Hub - Software Functions
All functions configured in software
Every single function of MasterPlex can be enabled/disabled/adjusted using the very simple to operate MasterPlex Configuration software running on a Windows XP or Windows Vista PC.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
The battery voltages are digitally filtered which removes all forms of spikes, dips and "brown outs". This enures all software algorithms operate from a clean signal and do not respond to noise and thus they never react spuriously. A common problem in vehicles.
Flat battery protection (powerGuards)
Each battery channel has 2 flat battery protection systems. Both operate by detecting when the battery voltage has fallen below a certain threshold and remained below it for a certain period of time. All settings are user adjustable. If the voltage remains below the threshold for the period of the set timer then the battery is disconnected using the battery isolation relays to prevent further discharge.
The hub can be configured so that once the system has disconnected a battery it can be reconnected either manually, from the split charge system or as a result of the battery rising back above a certain level. Or indeed any combination of these.
Split charge systems (SmartBanks - SB1, SB2 and SB3)
The split charge systems are essentially very advanced "voltage sensitive relays" emulated in software. The first two (SB1 and SB2) systems have adjustable connect voltage, disconnect voltage, connect delay and disconnect delay. SB1 always operates between battery 1 and 2. SB2 can be set to operate between battery 1 and 3, or between battery 2 and 3. In an alternative mode (Split System) SmartBank 2 operates between battery 3 and 4 and two totally independant systems of two banks each can be accomodated. SmartBank 3 is a more limited system that connects in battery 4 some predetermined time period after either SB1 or SB2. Again all settings are configured in the MasterPlex Software.
SmartBanks can be set up to reset a disconnected PowerGuard so if a battery has been disconnected to prevent further discharge, then when any charger is enabled/connected the battery will automatically be reconnected.
Voltage Alarms
There are four software voltage alarms. Each one can be set up completely independantly of the other three. Each alarm can be allocated to any battery channel, set for high or low voltage alarm and has user adjustable thresholds, delays and hysteresis.
When set as a high voltage alarm, each one can be set to reset a disconnected PowerGuard or to disconnect a connected SmartBank for use as a high voltage cutout/disconnect.
Programmable outputs
The 8 user programmable outputs directly drive LEDs. The first four also have a small current volt free relay inside the hub with the contacts available on the external connectors.
Each output can be independently configured to activate on just about every single internal event that can be generated such as PowerGuard or SmartBank activity, alarm activity, manual battery connection or disconnection or any combination of these.
Programmable inputs
The 8 user programmable inputs can be configured to carry out a multitude of tasks such as resetting PowerGuards, forcing manual SmartBank connection (emergency engine starting), resetting alarms, manually connecting or disconnecting battery banks etc. They can be set to inhibit certain functions such as preventing a PowerGuard disconnecing whilst the engine is running, or preventing manual disconnection of batteries etc. Each switch can be set independantly of the others to act on any combination of these events.
Load Shedding system
8 Individual load shed systems on battery 2 allows the controlled, sequential, prioritised turn off of various loads under reducing battery voltage (with an external power driver module).
Immediate SmartBank disconnect from input
SmartBank 3 can have an immediate (<300uS) forced disconnect from any of the programmable inputs. This causes an immediate disconnect of the battery paralleling relay whenever the input goes active. Anyone who has ever used a bow thruster from a split charge system charged from an engine with a modern engine management system will appreciate the importance of this feature.
Data stream
Over a period of one second the hub sends out, via the programming and diagnostics socket, information on the internal state of the unit: Battery voltages, DSP voltages, all the internal timers and counters, the status of the switch inputs and LED outputs. Relay status, SmartBank status etc. This data can be monitored in real time on the included diagnostics screen within the MasterPlex Configuration software or can be fed into third party products.
Multiplex system
The MasterPlex multiplex system is probably the most advanced on the market today. Rather than acting as a simple "command sending system" to switch a few lights on here and there it operates more along the lines of a small PC network. As modules are plugged in, the hub instantly recognises the new device, allocates it an address on the network then performs any set up and programming on the module. The end result is an incredibly simple to set up system but one that is far quicker and more advanced than anything else currently available.