From a Proven Platform to an Embedded Solution
A custom single-board controller based on the proven PR103 platform enabled an HVAC equipment manufacturer to integrate control directly into its products while reducing development time, engineering risks and hardware complexity.
Project Overview
Industry: HVAC
Solution: Embedded OEM Controller
Platform: PR103
Power Supply: 24 V DC / 230 V AC
Communication: Modbus RTU / TCP
Customer Challenge
Modern HVAC equipment requires embedded controllers that become an integral part of the product rather than a collection of automation components installed inside a control cabinet.
In this project, the customer needed a controller that could be installed directly inside the unit, connect to sensors and actuators, support Modbus communication and remote monitoring, and be available in both 24 V DC and 230 V AC versions. Developing a completely new electronic platform would have significantly increased project costs and extended development time.
Our Solution
Instead of developing new hardware from scratch, akYtec built the solution on its proven PR103 controller platform.
The result was OVK-P, a dedicated embedded single-board controller specifically designed for the customer's application. The hardware architecture, I/O configuration and communication interfaces were adapted to the actual requirements of the HVAC equipment while preserving the familiar programming environment and software workflow.
This approach combined the reliability of a proven controller platform with hardware optimized for serial production.
Customer Requirements
The project was driven by several key technical requirements:
- Embedded installation inside the HVAC unit
- Two power supply versions (24 V DC and 230 V AC)
- Direct connection to sensors and actuators
- Integrated Modbus communication
- Ethernet connectivity
- Remote monitoring
- One programming environment for all product variants
- Compact hardware optimized for serial production
Technical Highlights
The OVK-P controller integrates power supply, I/O and communication interfaces on a single board designed specifically for HVAC equipment.
Power Supply Options
- 24 V DC version
- 230 V AC version
- Identical programming environment for both models
Communication
- Two galvanically isolated RS-485 interfaces
- Modbus RTU / ASCII
- Ethernet
- Modbus TCP
- Remote access without an external gateway
I/O
- 17 application-specific input channels
- Relay outputs
- Analogue outputs
- Configurable safe output states
Software
- Graphical FBD programming
- USB-C configuration
- Retain memory
- Real-time clock
- Data archiving for diagnostics and servicing
Engineering Benefits
Building the controller on a proven platform provided significant advantages for the equipment manufacturer.
Instead of integrating multiple automation components inside a control cabinet, the customer received a compact embedded controller specifically designed for its own product.
Key benefits include:
- Embedded control integrated directly into the machine
- Reduced number of external components
- Simplified wiring and assembly
- Faster production
- Less cabinet space required
- One software platform for multiple product versions
- Easier commissioning and servicing
- Lower engineering risk
- Faster OEM product development
Result
The project demonstrates how a proven controller platform can be transformed into a dedicated OEM solution, enabling manufacturers to bring new products to market faster while reducing engineering risk.
It created an embedded OEM platform capable of supporting multiple HVAC product variants while maintaining a common software architecture.
The platform supports two power-supply versions, standard HVAC sensors and actuators, Ethernet networking, programmable control algorithms and remote monitoring. Future product generations can evolve through software updates without requiring hardware redesign, providing a scalable foundation for long-term product development.
Looking for a Custom OEM Solution?
Whether you need a white-label controller, a private-label product or a fully customized embedded solution, our engineering team can help you accelerate product development and reduce time-to-market.
