TTControl: Pioneering Control Systems for Mobile Machinery
High-performance control systems and advanced electronics tailored for mobile machinery and off-highway vehicles
TTControl is a joint venture between TTTech Group and HYDAC International, specialising in high-performance control systems and advanced electronics tailored for mobile machinery and off-highway vehicles.
A Leader in Functional Safety
Our software and hardware platforms empower equipment manufacturers to develop highly reliable electronic control systems efficiently and cost-effectively. In South Africa, we are a dominant force in the mining industry, serving OEM companies that manufacture machinery for both local and international markets. Additionally, we have a growing presence in the agricultural sector.
Challenges Faced by Our Customers
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often encounter challenges as their vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, relying heavily on advanced controllers and software. This evolution has highlighted the inadequacies of traditional approaches, necessitating the integration of more electronics. Some companies attempt to address these issues locally and economically, which can lead to long-term reliability problems. Common issues include insufficient input/output (I/O) capabilities in controllers, displays, and devices, as well as inadequate CAN bus interfaces, complicating the design, development, and servicing of these machines.
Our Solutions
TTControl provides the essential hardware to address these challenges. Our offerings are complemented by HYDAC MATCH, a TÜV-certified software suite designed for the development and maintenance of control software for mobile machinery. Together, TTControl and HYDAC MATCH deliver a comprehensive hardware and software solution for the complete lifecycle of the machine. While our software does not encompass the entirety of application development, it equips customers with the necessary tools to provide a superior software product, tested library function blocks, automated code and document generation to enable faster development while improving deliverables.
Product Specifications
TTControl distinguishes itself with a sophisticated level of functional safety requirements that accompany our devices, setting us apart from our competitors. Our telematics and connectivity solutions align with the growing demand for big data, enabling informed decision-making. For instance, real-time data collection on mining sites can facilitate problem-solving related to operational settings. Our hardware includes controllers or electronic control units (ECUs), which serve as the processing core of the system. To address the need for additional I/O connections, we offer cost-effective CANopen I/O modules that expand input and output capabilities.
We also provide human-machine interfaces (HMIs), known as operator interfaces or display screens, featuring our new Vision 3 range available in sizes of five, seven, and twelve inches. These screens are not only aesthetically pleasing and robust but are also designed for future-proofing, allowing for future upgrades. Equipped with CAN, ISOBUS and Ethernet interfaces, these devices facilitate seamless communication, ensuring developments stay relevant for the future.
Our comprehensive solution includes application development, software for application development, and a wide array of sensors with various signals, including CAN, valves, pumps, and motors. We also offer engineering support through our team of approximately 20 engineers and a complete mechatronics team based in Johannesburg, capable of providing guidance on controllers and delivering complete software development solutions, among other services. We can execute the full hydraulic and electrical design for machinery.
Customer-Centric Approach
Recognising that OEM businesses typically have their own development teams, we strive to integrate these teams swiftly, particularly when transitioning from other brands of controllers. TTControl offers customers superior quality, time savings, and user-friendly products.
HYDAC MATCH Software
HYDAC MATCH software allows us to deliver tailored solutions based on individual customer requirements, whether a machine necessitates a display or operates with a single controller. This flexibility enables us to provide cost-effective solutions that cater to specific needs. MATCH is designed to program software for the entire lifecycle of the machine, not just for initial development and testing.
This is exemplified by MATCH's commitment to involving customers in the selection of display features for the service tool during the development phase. This approach ensures that service technicians, who are required to perform maintenance on the machines can execute their tasks with maximum efficiency. The service tool can be operated from either a laptop or our HYDAC HMG handheld data logger.
This after-sales service is particularly crucial for OEM customers, many of whom sell machines and provide after-sales support, including the sale of spare parts. Consequently, our offerings significantly simplify the management of their products and after-sales services.
These functionalities are integrated into the MATCH platform.
Benefits of MATCH
Advanced development capabilities in C (Eclipse), CODESYS©, or MATLAB/SIMULINK©
TÜV-certified software suite ensuring high standards of safety and quality
Automated generation of documentation records for streamlined traceability
Significant time savings throughout the development process
Comprehensive support for the entire machine lifecycle
Integrated service tools for enhanced maintainability
Benefits of TTControl
Key advantages of our hardware include an extensive number of I/O and CAN ports, which differentiate us from competitors, as well as the robust functional safety integrated into our devices. Our hardware is engineered to withstand the demanding conditions prevalent in Africa.
Additional benefits include
- Rapid and economical development of reliable control systems
- Long-term safety and reliability
- Innovative technology
- Operational flexibility through production outsourcing
- Solutions that meet stringent safety, reliability, and usability standards
With TTControl, we are committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the performance and safety of mobile machinery, ensuring our customers can navigate the complexities of modern engineering with confidence.
TTControl Application: Hydraulic Excavator
HYDAC Cape Town, in September 2024, completed a retrofit system on a HITACHI hydraulic excavator. HYDAC’s customer converted the excavator to a pole planter/ pile driver by replacing the excavator arm with a pole planting attachment. A pole planter/ pile driver is a heavy-duty tool used to drive piles into the ground for a variety of purposes, such as: building fences and constructing vineyards. The attachment consisted of a mast with a pole grab and hammer. In total the mast has 5 degrees of freedom.
HYDAC supplied a custom designed manifold with proportional pressure control valves which takes control of some of the machine functions during certain operating modes. A TTControl HY-TTC 580 mobile controller and eVision2 7.0 display screen was integrated into the machine’s cab. The operator can conveniently activate various control modes with push-buttons on the control joystick or from the 7” display screen.
A HYDAC HIT 1500 inclinometer with motion compensation is used to measure the angle of the mast. The TTC controls the mast to a set-point, which can be adjusted on the display screen. The system can reach the set-point with an accuracy of ±0.3° within a reasonably quick time.
Total supply consisted of the following:
- System design: electrical, hydraulic and software
- Supply of manifold assembly
- Supply and installation of electrical harness
- Commissioning
