210 x 240 mm footprint, Model A5:M2 maintains standard 70-pin connector with individually configurable input pins. Unit is suited for range of off-highway applications, including oil and gas equipment, agricultural equipment and implements, lift equipment, and material handling as well as selected on-road uses such as waste and recycling trucks, and fire and rescue vehicles.



Original Press Release:



New ECU Augments Cat Electronics Expanding Product Line



Caterpillar Electronics and Electrical Systems (Cat Electronics) is introducing its first controller designed from industry requirements for OEM and other integrators. A new, enhanced capability electronic controller is being unveiled at the International Construction & Utility Exposition (ICUEE), Sept. 27-29, in Louisville, KY.

The new A5:M2 ECU is designed for use in a range of off-highway equipment, including oil & gas equipment, agricultural equipment and implements, lift equipment, and material handling as well as selected on-road uses such as waste & recycling trucks, and fire and rescue vehicles. Production units of the new controller are expected by mid-2006.

"Our OEM customers communicated to us that they needed a robust control that was more compact than what we traditionally offered, yet was easily configurable and had additional programming options," stated Brian Uhlenhake, Cat Electronics Sales Development Manager. "The result is our engineering team delivered the A5:M2 design from that feedback."

While the controller is based on and leverages technologies used in Cat's ADEM engine controllers, Geoffrey Ginzel, Cat Electronics Commercial Systems Engineering Manager said the A5:M2 is seen as being more of an electrohydraulic system and transmission control.

The A5:M2 has a die cast aluminum fully sealed housing measuring 210 mm x 240 mm, a smaller footprint designed for open market use. "A smaller footprint was one of the things customers were telling us they'd like to see but still maintain a sufficient I/O capability," according to Ginzel.

The A5:M2 maintains the standard 70-pin Cat connector, however the configuration flexibility increases with input pins being individually configurable. This is a key feature that differentiates Caterpillar from the competition, according to Uhlenhake. It allows the system designer to choose more input options than ever before.

Cat Electronics, with nearly 30 years of electronic controls experience, is a world leader in providing motion and power control solutions, providing product differentiation in the heavy-duty industries it serves. Cat Electronics implements cutting edge technology using the latest development tools along with test systems for laboratory, field, electro-magnetic compatibility and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.catelectronics.com.

About Caterpillar
For 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world's infrastructure and, in partnership with its worldwide dealer network, is driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2004 sales and revenues of $30.25 billion, Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, clean diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. More information is available at www.cat.com.

All Topics