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The ISIS™ Intelligent Multiplex System vs. Competition
Even though they perform the same basic function it’s hard to compare the ISIS™ Intelligent Multiplex System with traditional wiring harnesses because the level of sophistication and flexibility inherent to a multiplexed system is so much more complex. As the saying goes, “It’s really like comparing apples to oranges”. The ISIS™ Intelligent Multiplex System stands alone in its ability to simplify and streamline the wiring and testing of an automobile’s electrical system.
The table below compares the main features of the ISIS multiplexed electrical system vs. traditional wiring harness:
| General Features | ISIS | Wiring Harness | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnkey System | Yes | Plug and play connectivity simplifies the installation and reduces the time required | |
| Field Configurable | Yes | Allows the user to make changes to their system at any time. Greater flexibility. | |
| System is expandable | Yes | Limited ability to expand, based on number of wires left unused in the harness | Users can expand their systems as their needs change. |
| Custom Node profiles | Yes | No | Unlimited options for customization to make cars stand out. Also, functionality is included in the system so separate modules are not needed. |
| Self Canceling turn signals | Yes | No, separate components needed | Less components needed, simpler electrical system. Simpler switches. |
| Inputs can be wired logical (OR) or (AND) at installers discretion | Yes | No, separate components needed | Allows for greater functionality and customization of the system. Elminiates need for separate control modules. |
| NO HIGH CURRENT UNDER DASH WIRING | Yes | High current flows under the dash | Most common type of vehicle fires originate from under the dash. Total current needed to power a MasterCell is less than 250 mA |
| All switching functions use low voltage/low current (5 Volt - .0005 amp) circuit actuation. | Yes | No, high-current swithes are needed for larger loads | Smaller & lower cost swtiches can be used. |
| All inputs are ground- switched | Yes | Yes | Simplier electrical system |
| OEM style functions where multiple inputs controlled (enabled or disabled) commonly through ignition switch | Yes | Separate wiring required. | Higher levels of functionality, greater level of customization |
| Indicating and diagnostic Features | ISIS | Wiring Harness | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor Technology | CMOS - 16bit Digital Signal Processor - RISC | N/A | Very powerful capable processor allows for more speed and flexibility. |
| Communication Protocols | Full CAN 2.0b - Proprietary Data Protocol. | N/A | Standard industry communications that are proven as reliable. |
| Optional Interface Protocols | J1939 | N/A | Standard industry communications that are proven as reliable. |
| Maximum Data Rate on CAN Bus | 1M Bits/ Second | N/A | Fast response time to commands |
| Maximum Length of Can Bus cabling | 100 Meters | Limited by harness length | Greater flexibility for wiring large vehicles |
| Maximum Number of Input/Output Nodes | 100s | Limited by number of wires in the harness | Greater flexibility for wiring vehicles with large electrical demands |
| Maximum Number of Input Nodes/Master Module | 50 (expandable in groups of 50) | Limited by number of wires in the harness | Greater flexibility for wiring vehicles with large electrical demands |
| Input Node Interface | Input signal is closed to ground | Input signal is closed to ground | Simpler electrical system. |
| Maximum frequency of input state change/node | 50 Hz | Limited by the relay used | Allows for electronic controls of functions. Fast response time to commands. |
| Maximum Number of Nodes/Output Module | 10 (expandable in groups of 10) | Limited by number of wires in the harness | Greater flexibility for wiring vehicles with large electrical demands |
| Indicating and diagnostic Features | ISIS | Wiring Harness | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Diagnostic Indicators on each Output Node | Yes | None | Easy diagnostics and troubleshooting of installs |
| Indicates Open Fuse, Open Circuit, Normal Functions | Yes | None | Easy diagnostics and troubleshooting of installs |
| Indicator Color | White | None | Highly visible, easy to see |
| DIAGNOS™ LCD Alpha Numeric Diagnostic Screen (optional) | Yes | No diagnostics available | Highly visible screen to see all system functions. Can check status of remote modules on the system. |
| Backlight | Yes | No diagnostics available | Easy to read in all lighting conditions |
| Screen Color | Dark Blue with White Letters | No diagnostics available | Easy to read in all lighting conditions |
| Characters | 4 Lines - 16 Characters/Line | No diagnostics available | Lots of information available through the screen |
| Multi Function | Yes (4 function selector buttons) | No diagnostics available | Easy to navigate through screen functions |
| Information is displayed as | English | No diagnostics available | Easy to understand and diagnose. |
| Input/Output Features | ISIS | Wiring Harness | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output Node Technology | MOSFET (up to 50 amps/node depending on model of ISIS Power Cell | Limited by the wire gauge and relay used | Covers almost all typical loads in a car. |
| Output Switch Type | High-Side | Relay | |
| Analog Input Nodes - MASTRCELL™ system control unit | 2 | None | Greater system flexibility. Allows for fan speed control, light dimming, and other analogue functions |
| PWM Nodes - POWRCELL™ power control unit | 8 | None | Greater system flexibility. Allows for fan speed control, light dimming, and other analogue functions |
| System Failure Backup Features | ISIS | Wiring Harness | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software provisions to overcome possible Node failures due to loss of communications between cells | 2 - Stage continuous failure analysis for all outputs. Both loss of communications and inability to establish communications | None | Safe and reliable operation in case of catastrophic events to the car |
| Hardware Provisions to overcome possible node failures due to loss of system processor | All Outputs | Electrical system performace becomes unpredictable if wires get damaged | Limp home ability. Vehicle can still be operated in case of major system failure. |
| System Flexibility | ISIS | Wiring Harness | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Vehicle Programmable | Yes | No | Allows the user to make changes to their system at any time. Greater flexibility. Changes can be made without removing the Cells from the car |
| On-Line Node Application Library | Yes | No, limited only to on-off functions | Simple programming. Standard code modules exist for typical vehicle functions |
| Any Node can Assume Any Personality | Yes | No | No dedicated outputs makes the wiring installation easier. |
| All Nodes Programmable | Yes - Library of application node personalities | No | No dedicated outputs makes the wiring installation easier. |
| Field Programmable | Yes - Library of application node personalities | No | Allows the user to make changes to their system at any time. Greater flexibility. Changes can be made without removing the Cells from the car |
| Field Programmer | No-Cost Loaner from Littelfuse | No | Simple, cost effective programming |
| System Reliability and Materials | ISIS | Wiring Harness | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmentally Sealed | Yes - IP67 Rated | No | Higher reliability system. Greater flexibility for mounting options in the car |
| Temp rating ISIS Master Cell | 85 Deg. C | N/A | Higher reliability system. Greater flexibility for mounting options in the car |
| Temp rating Power Cell | 125 Deg. C | N/A | Higher reliability system. Greater flexibility for mounting options in the car |
| Power Module installable in engine compartment | Yes | Depends on system | Higher reliability system. Greater flexibility for mounting options in the car |
| Housing - Sealing | Fully Sealed to IP/67 Spec | Not sealed | Higher reliability system. Greater flexibility for mounting options in the car |
| Housing - Materials | Injection Molded Nylon | Injected molded plastic | Automotive OEM approved materials. Can withstand thermal, chemical and mechanical stresses. |
| Housing - Thermal Rating | 125-Deg C | Depends on system | Higher reliability system. Greater flexibility for mounting options in the car |
| Connector Types | Fully Sealed to IP/67 Spec | Not sealed | Standard industry connectors, readily available on the market if replacements are necessary. Sealing improves system reliability and increases options for mounting locations |
| Power Connector Capacity | 150 Amps DC | Depends on system | More power out of less boxes |
| Radio Control System Interface | ISIS | Wiring Harness | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 433 MHz Radio Interface | Optional - Integrated | Separate module required | No separate module required. Radio board in user installable in the MasterCell. |
| Key Fob | Yes | Depends on system | Small, simple interface. |
| Key Fob Range | >100 Feet | Depends on system | Long working range |
| Key Fobs/System | 8 | Depends on system | Flexibility to add multiple transmitters. Individual transmitters can be programmed for specific user functions |
| Secure Transmission | 64 - Bit Rolling Code | Depends on system | Highly secure, cannot be cloned |
| Functions/Keyfob | 16 | Depends on system | Broad number of options for functions |
| Maximum Number of Controllable Functions from Key Fob | 16 | Depends on system | Broad number of options for functions |
| Radio functions are Node Programmable | Yes | No | Broad number of options for functions |
| Key Fob functions are independent from switch input node functions | Yes - any personality can be assigned to any Key Fob function | No | Greater system flexibility |
| 900 MHz Radio Interface | Optional - Integrated | None | Higher capability radio protocol |
| Touch-Screen Interface | Yes | None | Very unique, differentiated option. Simplifies the dash with one interface. |
| Touch-Screen Range | 1 Mile - 3.5 Miles depending on radio module | N/A | Long distance control of vehicle functions |
| Touch Screen is portable | Yes | N/A | Easily removed from the car, increases vehicle security |
| Approximate Battery Life between charging cycles | > 3 Hours | N/A | Long running system life between charges |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion Polymer | N/A | Long running system life between charges |
| FHSS | Yes | N/A | Highly secure, cannot be cloned, much more resistant to interference from other radio systems |
| CSMACA Protocol | Yes | N/A | Highly secure, cannot be cloned, much more resistant to interference from other radio systems |
| Functions/Touch Screen | 100s are possible | N/A | Unlimited flexibility for control through the wireless touch screen |
| Touch-Screen Radio functions are Node Programmable | Yes | N/A | Broad number of options for functions |
| Touch-Screen functions are independent from switch input node functions | Yes - any personality can be assigned to any Key Fob function | N/A | Broad number of options for functions |
