New system is the first user-configurable, OEM-quality, multiplex power-distribution system for the entire automotive aftermarket
Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ/NGS:LFUS) announces the end of wiring harness drudgery with the introduction of the ISIS Intelligent Multiplex System, a solid-state electrical system that eliminates tangles of wire, slashes install time in half, and gives auto enthusiasts complete control over their cars’ accessories in ways that are limited only by their imaginations. It is the first multiplex system to make OEM technology available to any car, whether street rod, resto-rod, off-roader, kit build, tuner, muscle car, or quarter-miler.
Wiring is typically the most complicated part of a car build, requiring hours to lay out wires from control switches to components, routing power lines, and hiding bundles of cables to achieve a clean look. Even pre-fabricated wiring harnesses need to be wrestled into a vehicle, and may yet fall short of desired circuits for all the functions one wants to install. ISIS changes the process of wiring a vehicle by employing a plug-and-play modular design identical to that used in OEM vehicles. Multiplexing uses computerized power distribution to reduce the amount of wiring and to increase performance.
How ISIS Multiplexing Works
A builder begins by installing an ISIS MASTERCELL Input Unit behind the dashboard, and wiring all switches and controls into the device. An ISIS POWERCELL Control Unit is then installed at a point near a cluster of electrical components — for example, one can be installed in the front-end of the car to handle lights, turn signals, horns, starter, etc, while a second is mounted in the trunk for rear turn signals, fuel pump and stereo components. Wiring the first accessory takes four easy steps: connect the switch to the MASTERCELL; connect the POWERCELL control outputs to the load; connect the POWERCELL to the battery; connect the POWERCELL to the MASTERCELL with the ISIS CAN bus cable. When a switch on the dashboard is activated, the microcontroller in the MASTERCELL tells the POWERCELL to activate the appropriate circuit.
The ISIS Intelligent Multiplex System uses ultra-reliable MOSFET switches in the POWERCELLs for handling typical automotive loads of up to 25-amps per node. Each POWERCELL handles up to 10 circuits, and up to five POWERCELLS can be run by one MASTERCELL, for a total of 50 individual circuits per MASTERCELL.
Electrical Installation Made Easy
The POWERCELL Control Units simplify wiring because wires from the electrical accessory need to run only to the POWERCELL Control Unit located nearby. Wiring the vehicle becomes dramatically easier because the wires no longer run all the way from the switch and fuse box to individual accessories. For the average weekend mechanic, wiring a car takes more than 40 hours of labor. The ISIS Intelligent Multiplex System can cut that time up to 70 percent. And the shorter, fewer wire runs translate into weight savings of up to 40 percent over old-fashioned wiring harnesses.
Much of the time savings during installation comes from the ease of system checkout and troubleshooting. For quick diagnostics, an LED indicator on each output node indicates at a glance whether the circuit has an open fuse, an open circuit, or is functioning normally. For greater system information, installing the included insight™ Diagnostic Module on the MASTERCELL Input Unit presents full system details on an LCD screen.
Programmable Control of the Entire Electrical System
Because actions are managed through a microcontroller, the ISIS system can perform special functions beyond ON/OFF control. A light can be set to blink as a turn signal, or stay lit as a running light. The system can set a time delay for cooling cans, or soft-start headlights to increase the bulb life. The MASTERCELLs can be configured to accept analogue input for proportional control of an output. Users can purchase their kits pre-programmed with custom configurations or purchase a programmer to allow them to make changes after the system is installed.
System accessories include inLINK™, a programmable 5-button key fob that permits the user to remotely control 16 different functions remotely. For more elaborate performances, the entire vehicle’s electrical system can be wirelessly controlled up to 150 feet away from the car via inTOUCH™, a handheld touch screen that provides an intuitive user interface.
The components used in the ISIS Intelligent Multiplex System are rugged and designed to survive automotive environments — MASTERCELL and POWERCELL enclosures are sealed to an IP67 standard with watertight gaskets, and the system withstands high temperatures typical of under-the-hood applications. All mating electrical interfaces use top-of-the-line Delphi Packard sealed connectors that are readily available for custom harness projects.
Using a low voltage, low current design for switching and control eliminates high current wiring under the dashboard and reduces the possibility of an under-dash wiring fire. Additionally, all inputs are ground-switched, which adds further simplicity to the electrical system. A low-current dash harness is available as an option, providing easy connection to all switches and gauge wiring.
The ISIS Intelligent Multiplex System is based on the 1+1 and Million Mile systems originally developed by I-Squared Engineering. The two companies worked together to identify attributes that were key to the new system’s success, with Littelfuse’s eight decades of automotive power management experience augmenting I-Squared Engineering’s success with its products. As a $536-million global company, Littelfuse has been able to apply significant expertise to the ISIS product development, and is well positioned to bring multiplexing to the entire automotive enthusiast market.
ISIS is available in two versions — one Starter Kit includes one MASTERCELL Input Unit and one POWERCELL Control Unit, while the second Starter Kit includes one MASTERCELL and two POWERCELLs. Additional POWERCELLs can be ordered separately, and the company offers assistance with custom configurations.
ISIS 2-CELL Starter Kit (up to 10 circuits): $799.
ISIS 3-CELL Starter Kit (up to 20 circuits): $999.
Additional POWERCELL Control Units: $349 each.
Optional inLINK™ RF Control Module: $179.
Optional inTOUCH™ Touch-Screen Handheld Remote Control: $TBD.
Optional inDASH™ dash harness: $ 159
Optional ISIS programmer: $179
Custom configurations: call Littelfuse for pricing.
All products are available for immediate order except inTOUCH, which will be available by year’s end. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.
To order online, or for additional information, please visit the Littelfuse ISIS website at www.isispower.com/pr1.