Curtis 1238SE - 1: Introduction; Features; Figure 1: Curtis AC Induction & SPM Motor Controllers

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Return to TOC Curtis 1232E/34E/36E/38E & 1232SE/34SE/36SE/38SE Manual, os 31 – May 2017
1— INTRODUCTION
1— INTRODUCTION
Curtis 1232E/SE, 1234E/SE, 1236E/SE, and 1238E/SE AC motor controllers provide accurate,
dependable, and highly ecient control of speed and torque of AC induction motors (ACIM)
and surface permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPM).
These AC controllers contain two microprocessors to provide exceptional capability and
functional safety. The primary microprocessor runs an advanced field-oriented AC motor
control while simultaneously running VCL soware in an embedded logic controller. e second
microprocessor continuously monitors the operation of the system, redundantly measuring
inputs, crosschecking results, and verifying critical timing and operations.
VCL (Vehicle Control Language) is an innovative soware programming language developed
by Curtis. Many electric vehicle functions are uniquely built into the VCL code, and additional
functions can be created by OEMs as required. VCL opens new avenues of customization,
allowing specic vehicle application functions to be created quickly and easily within the motor
controller itself, oen eliminating the need to use separate vehicle manager modules.
The CANbus communications included within these controllers allow these AC motor
controllers to function as system CAN masters (Server) or CAN slaves (Client) as part of an
ecient distributed system. Inputs and outputs can be optimally shared throughout the system,
minimizing wiring and creating integrated functions that oen reduce the cost of the system.
ese controllers are the ideal solution for traction, hoist, dual drive, and other motor drive and
vehicle control needs.
Figure 1
Curtis AC induction and surface permanent magnet motor controllers:
from le to right, models 1232SE, 1234E, 1236E, and 1238E.
e E and SE models look similar, and share the same standard features.