Eltek Expands DC Power System Monitoring Capabilities With New CAN Modules

RICHARDSON, TX - July 17, 2012 - Eltek today announced a family of five new controller-area network (CAN) modules that enable its Smartpack and Smartpack2 controllers to monitor a complete range of power-related systems from a single controller.

"The Smartpack controllers are state-of-the-art and are trusted by telecom providers and industrial companies worldwide to reduce operations costs while getting maximum service and uptime from their DC power systems and batteries," said David Leal, Eltek vice president of North American sales. "The new controller CAN nodes extend Smartpack's intelligence to more parts of the DC power system, making it more convenient to manage these other power system components."

The modules introduced today include:

Battery Monitor Module: The Battery Monitor has four voltage measurement inputs used for battery symmetry monitoring based on midpoint or block measurements. The Battery Monitor also has inputs for monitoring one battery shunt and battery breaker.

Load Monitor Module: The Load Monitor Module lets site operators monitor individual distribution breakers. It can connect up to eight current shunts and can monitor up to eight fuses. It can also be used for both positive and negative distributions.

I/O Monitor Module: The I/O Monitor Module expands the standard monitor and alarm capabilities of the Smartpack controllers. Each I/O Monitor Module has six configurable inputs for fuse sensing and feeding external signals into the control system and six configurable relay outputs for connecting external alarms including tank-level measurements or climate control sensors.

AC Mains Monitor Module: The AC Mains Monitor provides inputs for measuring voltage and current on up to three phases of the system's AC mains and enables monitoring of mains availability, quality and consumed energy.

CAN Power Module: All nodes are powered by the distributed power supplied on the CAN bus from the Smartpack and Smartpack2. The CAN Power Module can be added to supplement the available power, if the CAN bus needs to be isolated or additional CAN bus power is needed.

Configuration of the CAN nodes is plug and play and can then be done via the user display on the Smartpack controller or by using Eltek's WebPower and PowerSuite software tools. The new modules are powered by the CAN bus, so only a RJ45 patch cable is required for connecting the node to the control system. This enables greater flexibility in positioning the nodes close to their measuring connections reducing the amount of wiring needed.

Availability and Certifications
All new Eltek CAN nodes are available immediately and are approved for global use. They all meet CE safety and EMC requirements, and are also UL recognized for safety, including CSA.