Motor Controllers

AC Induction and PMAC Motor Controllers

SERIES
1232 1234
1236

SERIES Logos
Curtis MarCom 2014

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 SERIES
1232 1234
Models 1232SE / 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236
A range of controllers (inverters) for the speed and torque control of 3-phase AC motors. Intended for
use as electric traction or hydraulic pump motor controllers for mobile, on-vehicle applications that use
a SERIES
24-96 VDC nominal battery supply.
Logos
Curtis MarCom 2014

The ‘SE’ Advantage

The Curtis ‘SE’ AC controllers utilize the latest technology to increase the
peak current ratings for each size of controller. For a given rating, the SE
models are smaller and lower cost than previous Curtis AC controllers,
benefits that are highly advantageous for all types of applications.

Only Curtis AC can offer: Model 1232SE

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 any custom VCL code required.

Field Oriented Control (FOC) algorithms generate the maximum

possible torque and efficiency across the entire speed range. Advanced
Curtis control provides superb drive ‘feel’, improved speed regulation
and increased gradeability.
Model 1234SE
Motors—Easily configured to work with any AC induction or PMAC motor.
Improved motor auto-characterization setup allows simple on-truck pairing
with different Induction motor types.
In addition, a comprehensive library of induction and PMAC motor types
are conveniently stored in the controller memory.

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 Model 1236SE

other CANbus enabled devices. They are CANopen compatible and
provide 24 VCL-configurable CAN ‘mailboxes’—10 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
Model 1238SE
displays and thus control and monitor the entire system.

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 SERIES
1232 1234
Models 1232SE / 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236

SERIES Logos
Curtis MarCom 2014

FEATURES

Increased Performance, Improved Functionality Robust Safety and Reliability

▶ Higher peak current rating allows use of a physically smaller ▶ Dual microprocessor architecture cross-checks
controller for a given load, for easier installation in any vehicle. critical circuits, logic, and software functions to
▶ CE marked as a programmable safety device under EN ISO ensure the highest possible functional safety
13849-1. performance level is achieved.
▶ Models available for 250A–1000A output at 24–96V system ▶ Insulated metal substrate power-base provides
voltages. These are true 2 minute RMS ratings, not short superior heat transfer for increased reliability.
duration ‘boost’ ratings. ▶ Fail-safe power component design.
▶ Enhanced 64 MHz micro and additional FLASH memory ▶ Reverse polarity protection on battery connections.
doubles the available VCL code space and provides more than
twice the VCL execution speed. ▶ Short-circuit protection on all output drivers.

▶ VCL-configurable CAN ‘mailboxes’ provide highly flexible ▶ Thermal cutback, warning, and automatic shutdown
CAN capabilities. provide protection to motor and controller.
▶ Advanced Pulse Width Modulation techniques produce low ▶ Rugged sealed housing and connectors meet IP65
motor harmonics, low-torque ripple and minimized heating environmental sealing standards for use in harsh
losses, resulting in high efficiency. environments.

Unmatched Flexibility Meets or complies with relevant US and

International Regulations
▶ Programmable for either traction or pump applications. ▶ EMC: Designed to the requirements of EN 12895:2015.
▶ Field upgradeable software. ▶ Safety: Designed to the requirements of:
▶ Integrated battery state-of-charge algorithm and hour meters. EN1175-1:1998+A1:2010
EN (ISO) 13849-1 2015
▶ Fully-featured generic software and VCL for typical
Warehouse Truck applications is included on 24V 1232SE and ▶ IP65 Rated per IEC 60529.
1234SE models. ▶ UL recognized per UL583.
▶ Comprehensive programming options and VCL allow other ▶ 1238SE-69xx / 79xx UL583 Pending.
applications to be easily supported. ▶ Regulatory compliance of the complete vehicle
system with the controller installed is the
▶ Curtis handheld or PC Windows programming tools provide
responsibility of the vehicle OEM.
easy programming and powerful system diagnostic tools.
▶ Integrated status LED provides instant diagnostic indication.

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 SERIES
1232 1234
Models 1232SE / 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236

SERIES Logos

FUNCTIONAL SAFETY DATA

Curtis MarCom 2014

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 Max Current Max Current
Model Motor Type
Voltage (V) [S2-2 Minute] [S2-60 Minutes]
1232SE-247X Induction/PMAC 24 375Arms 185Arms
1232SE-537X Induction/PMAC 36-48 350Arms 175Arms
1232SE-637X Induction/PMAC 48-80 250Arms 145Arms

1234SE-457X Induction/PMAC 24-36 500Arms 235Arms

1234SE-547X Induction/PMAC 36-48 450Arms 215Arms
1234SE-637X Induction/PMAC 48-80 350Arms 150Arms

1236SE-467X Induction/PMAC 24-36 650Arms 285Arms

1236SE-567X Induction/PMAC 36-48 600Arms 260Arms
1236SE-657X Induction/PMAC 48-80 450Arms 185Arms

1238SE-4971 Induction/PMAC 24-36 1000Arms 425Arms

1238SE-5971 Induction/PMAC 36-48 900Arms 395Arms
1238SE-6971 Induction/PMAC 48-80 900Arms 305Arms
1238SE-7971 Induction/PMAC 72-96 900Arms 305Arms

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 SERIES
1232 1234
Models 1232SE / 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236

SYSTEM
SERIES Logos
ACCESSORIES
Curtis MarCom 2014

The Curtis Model 1222 is an AC The Curtis Model 1352 CANbus I/O The Curtis Model 1313 Handheld
induction motor controller for ‘steer expansion module features 9 I/O pins, Programmer is ideal for setting
by wire’ electric power steering systems including 6 proportional valve drivers. parameters and performing
and is the ideal partner for the ‘SE’ This module can be used to further diagnostic functions.
Controllers on vehicles such as reach expand the I/O capability of Curtis AC
trucks, order pickers, stackers and other motor controllers using VCL.
similar industrial vehicles.

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

CONNECTOR WIRING

CAN ENC ANA

TERM L PHASE B OUT 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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 SERIES
1232 1234
Models 1232SE / 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236 WIRING DIAGRAM
1232 AC Induction Motor Controller
TYPICAL
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WIRING
Curtis MarCom 2014

KSI J1-1

EM REV. COIL J1-13

J1-24 SWITCH 1/ANA 1 RETURN
LOAD
E/M PUMP PROP.
INTERLOCK J1-9 MAIN HOLD
SWITCH 3 BRAKE CONT
VALVE
VALVE

MODE J1-10 J1-6

SWITCH 4 DRIVER 1
DRIVER 2 J1-5
LIFT J1-11 SWITCH 5 J1-4 KEYSWITCH
DRIVER 3
LOWER J1-12 J1-3
SWITCH 6 DRIVER 4
J1-2 20A
FORWARD J1-22 PV DRIVER
SWITCH 7
J1-19
DIGITAL DRIVER 6
REVERSE J1-33 SWITCH 8 DIGITAL DRIVER 7 J1-20
J1-14
SWITCH 16
MAIN
EMERGENCY
B+ STOP

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

V AC MOTOR
T
W BATTERY
J1-7 I/O GROUND
+5V (100mA) J1-26 1 24-80V
PHASE A J1-31 2 POSITION
ENCODER PHASE B J1-32 4 ENCODER
J1-30 ANALOG OUT J1-7 3
I/O Gnd
(0-10V)
B− B–
J1-15 THROTTLE
J1-23
POT HIGH CAN H

THROTTLE J1-16 THROTTLE CAN L

J1-35 } CAN PORT

POT WIPER J1-21

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

J1-17 POT 2
J1-25

}
POT 2 WIPER +12V (100mA) 4
J1-28 3
SERIAL TX SERIAL PORT
J1-18 POT LOW J1-29
PORT 1 4 PIN MOLEX
RX
J1-7 2
I/O GROUND

8
6 DISPLAY
5

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 SERIES
1232 1234
Models 1232SE / 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236

DIMENSIONS
SERIES Logos
mm (typical)
Curtis MarCom 2014

1232SE

180

169
4X R3

W
U

140 129
B+

B-

STATUS
5.5 LEDs

5.5
4X Ø7.00 THRU 5X M6X1.0 - 6H 18.0

75 74

12

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 SERIES
1232 1234
Models 1232SE / 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236

DIMENSIONS
SERIES Logos
mm (typical)
Curtis MarCom 2014

1234SE

212.0
200.6 5.5

W
U

155.0 140.4
B+

B-

7.3
STATUS LEDs
5X M6X1.0 20.0
4X Ø7.00±0.13

74.3
79

11.0

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 SERIES
1232 1234
Models 1232SE / 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236

DIMENSIONS
SERIES Logos
mm (typical)
Curtis MarCom 2014

1236SE M8 ø1.25,
6 plcs

STATUS LEDs
U

W
165
145
FUSE

B+

B-
7 dia.,
4 plcs

212 10 (0.4)
232

85 80

19

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 SERIES 85 80

1232 1234
Models 1232SE 19
/ 1234SE / 1236SE / 1238SE
1236

DIMENSIONS
SERIES Logos
mm (typical)
Curtis MarCom 2014

1238SE

M8 ø 1.25,
6 plcs
U

W
275 V
255
STATUS LEDs
FUSE

B+

B-

7 dia.,
4 plcs

212 10 (0.4)
232

102
80

19

WARRANTY Two year limited warranty from time of delivery.

is a trademark of Curtis Instruments, Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice ©2021 Curtis Instruments, Inc. 50288 REV J 1/21

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