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Production September 2026
OEMs Modernize Machine Controls with CAN-Based Interfaces
By Will Miller, Director of Sales, HMI Systems
marine systems, and off-highway machines become more connect- ed and software-driven. Tradi- tional rockers and switches re- main useful, but many OEMs are adopting CAN-based controls to reduce wiring, improve diagnos- tics, and give operators clearer information.
O
perator controls are evolv- ing as industrial equip- ment, emergency vehicles,
The best approach is not
necessarily the most advanced interface. It is the one that matches the machine, its envi- ronment, and the tasks an opera- tor must perform.
Reducing Wiring Complexity Traditional electromechani-
cal switches use point-to-point wiring, with dedicated conduc- tors for each function. This re-
mains practical for simple ma- chines, but wiring volume, weight, labor, and potential fail- ure points increase as more con- trols are added. CAN-based systems connect
switches, keypads, and displays as intelligent nodes on a shared communications bus. In many applications, a control bank re- quires only power, ground, CAN High, and CAN Low. The change also makes
functions software-defined. But- tons can behave differently ac- cording to machine mode, while LEDs can communicate operat- ing status, faults, or warnings. Updates can be made without physically rewiring the control panel.
To Be Creative
Strip Series B300 Ultra
Consistent Quality Built Into Every Cycle The B300 Ultra combines high-performance cable processing with award-winning quality monitoring to deliver exceptional stripping accuracy and process reliability. Its integrated Adaptive Incision Control (AIC) and Automatic Conductor Detection (ACD) technologies automatically optimize every cycle, helping manufacturers reduce scrap, protect conductors, and achieve consistent, repeatable results.
production environment
AIC automatically optimizes incision depth for faster setup and optimal stripping quality
ACD continuously monitors blade-to- conductor contact in real time to prevent damage and maximize process reliability
Wire Solutions for a Connected World
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Selecting the Right Interface Traditional switches remain
effective when functions are sim- ple and unlikely to change. They are familiar, inexpensive, and easy to troubleshoot. CAN rockers provide a natu-
ral transition for OEMs that want digital functionality with- out giving up tactile operation. They are well suited to emer- gency, construction, and utility equipment where operators may need to activate controls without looking away from the task. Fixed CAN keypads place
several programmable functions within a compact panel. They work best on stable machine platforms where the physical leg- ends and control arrangement will remain consistent. Modular keypads add inter-
changeable inserts or config- urable button sections. This can simplify prototyping and support equipment families that share a basic design but require different controls or branding. Graphical displays offer the
greatest information density and flexibility. A touchscreen can combine diagnostics, sensor data, machine status, setup guidance, and operating controls. However, displays do not provide the tactile certainty of physical switches.
Combining Physical and Graphical Controls
Many OEMs are therefore
choosing hybrid architectures. A display may handle diagnostics and settings, a keypad may con- trol operating modes, and rock- ers may remain in place for fre- quent or safety-critical functions. This layered approach is es-
pecially useful when operators must maintain visual attention on their surroundings. Physical controls support muscle memory, while graphical displays present
The best operator
interface is not the most advanced one, but the one best matched to the machine, operator and environment.
detailed information when condi- tions permit. Software has become as im-
portant as the hardware itself. Embedded logic can change but- ton behavior, control LED feed- back, establish safety interlocks, and communicate machine con- ditions without adding more re- lays or wiring. HMI Systems supports
these architectures with CAN rockers, fixed PKE keypads, modular PKU keypads, graphi- cal displays, and software config- uration tools. Supplier engineer- ing support is also important be- cause customization, prototyp- ing, and application-specific pro- gramming can determine how ef- ficiently a design reaches pro- duction. The objective is not to re-
place every switch with a screen. It is to combine tactile access, compact controls, information visibility, and software flexibility in a way that improves operation and leaves room for future changes.
Contact: Wesgarde, 2820
Drane Field Road, Lakeland, FL 33811 % 1-800-554-8866 E-mail:
info@wesgarde.com Web:
www.wesgarde.com r
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