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The wedge uses the frequency throttle to communi-
cate with the engine. A s quare wave frequency signal
from 150 Hz to 375 Hz is sent from the WEDGE con-
troller to the engine controller.
The signal is a linear signal from 150 Hz at engine idle
to 375 Hz at maximum run speed.
Figure 2--2 shows the signals between the engine
controller and the WEDGE controller.
Sensors and Transducers
The electronics system contains sensors and trans-
ducers that are used to collect data from the compres-
sor. The temperature is measured by a thermistor.
This device exhibits a change in resistance as the tem-
perature changes. The resistance causes an input
voltage change to the WEDGE controller input and is
interpreted as a temperature change.
The electronics system also uses pressure transduc-
ers to measure compressor pressure changes. These
devices have an output signal of .45 VDC to 4.5 VDC,
corresponding to 0 psi and the maximum measured
psi for a particular device. The maximum pressure
transducer ranges are 100, 225 and 500 psi. The 100,
225 and 500 psi devices are gauge pressure devices.
These transducers are provided with 5 VDC excitation
to power the device. These are three wire devices: ex-
citation, signal and ground.
Digital Inputs and Outputs
The W EDGE controller scans digital inputs such as
switch contacts. These are either “ON” (24VDC) or
“OFF” (0 VDC). These digital inputs are connected to
switches within the package such as the key start
switch, air filter switches and IQ filter switches.
The WEDGE controller provides 24 VDC digital
outputs to control solenoids, start compressor and DC
heaters. These are 24 VDC “ON” and 0 VDC “OFF”.
They are current limited and short circuit protected.
Controller Outputs
The WEDGE controller has three types of outputs: fre-
quency, pulse width modulated (PWM) and 24 VDC
digital (ON /OFF). The frequency output is used as a
throttle signal for the engine.
The WEDGE controller varies the frequency from 150
Hz to 375 Hz, corresponding to idle to maximum
speed. The frequency signal is a 50% duty cycle, 24
VDC, square wave. This throttle signal is used with the
Cummins engine.
The PWM signal is used as a throttle signal for the Cat-
erpillar engine. It has a base frequency of 500 Hz and
the duty cycle varies from 10% to 90%.
Pressure Control
The discharge pressure is controlled by manipulating
the engine speed and compressor inlet valve position.
The inlet valve position is controlled pneumatically and
the engine speed is determined by the WEDGE con-
troller. The WEDGE measures the pneumatic system
regulation pressure and computes an engine throttle
setting. This throttle setting is sent to the engine via the
frequency throttle, PWM or J1939 throttle, depending
on which technique is used. The engine controller will
control engine speed to this throttle setting.
Electronic Engine
The mid--range machine contains an emissions
certified diesel engine. In order to meet the emissions
requirements, the engine has an electronic control
system.
The control system handles all monitor, alarm and
control functions for the engine. The WEDGE control-
ler communicates with the engine controller over the
J1939 CAN network.
The WEDGE controller sends throttle settings to the
engine and receives diagnostic and run time data from
the engine over the J1939 CAN network. A frequency
throttle interface is currently used with the engine.
Figure 2--2 shows the connections between the
WEDGE controller and the engine controller.