For data-intensive automation and assistance applications in agricultural machines, a modernized interface standard for communication between tractor and implement is in the starting blocks: High-Speed ISOBUS. STW is introducing the ESX.4cl-ag mobile controller, a powerful control system that already complies with the upcoming standard.
Smart farming applications rely on the evaluation and processing of data from a large number of sensors. Their values provide the basis for automated process optimization, which leads to more efficient harvesting and more sustainable plant care. Camera-based systems are often used for this purpose, and the resulting video signals mean that very large data streams flow between the tractor and the implement. In its current form, the cross-manufacturer ISOBUS standard as a universal data interface between tractor and implement is becoming a bottleneck for modern applications with high-resolution video signals. The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF), as the ISOBUS standardization body, is introducing the High-Speed ISOBUS as a successor standard. High-Speed ISOBUS will enable data rates of up to 1000 Mbit/s.
With the ESX.4cl-ag mobile controller, STW offers machine manufacturers a controller that supports High-Speed ISOBUS even before the official introduction of the new standard. With a 4-port Ethernet switch with two 100Base-T1 / 1000Base-T1 interfaces and a pure 100Base-T1 interface (all three implemented as Single Pair Ethernet) as well as a classic 100Base-Tx Ethernet interface, the ESX.4cl-ag offers hardware that meets the requirements for High-Speed ISOBUS. Manufacturers of agricultural machinery can start the design of compatible machinery today and secure a competitive advantage.
The ESX.4cl-ag is based on the proven Aurix platform with an Aurix TC 399 multicore processor and integrated 16 MB flash memory. With safety certifications according to ISO 25119 AgPL d as well as SIL 2 / PL d according to IEC 61508:2010 / EN ISO 13849-1:2015 and (optionally) ASIL C according to ISO 26262, the controller is a powerful solution for applications with high functional safety requirements.
With a total of 58 configurable inputs and 59 high-side and low-side outputs, and six CAN bus interfaces, networking on the machine is flexible and efficient. The controller supports the SENT protocol and LIN and provides supply voltages from 5 to 12 V for connected sensors. Motors can be controlled with two 10 A half bridges. Thanks to a protection class of up to IP6k9k, the ESX.4cl-ag is ready for robust agricultural applications.
Like all STW controllers, the newly developed ESX.4cl-ag also supports openSYDE. openSYDE is the STW system design software for convenient and centralized porting of applications, installing updates (also over-the-air), flashing the controller, automating system documentation and system diagnostics.
STW will be presenting the ESX.4cl-ag for the first time at Agritechnica 2023 in Hanover.
STW at the Agritechnica: Hall 15, Stand G50
