Today’s farm equipment has rapidly evolved to become far more capable than in the past, due in large part to the incorporation of sophisticated controls, sensors and actuators. This additional capability has resulted in a need for substantially increased power distribution module capabilities. Supporting the numerous new electrical and electronic devices requires many more distribution points, as well as providing internal support for a significant mix of components such as relays, fuses and diodes of different configurations.
To better manage the potential proliferation of new devices and power distribution modules (PDMs), agricultural equipment Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are constantly trying to reduce the variety of components used throughout individual pieces of equipment, as well as across different product line platforms. They seek instead to find suppliers who can come up with standard, modular, and configurable products that satisfy a broad set of needs. This is true for all types of components, but in particular for all electronic and electrical assemblies.
The challenges posed by OEMs’ multi-platform, high density Power Distribution Module requirements have been taken up by the GEP Power Product engineering team with a fresh approach. They have evolved a family of PDMs with multiple mounting options and custom labeling to accommodate different equipment platforms.
To satisfy the need for compactness and a widely differing number of components to support, the power distribution module product family was designed to include 12 and 24-way stand-alone bases, stackable 48 or 72-way bases, and a recently introduced high density 96-way Power Distribution Module.
Developed on an extremely aggressive schedule, this power distribution module family solution was incorporated into multiple platforms simultaneously, thanks to the team’s rapid prototyping and testing capability. This rapid development service is notable, since the power distribution module family is designed to meet harsh environmental specifications that are typical of the farming business, including a rugged thermoplastic enclosure with silicone seals to protect against dust and moisture ingress.
The 96-way Power Distribution Module, initially designed to satisfy a multi-platform product family is now available as a standard product. This design is based on the Delphi Metri-Pack 280 terminal series, has multiple configuration accessories and is RoHS compliant.
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