Sun Hydraulics Introduces XMD Electro-Hydraulic Drivers

New compact, bluetooth-configurable drivers are for mobile and industrial applications.

Sun Hydraulics has introduced the first product in the company’s new line of low-cost, high-performance electronics developed in conjunction with recently acquired Enovation Controls of Tulsa, Okla. Sun’s new XMD Bluetooth Configurable Electro-Hydraulic Drivers are both CE and E-Mark rated, achieving 100-V/m radiated immunity (Level 3, Class A) for the most demanding applications. That means
they’re ready out of the box to meet the needs of international mobile and industrial equipment customers to control electro-hydraulic actuators used in on- and off-highway equipment in agriculture, forestry, construction, marine, earth moving, material handling
and many other applications.

The new XMD Drivers offer a range of advanced features, including simplified configuration via a free cell phone App, SAE J1939 CAN communication capabilities, a selection of pre-programmed profiles for common tasks, a comprehensive diagnostic mode and the
ability to easily shape and apply output curves.

“The XMD Drivers are the answer to customer requests for simple and configurable electronic control products that live up to Sun’s reputation for quality and performance while delivering outstanding value in today’s cost-conscious hydraulics market,” said Gary
Gotting, Global Director of Product Management. “They combine Sun’s hydraulics experience with Enovation’s electronics expertise in a solution tailored to the present and future needs of the global mobile and industrial hydraulic markets.”

The compact, 3.381 x 2.303 x 1.403 in (85.87 x 58.49 x 35.62 mm), XMD driver is completely sealed in an IP69K-rated, solid-potted enclosure engineered to stand up to the extreme environmental conditions frequently encountered in mobile and industrial hydraulic applications.

Initially offered in two models – the XMD-01 with a single universal input and PWM output and the XMD-02 with two universal inputs and two PWM outputs – the new drivers can handle a full range of common input formats, all of which are software configurable:

0-5 Vdc
0-10 Vdc
4-20 mA
Digital
60 Hz-5 kHz Pulse
60 Hz-2.5 kHz PWM
0-10 kΩ
SAE J1939 Messages

PWM outputs range from 0-3000 mA with ± 1-mA resolution at 0-5 kHz high-frequency PWM and the ability to superimpose 30-500 Hz dither in 1-Hz intervals to improve the performance and precision of controlled devices including pumps, valves, motors and cylinders.
Also included are integral diagnostics for open/short circuit detection, integrated flyback protection, a +5-Vdc reference output, and a 0-65-second ramp time programmable in 1-mS increments.

XMD Drivers are compatible with standard DIN 35-mm rails and can also be mounted to any flat surface such as a manifold block using an innovative snap-in-place installation bracket. The bracket allows the XMD Driver to be mounted either vertically or horizontally with the connector facing up/down/left/right as required by the application. Both the bracket and the XMD enclosure are patent pending.

Electrical connection is made via a standard 12-pin Deutsch connector. The XMD’s open architecture allows many compatible connections and coil types, including DIN 43650, Amp Junior Timer, twin-lead, metri-pack and Sun’s upcoming line of FLeX coils.

CAN bus communication is accomplished via a select set of core aspects of the SAE J1939 protocol which allow the XMD Driver to be configured as a remote CAN node. Used with a CAN display or master controller, the XMD Driver makes it easy to design and implement
small intelligent systems with minimal I/O investment.

Parameter configuration is accomplished with the XMD Mobile App available free from the Apple and Android stores. The app provides a simple way of incorporating I/O curves to linearize hysteresis in proportional valves for better and more linear performance. The I/O curves can
also be used to create non-linear outputs for greater usability and controllability of booms and hoists or develop a multi-speed output for motor control.

The app includes several pre-configured quick select profiles for typical single and dual coil applications that allow the XMD to be configured with a single tap of the screen. Each profile is supported by a detailed functional explanation that is available instantly to the user.

Once the XMD is configured, a password can be set to make diagnostic parameters viewable to service personnel while remaining tamper proof. If needed, an engineer can simply text, email, and even tweet the saved device configuration to service personnel with the
profile password.