Eaton releases multiplex switches

Eaton’s Mobility Group has introduced a new generation of multiplexed and wireless vehicle control technologies that deliver greater durability, flexibility and digital connectivity for both on- and off-highway markets.

Eaton says these solutions are designed to simplify how equipment manufacturers develop vehicle control systems by offering standardized, reprogrammable architectures that can be used across multiple vehicle platforms and operating environments. 

“Across the commercial and specialty vehicle industry, OEMs are rethinking how operators interact with machines,” says Carlos Ortega, business unit director, Vehicle Controls and Wireless, Eaton’s Mobility Group. “Our multiplexed switch modules and wireless control systems simplify vehicle architectures, reduce weight and complexity, and give customers a unified ecosystem for vehicle control.”

Eaton’s multiplexed switch technology replaces traditional electromechanical systems with intelligent digital interfaces that enable multiple modules to communicate over a single data bus. This reduces wiring complexity, installation time and weight — while improving diagnostics, operator feedback and system performance, the company says.

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The software-driven design also enables switches to be reprogrammed or reconfigured through simple updates, enabling OEMs and fleets to adapt vehicle functions to regional regulations, seasonal needs, or changing job-site requirements without redesigning wiring harnesses or control panels, Eaton says.

Engineered for demanding applications, Eaton says its control solutions are sealed to withstand exposure to water, dust, mud and extreme temperatures, while delivering hundreds of thousands of reliable switch cycles. The company says this ensures dependable operation in tough on- and off-highway environments.