Excessive heat and noise, two problematic elements regardless of the application, can be devastating in the electronics arena by detracting from the life of a device. A leading manufacturer of Class 8 trucks approached Carling Technologies with the challenge to design a reliable dash panel dimmer control that reduces excessive heat and electrical noise problems, while completing an aesthetically appealing, ergonomic driver control station in their vehicles.

Carling Technologies' mechanical and electronic engineers rose to the challenge. Carling utilized the latest EMI/RFI filtering devices to shield the dash panel dimmer control from electrical noise, which may have caused interference with the other dash panel components. The dimmer control passed and exceeded the comprehensive EMI/RFI test requirements of the "Big Three" auto manufacturers. Both mechanically and electronically, the independent certification lab noted "it is the quietest device we have ever tested" - quite a compliment from the industry leading EMI/RFI test lab (Elite Labs, IL)! In addition to the EMI/RFI testing, this control device passed 100,000 stroke mechanical endurance and rigorous SAE and MIL-SPEC (202 F) environmental tests for both enclosed and non-enclosed cabs (shock, vibration, 96 hour salt spray). To assist in the integration of this new device into the existing wiring harness efficiently and cost effectively, Carling developed a "jumper" harness. This enables the Class 8 vehicle manufacturer to easily integrate the device, achieving immediate quality and cost advantage while changing internal systems and the harness infrastructure.

Sound electrical and mechanical design practices, along with innovative packaging, filter design, semi-conductor load switching and robust heat dissipating design eliminated excessive heat and noise problems, while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the dash and meeting critical cost requirements. At all levels - design, aesthetics, durability of performance and reliablity - the Carling dimmer control not only exceeded the expectations of this customer and market, but also met the requirements and needs of off-road applications as well, where harsh environmental conditions are predominant.

On & Off-Road (Marine, Agriculture, Construction)