Datcon Dat-Link Press Release

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MAXIMA INTRODUCES DATCON BRAND DATA-BUS COMPATIBLE GAUGES, METERS AND CLUSTERS

Lancaster, PA.--August, 1998. Maxima Technologies has introduced data-bus compatibility to its Datcon brand product lines to provide maximum flexibility for customers who are interested in multiplexing their vehicles. Designed to be easily adapted to a wide variety of applications and set-ups (including Maxima's data-bus system called Dat-Link™), these products fit today's changing electronics and, as such, provide more value added. Of particular note, gauges provide a 270° pointer sweep for maximum visual resolution or if desired, they can be scaled to operate over a restricted range in order to replicate existing gauge formats. Five specific types are available, thus giving the customer a full menu of choices when designing their system:

In the last year, the company has won contracts to supply data-bus compatible instruments to numerous O.E.M.s. Applications so far include off-highway vehicles (namely, tractors, trenchers and cranes); fire trucks; and engine-powered equipment such as generator sets.

Standard tachometers and speedometers are already compatible with frequency-driven applications. In addition, gauges have been transformed to this mode. These instruments are designed to work with the customer's controller which in turn must use a voltage/frequency converter to supply the required zero to full-scale frequency for the instrument. FD products use a standard connector interface. Samples may be obtained in just four weeks.

Voltage-driven instruments feature unique circuitry to read a digitally oriented voltage input. The customer's controller must then supply a 0-5V or 0-10V output, as would be generated by a typical Digital-to-Analog (D/A) converter. As such, these instruments behave like voltmeters. VD instruments provide a buffer circuit in order to shift and scale the input to match the controller's full-scale range. At 0 volts, naturally, the instrument reads empty or low (depending on the function being monitored), and at the high end (5V or 10V), the instrument will read full or high. These units also use a standard connector interface. Samples may be obtained in approximately 6-8 weeks.

PWM-driven instruments require a 0-100% variable duty-cycle pulse-width-modulated input from the customer's controller. These instruments use a PWM-to-voltage circuit converter. Since PWM signals can be easily generated by many currently available controllers, the designer's task is correspondingly easier than many other solutions. These instruments use a standard connector. Samples may be obtained in approximately eight weeks.

Serial data-driven instruments work with a controller which provides a 10-bit synchronous serial data stream. These instruments provide an integrated circuit which translates the data stream directly to a sine/cosine movement drive with minimal electronics. Two signal wires are used: clock and data. Three additional lines may be added to accommodate a more sophisticated "daisy-chain" hook-up which in turn will simplify the customer's panel wiring and installation. These instruments require a unique connector interface. Samples take 8-10 weeks to supply.

Maxima can also provide sine-cosine-driven instruments for customers whose controllers provide a zero to full-scale sine-cosine drive, wherein the instruments provides only a movement with no electronics. SC instruments require a unique connector interface. Samples may be obtained in just four weeks.

Maxima's current data-bus compatible instruments (gauges, meters, clusters) are designed for specific customer applications. These instruments are being developed to work with our customer's data-bus system and protocol (e.g. CAN-Bus and SAE J1708/J1587). DB gauges, meters and clusters feature digital accuracy, 270° pointer sweep and LED read-outs and warning lights (where required), and they operate in either 12- or 24-volt applications.

Maxima Technologies is a global manufacturer and full-service supplier of electronic controls and monitoring systems. As a consolidator of high-quality brands and a systems integrator, Maxima is a preferred supplier to many of the biggest O.E.M.s in the off-highway, industrial, engine-powered equipment, on-highway, marine, specialty vehicle, motorcycle, power turf equipment, emergency vehicle and recreational vehicle markets. Products include analog and digital instrument clusters and displays; electrical and mechanical gauges and meters; instrument controllers and related data-bus instruments; electronic control units (ECUs); battery monitoring systems; engine shut-down equipment; senders, sensors and switches; and related accessories. The company's operations are ISO 9001 and QS-9000 certified. Brands include AST, Datcon and Stewart Warner.