RoadRunner Automotive Controller Demonstrated at the RFI Annual Meeting
The SPD Control Systems Corporation (SCSC) "RoadRunner" 8-window automotive controller was demonstrated at the Research Frontiers, Inc. annual Meeting on June 12, 2008. The demonstration consisted of eight 16" x 20" windows with the latest Hitachi Chemical SPD film, being driven by the RoadRunner in a demonstration mode. Demonstration mode continually runs the windows through tinting transitions between various levels of clarity and darkness, with each window slightly out-of-step with the others.
For a video of the demonstration and product details select -
spdcontrolsystems.com
The RoadRunner controller is an important component for the integration of SPD by automotive companies. Together with RFI's film and window licensee's products, the SPD Control System Corporation's controllers provide the final components necessary for automotive companies to integrate SPD into their product lines.
The RoadRunner controller drives 8 SPD windows independently controlled by switches and sensors. Tinting is changed using a manual switch per window, a single switch for all the windows, and sensors to automatically override switch settings. There can also be switches and sensors configured for groups of windows. The unit is designed to be mounted in the trunk, under a seat or under the hood of the car, with control wires run to the car windows and sunroof.
The controller is DC powered using the vehicles battery. The controller can interface with a vehicle's on-board computer systems to provide sophisticated integration with the vehicle's systems. For example, when the vehicle is turned on, the windows could clear for 20 seconds and then return to the previous tint level when the vehicle was last turned off.
Peter Solaski, the SPD Control System Corporation CTO, stated that the RoadRunner controller is designed to be easily customized for the exacting requirements of automotive companies. Each automotive company will have different requirements for switches, sensors, and integration with on-board computers.
SPD Control Systems next controller will be a 1-window controller. This controller will have a very small footprint so that it can be co-located with the windows it is controlling; embedded in a door, roof, and just about any place in a vehicle. All the 1-window controllers are networked together in a car for coordinated operations.
Jay Moskowitz, Chairman of SPD Control Systems, noted that the RoadRunner controller contains a core engine that will be used for aerospace, marine, and for architectural projects. The RoadRunner is being enhanced to become a wireless architectural controller for small to large scale residential and commercial properties under a $600,000 contract SCSC has with NYSERDA, the New York Energy Research and Development Agency.
For more information about SPD Control Systems Corporation you can visit our web site or speak with John Petraglia (631-776-8500).
SPD Control Systems Corporation's only products are controllers and control systems to operate any and all SPD products. With a corporate background of building very sophisticated electronic and computer based telecommunication products, we are dedicated to becoming the electronics vendor of choice for all implementations of SPD Smart Glass.
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