Meritor WABCO, a joint venture of ArvinMeritor and the WABCO Vehicle Control Systems of American Standard Cos., has announced the availability of its new PLC Display for tractor-trailer communications.

This new system allows the display of communications between the tractor and trailer, communicating important information concerning the status of trailer-mounted systems. A significant addition to the communications capabilities is the transmission of critical information from the Meritor Tire Inflation System by P.S.I. and other tire inflation systems.
“Our new PLC Display provides the driver with the information needed to easily monitor vital trailer systems, and for the first time links the trailer and the tractor as a unit,” said Jon Morrison, general manager of Meritor WABCO. “In addition, telematics compatibility with the system means fleets can stay in touch with the vehicle to monitor vehicle usage or service requirements to keep their fleets operating at peak efficiency.”
The InfoLink communications gateway allows more complete monitoring of Anti-Lock Braking Systems and integrates functions, such as brake control, sensor inputs, output drivers, and provides a communications link to the existing tractor data bus.
Examples of the tractor-trailer-oriented communications and control that are possible include:
· Wheel end over temperature
· Low tire pressure
· Trailer ABS diagnostics
· Trailer air supply
· Wheel drag warning
· Lift axle status
· Trailer back-up lights and steer axle lockouts
· Reefer zone temperature and fuel warnings
· Slider control
· Telematic devices
· Trailer dome light status
· Suspension weight
· Trailer mileage
The PLC Display’s viewing screen, which mounts to the tractor’s instrument panel for easy visibility, allows information for up to seven I/Os – five digital and two analog – to be displayed. The system also provides physical connection to other SAE J-1587 communications devices, allowing them to link to the tractor.