Handtmann e-solutions shaping the digital future in the agricultural and municipal sector

Handtmann e-solutions shaping the digital future in the agricultural and municipal sector

Handtmann e-solutions develops an ECU with integrated IoT gateway and a motor control unit

The development project focuses on an electronics platform for future machines of various kinds. The project and its components form the basis for new generations of machines. In its role as a system provider, Handtmann e-solutions is responsible for hardware and software development and is also manufacturing these units at its site in Ochsenhausen.

Extensive technology package

The IoT gateway is a WiFi-based interface between the machine and various control units such as smartphones or tablets. It takes over control of the machines, saves configuration data and allows journeys to be logged using GNSS and inertial sensors. It has other interfaces, for example for also reading in external navigation data, but primarily for actuating CAN/CANopen motor control units and other CANopen units.

The CANopen motor control unit can service up to five motors, which can be operated with up to 30 A/12 V, and has various outputs for e.g. lamps as well as signal inputs for more sensors. The motor control unit’s firmware is specially tailored to the application in order to optimally meet the application-specific requirements.

The development work included the implementation of a security and update concept, i.e. the entire system comprising the firmware for the motor control unit, the Linux operating system and the application for the IoT gateway can be updated over the air (OTA) in the field.

The products meet the common standards with regard to mechanical stress and environmental influences. Machines in the agricultural sector are becoming ever more complex. The powerful and energy-efficient processor used ensures meeting future requirements for algorithms and software. The operation and secure wireless data transmission should also be emphasised. The integrated GNSS and acceleration sensor ensures accurate speed detection and enables precise speed-dependent controls, thus contributing to sustainability in the agricultural sector.