Boats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Engines, throttles and steering systems already communicate with each other over a network. Chart plotters and digital multi-function displays are rapidly becoming the single source of information for other marine systems. Boaters are demanding the ability to operate AC powered devices such as TVs and microwaves at the dock or moored in a remote harbour. As more traditional in-home devices are brought onboard, electrical power management is becoming an increasingly complex issue.

Boaters faced with this kind of sophistication are demanding reliable power systems that provide accurate, easily understood information along with the convenience of more automated power management.

At the core of a typical Xanbus Enabled marine system are the Xantrex MS Inverter/Charger and Xantrex System Control Panel (SCP). Third party components can also be added to the network, providing unprecedented levels of convenience and control to the user. It also gives OEMs the opportunity to easily individualize boats and product lines while maintaining a common inverter/charger platform.

MS Inverter/Charger
The Xantrex MS Inverter/Charger operates all of today’s sensitive electronic equipment with its true sine wave output. It automatically switches between external AC power and inverted battery power, depending on available sources and demand. The MS Inverter/Charger can be configured to support typical battery types found on boats.

A Xanbus Enabled MS Inverter/Charger provides benefits to builders and users alike. Builders can develop custom systems for a particular boat series and configure all devices on the network in one operation. System testing is facilitated at the time of installation, saving rework time in the event of an installation or configuration problem. Similar benefits will be realized during updates, upgrades and configuration changes at the manufacturer. Support costs will be also be minimized: information is displayed in graphic and simple text format, providing a clearer overall picture to the user, reducing support calls. An advanced diagnostic tool can be plugged into the network to analyze the MS Inverter/Charger. End users will appreciate the more precise data, faster configuration and simplified operation provided by Xanbus

System Control Panel
The Xantrex System Control Panel provides a window into a boat’s power management system. It clearly presents information about the boat’s power system on one easy-to-use control panel using rich text and graphics. A 128 x 64 pixel graphical display provides status information at a glance, such as battery capacity and charger output. Faults and warnings are also presented in plain language, eliminating the need to refer to the user manual to translate the meaning of blinking lights. For easy navigation between screens, it uses a simple menu system that is modelled after popular cell phone menu structures. The SCP’s Xanbus Enabled design makes it field upgradeable to ensure that it can recognize, configure and display status information for new devices that get added to the network. This advanced design provides investment protection for both builders and end users, ensuring the SCP always remains up-to-date and supports new Xanbus Enabled products.

Other available or planned network components include the Automatic Generator Start, DC Monitor and Remote Control Panel.

• The Automatic Generator Start is designed to automatically start and stop a generator based on user-specified settings for:
• Low battery state of charge and voltage,
• Fluctuating power demands to ensure an appropriate amount of power is always available,
• Ambient temperature, to support the additional load of an air conditioner, and
• Time of day, to automatically shut the generator off during quiet hours.
• The DC Monitor will provide precise reporting of battery voltage, DC ripple, charge/discharge current and additional information such as DC current net of charger or inverter draw, state of charge and battery state of health.
• The Remote Control Panel is a simplified version of the System Control Panel designed for applications or areas where a graphic display and detailed functionality are not needed.

For more information on some of the concepts discussed on this page, check the following links:

Information about CANBus:

1. http://focus.ti.com/lit/an/sloa101/sloa101.pdf
2. http://www.kvaser.se/can/