Motor Controllers
AC Induction Motor Controllers
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Models 1236 and 1238
Curtis Models 1236E and 1238E provide advanced control of AC induction motors performing on-vehicle
traction drive or hydraulic pump duties. They offer vehicle developers a highly cost-effective combination
of power, performance and functionality.
See a 360 view of Models 1236 and 1238 at:
curtisinstruments.com/360view
The E Advantage
A significant enhancement to the Curtis AC family, The E models utilize
a powerful dual-microprocessor logic architecture to provide improved
performance and surpass the requirements of the latest international
functional safety standards.
Only Curtis AC can offer:
Curtis VCLVehicle Control Language is an easy to use programming language
that allows vehicle developers to write powerful logic functions and create a
virtual system controller. Curtis offers customers VCL development tools and
training. Curtis also provides a VCL service where Curtis engineers will work with
the OEM to create anycustom VCL code required.
Indirect Field Orientation (IFO) Vector Control algorithm generates the maximum
possible torque and efficiency across the entire speed range. Advanced Curtis
IFO vector control provides superb drive feel, improved speed regulation and
increased gradeability.
Curtis Auto-Tune function enables quick and easy characterization of the AC
motor without having to remove it from the vehicle. Curtis AC controllers are
fully compatible with any brand of AC motor..
Dual-Drive Functionality is standard, allowing correct control of applications
featuring twin traction motors. This function ensures smooth and safe operation,
minimal tire wear and correct load sharing between the traction motors at all times.
Configurable CANbus connection allows communication with other CANbus
enabled devices. Models 1236E and 1238E are CANopen compatible and provide 20
VCLconfigurable CAN mailboxes, 6 more than earlier Curtis AC controllers.
Integrated System ControllerMore than just a motor controller, they are also
powerful system controllers. They feature a comprehensive allocation of multifunction I/O pins for use as analog inputs, digital inputs, contactor coil drivers and
proportional valve drivers. In addition to this local I/O, these controllers can use
VCL to map and configure the remote I/O available on other CANbus devices, send
messages to CAN displays and thus control and monitor the entire system..
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Models 1236 and 1238
FEATURES
Increased Performance, Improved functionality
 Higher performance form, fit and functional replacements for earlier Curtis Model
1236 and 1238 AC controllers.
 CE marked as a programmable safety device under EN ISO 13849-1.
 Models available for 350800A output at 2496V system voltages. These are true
2 minute RMS ratings, not short duration boost ratings.
 Enhanced 64MHz micro and additional FLASH memory doubles the available VCL
code space and provides more than twice the VCL execution speed.
 Six additional VCL-configurable CAN mailboxes significantly increases CAN
master capabilities.
 Advanced Pulse Width Modulation techniques produce low motor harmonics,
low torque ripple and minimized heating losses, resulting in high efficiency.
Unmatched Flexibility
 Programmable for either traction or pump applications.
 Field upgradeable software.
 Integrated Battery state-of-charge algorithm and hour meters.
 Fully-featured generic software and VCL for typical Warehouse Truck applications
is included.
 Comprehensive programming options and VCL allow other applications to be
easily supported.
 Curtis hand-held or PC Windows programming tools provide easy programming
and powerful system diagnostic tools.
 Integrated status LED provides instant diagnostic indication.
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Models 1236 and 1238
FEATURES continued
Robust Safety and Reliability
 Dual Microprocessor architecture cross-checks critical
circuits, logic, and software functions to ensure the highest
possible functional safety performance level is achieved.
Meets or complies with relevant US and
International Regulations
 EMC: Designed to the requirements of EN12895.
 Insulated metal substrate power-base provides superior
heat transfer for increased reliability.
 Safety: Designed to the requirements of:
EN1175-1:1998+A1:2010
EN (ISO) 13849-1
 Fail-Safe power component design.
 IP65 Rated per IEC 60529.
 Reverse polarity protection on battery connections.
 UL recognized per UL583.
 Short circuit protection on all output drivers.
 Regulatory compliance of the complete vehicle system
with the controller installed is the responsibility of the
vehicle OEM.
 Thermal cutback, warning, and automatic shutdown
provide protection to motor and controller.
 Rugged sealed housing and connectors meet IP65
environmental sealing standards for use in harsh
environments.
FUNCTIONAL SAFETY DATA
Safety Function
PL
Designated Architecture
MTTFd
DC
Uncommanded Powered Movement
Category 2
36 yrs
90%
Motor Braking Torque
Category 2
12 yrs
90%
MODEL CHART
Model
Nominal Battery
Voltage (V)
2 Min RMS
Current Rating (A)
S260 Min RMS
Current Rating (A)
1236E-44XX
2436
400
175
1236E-45XX
2436
500
240
1236E-54XX
3648
450
205
1236E-55XX
3648
550
250
1236E-64XX
4880
350 (1 min)
100
1238E-46XX
2436
650
300
1238E-48XX
2436
800
355
1238E-56XX
3648
650
295
1238E-64XX
4880
450
155
1238E-65XX
4880
500
190
1238E-66XX
4880
650 (1 min)
195
1238E-75XX
7296
550
175
1238E-76XX
7296
650
200
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Models 1236 and 1238
SYSTEM ACCESSORIES
The Curtis Model 1222 is an AC
induction motor controller for steer
by wire electric power steering
systems and is the ideal partner for the
1236E/1238E on vehicles such as reach
trucks, order pickers, stackers and other
similar industrial vehicles.
Curtis / Albright offers a full line of UL
recognized DC contactors engineered
for outstanding performance and
durability on in-vehicle applications..
The Acuity Battery Monitoring system
is a device that mounts directly to the
vehicle battery. It measures, records
and transmits battery performance
data over the vehicles CAN network
throughout the batterys life..
Contact Curtis to obtain the VCL Vehicle Control Language compiler and development tools.
CONNECTOR WIRING
CAN
TERM H
CAN H
35
34
22
23
12
ENC
PHASE
A
33
11
32
21
10
SW7
SW6
20
9
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RX
30
19
8
29
18
DRIVER
7
POT
LOW
COIL
RETURN
BRK
POT HI
+12V
27
16
SW1/ANA1
THR POT
HI
28
17
+5V
26
15
25
14
24
13
DRIVER SW16
3
PROP
DRIVER 1 THR
WIPER
DRIVER
I/O GND
KSI
DRIVER 2 DRIVER 4
SW2/ANA2
SW4
SW5
31
TX
BRK
WIPER
DRIVER 6
SW8
CAN L
NOT
CONNECTED
ENC
PHASE B
CAN
TERM L
SW3
Models 1236 and 1238
TYPICAL WIRING
ANALOG OUT (0-10)
INTERLOCK
J1-9
SWITCH 3
MODE
J1-10
SWITCH 4
J1-11
SWITCH 5
J1-12
FORWARD
J1-22
REVERSE
J1-33
COIL
RETURN
DRIVER 1
DRIVER 2
DRIVER 3
SWITCH 6
DRIVER 4
PV DRIVER
SWITCH 7
SWITCH 8
DIGITAL OUTPUT 6
DIGITAL OUTPUT 7
J1-13
J1-6
J1-5
J1-4
KEYSWITCH
SWITCH 1/ANA 1
J1-1
PROP. VALVE
J1-30
KSI
E/M BRAKE
EMR CHECK
(OPTIONAL)
J1-24
MAIN
EM REV.
J1-3
20A
J1-2
J1-19
J1-20
MAIN
B+
MOTOR
TEMP. INPUT
J1-8
SWITCH 2/ANA 2
POT 2
THROTTLE POT
J1-7
I/O GROUND
J1-15
THROTTLE
POT HIGH
J1-16
THROTTLE
WIPER
J1-27
POT 2
HIGH
J1-17
POT 2
WIPER
J1-18
POT LOW
AC MOTOR
W
+5 V
PHASE
A
ENCODER
PHASE B
I/O Gnd
BCAN H
CAN L
CAN TERM H
CAN TERM L
+12V
SERIAL
PORT
TX
RX
I/O GROUND
J1-26
J1-31
J1-32
J1-7
1
2
4
3
SPEED
ENCODER
J1-23
J1-35
J1-21
J1-34
CAN PORT
Short for 120
Ohm Termination
J1-25
J1-28
J1-29
J1-7
2
8
840
6 DISPLAY
5
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BATTERY
SERIAL PORT
4 PIN MOLEX
232
85 80
Models 1236 and 1238
19
DIMENSIONS mm (typical)
1238E
255
B-
B+
Status LEDs
FUSE
275
M8  1.25,
6 plcs
7 dia.,
4 plcs
212
232
10 (0.4)
102
80
19
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Models 1236 and 1238
DIMENSIONS mm (typical)
1236E
Status LEDs
B-
B+
145
FUSE
165
M8  1.25,
6 plcs
7 dia.,
4 plcs
212
232
10 (0.4)
85 80
19
WARRANTY
Two year limited warranty from time of delivery.
255
is a trademark of Curtis Instruments, Inc.
275
M8  1.25,
6 plcs
Status LEDs
Specifications subject to change without notice
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2016 Curtis Instruments, Inc.
50265 REV C 3/16