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20.06.2025

The Unsung Heroes Behind an Excavator’s Transformation

During the conversion of a diesel engine-driven excavator into an electric motor-powered one, we needed a 4-20 mA analog current output to control the frequency inverter precisely. However, the MOBA MPC113 and MSC113 control units lacked this analog output. That’s when the small but mighty MRS Micro PLC CAN 4 ANA module came to the rescue.

The control heroes behind the diesel-to-electric transition: MRS Micro PLC CAN 4 ANA and MOBA MPC

How it works

A simple and effective solution:

  • The original stepwise throttle input (“thumbwheel”) of the Caterpillar-based excavator was read via CAN J1939
  • For each step, the MRS module generated the corresponding 4-20 mA signal
  • The electric motor was precisely controlled through the frequency inverter, successfully replacing the diesel engine

Division of labour

While the MOBA control units managed the overall system, the MRS Micro PLC stepped in at a critical turning point with a compact yet vital solution, becoming the unsung hero of this electrification journey.

Kudos to MOBA and hats off to MRS Electronic.

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