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 VCL™—Vehicle 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 Controller—More than just a motor controller, they are also
powerful system controllers. They feature a comprehensive allocation of multi-
function 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 350–800A output at 24–96V 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 Meets or complies with relevant US and
International Regulations
▶▶ Dual Microprocessor architecture cross-checks critical
circuits, logic, and software functions to ensure the highest ▶▶ EMC: Designed to the requirements of EN12895.
possible functional safety performance level is achieved. ▶▶ Safety: Designed to the requirements of:
▶▶ Insulated metal substrate power-base provides superior EN1175-1:1998+A1:2010
heat transfer for increased reliability. 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
▶▶ Thermal cutback, warning, and automatic shutdown with the controller installed is the responsibility of the
provide protection to motor and controller. vehicle OEM.

▶▶ Rugged sealed housing and connectors meet IP65

environmental sealing standards for use in harsh
environments.

FUNCTIONAL SAFETY DATA

Safety Function Designated Architecture MTTFd DC CCF PL
Uncommanded Powered Movement Category 2 >40 yrs >90% Pass d
Motor Braking Torque Category 2 >16 yrs >90% Pass c

MODEL CHART
Nominal Battery 2 Min RMS S2–60 Min RMS
Model
Voltage (V) Current Rating (A) Current Rating (A)
1236E-44XX 24–36 400 175
1236E-45XX 24–36 500 240
1236E-54XX 36–48 450 205
1236E-55XX 36–48 550 250
1236E-64XX 48–80 350 (1 min) 100

1238E-46XX 24–36 650 300

1238E-48XX 24–36 800 355
1238E-56XX 36–48 650 295
1238E-64XX 48–80 450 155
1238E-65XX 48–80 550 190
1238E-66XX 48–80 650 (1 min) 195
1238E-75XX 72–96 550 175
1238E-76XX 72–96 650 200

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Models 1236 and 1238

SYSTEM ACCESSORIES

Curtis / Albright offers a full line of UL
recognized DC contactors engineered
for outstanding performance and
durability on in-vehicle applications..
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.
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 vehicle’s CAN network
throughout the battery’s life..

Contact Curtis to obtain the VCL Vehicle Control Language compiler and development tools.

CONNECTOR WIRING

CAN ENC NOT

TERM L PHASE B CONNECTED TX +5V SW1/ANA1
CAN BRK THR POT COIL
CAN H TERM H DRIVER 6 WIPER HI RETURN
ENC
PHASE BRK
CAN L SW8 A RX POT HI +12V

35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13
3
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 2 1

SW7 DRIVER POT DRIVER SW16

7 LOW 3

SW6 SW4 SW2/ANA2 DRIVER 1 THR PROP

WIPER DRIVER
SW5 SW3 I/O GND DRIVER 2 DRIVER 4 KSI

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Models 1236 and 1238

TYPICAL WIRING

KSI J1-1
EM REV. J1-24 SWITCH 1/ANA 1
EMR CHECK COIL J1-13
J1-30 RETURN
(OPTIONAL) ANALOG OUT (0-10)

MAIN

E/M BRAKE

PROP. VALVE
INTERLOCK J1-9 SWITCH 3
MODE J1-10 J1-6
SWITCH 4 DRIVER 1

KEYSWITCH
DRIVER 2 J1-5
J1-11 SWITCH 5
DRIVER 3 J1-4
J1-12 J1-3
SWITCH 6 DRIVER 4
J1-2 20A
FORWARD J1-22 PV DRIVER
SWITCH 7
REVERSE J1-33 J1-19
SWITCH 8 DIGITAL OUTPUT 6
DIGITAL OUTPUT 7 J1-20
MAIN
B+

MOTOR
TEMP. INPUT J1-8
SWITCH 2/ANA 2 U

V AC MOTOR
T BATTERY
W
J1-7 I/O GROUND
+5 V J1-26 1
J1-31 2 SPEED
ENCODER PHASE A
PHASE B J1-32 4 ENCODER
I/O Gnd J1-7 3
B-
J1-15 THROTTLE
J1-23
}
POT HIGH CAN H
THROTTLE POT

J1-35 CAN PORT

J1-16 THROTTLE CAN L
WIPER J1-21
CAN TERM H Short for 120
J1-27 POT 2 J1-34 Ohm Termination
CAN TERM L
HIGH

}
J1-17 POT 2
POT 2

WIPER J1-25 4
+12V
J1-28 3
SERIAL TX SERIAL PORT
J1-18 POT LOW PORT J1-29 1 4 PIN MOLEX
RX
J1-7 2
I/O GROUND

8 840
6 DISPLAY
5

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 232

85 80
Models 1236 and 1238
19

DIMENSIONS mm (typical)

1238E

M8 ø 1.25,
U 6 plcs

W
V
275
255
Status LEDs
FUSE

B+

B-

7 dia.,
4 plcs

212 10 (0.4)
232

102
80

19

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Models 1236 and 1238

DIMENSIONS mm (typical)
1236E

M8 ø 1.25,
6 plcs

U Status LEDs

W
V
165
145
FUSE

B+

B-
7 dia.,
4 plcs
212 10 (0.4)
232

85 80

19

WARRANTY Two year limited warranty from time of delivery.

M8 ø 1.25,
6 plcs
U

W
V

275
255
Status LEDs

is a trademark of Curtis Instruments, Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice ©2019 Curtis Instruments, Inc. 50265 REV E 5/19

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