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Alternative to CrossControl: CAN Bus Controllers
Table of Contents
Why Look for an Alternative to CrossControl?
CrossControl provides robust electronic control solutions for mobile machinery.
Systems are recognized for:
Modularity
High-end computing capabilities
Compliance with international standards
Companies may seek alternatives due to:
Cost sensitivity
Project-specific customization needs
Shorter delivery times
Regional service availability
About CrossControl
Headquarters: Sweden
Founded: 1991
Core Focus: Machine intelligence platforms for industrial vehicles
Customers: OEMs, system suppliers, integrators
Industries Served:
Agriculture
Construction
Forestry
Material handling
Mining
Cargo terminals
Marine
Transport
Utilities
Products and Features
Displays (CCpilot series)
3.5–14 inch HMI and vehicle computers
Based on ARM and x86 platforms
Supports Linux, Qt, CODESYS, HTML5
Controllers
CrossLink TG – telematics/gateway with CAN, RS232, Ethernet, wireless, GNSS
CrossFire IX – compact I/O module with analog/digital I/O, PWM, CANopen slave
CrossFire SX – programmable controller with up to 32 I/O, 3 CAN, RS232, PWM, dual-core safety CPU
Software Ecosystem
LinX platform
CCLinux
Wayland protocol support
Modular application deployment, third-party integration
Technical Characteristics
Power supply: 8–48VDC (varies by model)
Communication: CAN, RS232, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE
Protocols: J1939, CANopen
Protection grade: IP65–IP67
Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Alternative Solution: SonnePower
Headquarters: China
Founded: 2007
Core Focus: Intelligent control solutions for mobile machinery and special equipment
Product Portfolio
Technical Characteristics
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Controllers: 18–66 I/O channels (DI, DO, AI, AO, PWM, H-Bridge), 8–32VDC supply
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Displays: 4.3–12.1 inch rugged HMIs, fast boot (<5s), CAN, Ethernet, CODESYS/Android
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I/O Modules: Intelligent distributed modules, 8–32 channels, high protection grade
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Keypads & Consoles: Customizable layouts with CAN communication
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Motor Systems: Integrated electric drives with controllers and cloud monitoring
Communication: 2–3 CAN, RS232, RS485, Ethernet
Protocols: J1939, CANopen, custom protocols
Protection grade: IP65–IP67
Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Need a CAN Bus Controller Solution?
SonnePower provides programmable controllers and integrated systems for construction, agriculture, sanitation, mining, and special-purpose machinery.
Applications
Construction machinery
Agricultural equipment
Sanitation vehicles
Firefighting and rescue vehicles
Mining and heavy industry
Ports and airport ground support
Aerial work platforms and logistics machinery
Oilfield equipment, AGVs, hydrogen energy systems
Case Example
SonnePower controllers and 7-inch displays used in Zoomlion cranes and sanitation trucks
Improved reliability, safety monitoring, and adaptability in real-world applications
Controller Comparison
| Feature / Aspect | CrossControl Controllers | SonnePower Controllers |
|---|---|---|
| Power Supply | 8–48VDC (varies by model) | 8–32VDC |
| I/O Channels (DI, DO, AI, PWM, H-Bridge) | CrossFire SX: 16 DI/AI, 16 DO (up to 4A), 2 H-Bridge | 18–66 channels; DI, DO, AI, AO, PWM, H-Bridge |
| Communication Interfaces | CAN (1–3), RS232, Ethernet, optional WiFi/LTE (TG) | CAN (2–3), RS232, RS485, Ethernet |
| Supported Protocols | J1939, CANopen | J1939, CANopen, Custom |
| Protection Grade (IP) | IP65–IP67 | IP65–IP67 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C |
| Dimensions / Weight | SX: 232×171×50 mm, ~1 kg; IX: 150×130×50 mm, <1 kg | Typical controllers: 180×160×50 mm, 0.8–1.2 kg |
Display Comparison
| Feature / Aspect | CrossControl Displays (CCpilot V510/V710) | SonnePower Displays (7-inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | NXP i.MX 8DualXPlus, Dual Cortex-A35 1.2GHz | ARM Cortex-A9 Dual-core 800MHz (typical) |
| Memory / Storage | 1GB RAM, 4GB eMMC, MicroSD | 512MB–1GB RAM, 4–8GB Flash, SD card support |
| Display | 5” or 7” IPS, 800×480 WVGA, 800 cd/m² brightness, optical bonded | 7” TFT, 800×480 WVGA, 600–1000 cd/m² brightness |
| Touch / Keys | Optional capacitive multi-touch (glove support) + 8–10 programmable keys | Capacitive touch, customizable UI (no fixed hardware keys) |
| Communication Interfaces | 2×CAN FD, Ethernet, USB, RS232 (on some models) | 2×CAN, RS232, RS485, Ethernet |
| Supported Protocols | J1939, CANopen, HTML5, Qt, CODESYS | J1939, CANopen, Custom protocols |
| Operating System | CCLinux (Yocto), Wayland, supports Qt, HTML5, Python, Docker | Linux/Android, CODESYS runtime |
| Protection Grade (IP) | IP65 / IP66 / IP67 | IP65 / IP67 |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C ~ +70°C | -40°C ~ +85°C |
| Special Features | Wayland protocol, 3s cold start, video streaming, multi-OS support | Fast boot (<5s), customizable UI/boot logo, cost-effective |
Applications
CrossControl
Agriculture machinery with ISOBUS support.
Forestry equipment for harsh environments.
Mining trucks and drilling rigs with high I/O requirements.
Cargo handling (cranes, AGVs, terminal systems).
Marine and rail transport with compliance to safety standards.
Utility and sanitation vehicles.
SonnePower
Construction (excavators, cranes, loaders).
Agriculture (tractors, harvesters, seeders).
Sanitation (garbage trucks, sweepers, sprinklers).
Firefighting and rescue vehicles.
Mining and heavy industry machinery.
Port and airport ground support equipment.
Aerial work platforms and logistics machinery.
Oilfield equipment, AGVs, hydrogen energy vehicles.
Differences Between CrossControl and SonnePower
Industry Coverage
CrossControl solutions are often deployed in high-end markets such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and transport. SonnePower covers these sectors and additionally supports sanitation, logistics, airport ground support, AGVs, and hydrogen energy vehicles, which broadens its relevance in emerging markets.
Customization
CrossControl hardware follows a modular design with predefined configurations. SonnePower controllers and HMIs can be tailored with customized I/O layouts, protocols (J1939, CANopen, custom), user interface, and even startup graphics, allowing faster adaptation to OEM-specific requirements.
Delivery Cycle
CrossControl products typically follow longer delivery schedules due to engineering and certification complexity. SonnePower provides shorter lead times, which benefits projects where rapid prototyping or faster production rollout is required.
System Cost
CrossControl devices combine advanced hardware and software ecosystems, which increases overall project cost. SonnePower maintains IP67 protection, wide temperature ranges, and CAN bus compatibility while offering more cost-effective solutions.
Case Examples
SonnePower controllers and 7-inch displays have been deployed in Zoomlion cranes and sanitation trucks, enhancing real-world safety monitoring and operation reliability. These implementations demonstrate field-tested adaptability in demanding environments.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Alternative
Cost and Pricing Flexibility: Differences in overall system cost may influence project feasibility.
Customization Level: Some industries require tailored I/O configurations or communication protocols.
Industry Coverage: Applications differ; alternatives may focus more on sanitation and emerging markets.
Technical Compatibility: Both brands support CANopen and J1939, but differences exist in additional protocol and interface support.
Delivery and Service: Regional service networks and delivery cycles may vary between suppliers.
FAQs
Why do companies search for alternatives to CrossControl?
Some companies seek alternatives due to price constraints, customization requirements, or delivery schedules. Regional service support may also be a factor.
Does the alternative support J1939 protocol?
Yes. SonnePower controllers support J1939, CANopen, and can be adapted for custom protocols.
Are the protection grades comparable?
Both CrossControl and SonnePower controllers provide IP65–IP67 protection for harsh environments.
What is the operating temperature range?
Both brands specify -40°C to +85°C for their controllers, suitable for outdoor mobile machinery.
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WIKA vs SonnePower: Mobile Machinery Controller Supplier
Table of Contents
Mobile machinery controllers are vital for safety, stability, and efficiency in construction, agriculture, and special vehicles. Choosing the right supplier means balancing technology, cost, and service flexibility. This article compares WIKA Mobile Control and SonnePower, giving global buyers a clear view of their strengths and helping identify the best partner.
Company Overview
WIKA Mobile Control
WIKA Mobile Control, a subsidiary of the WIKA Group, is a global leader in mobile machinery control and safety solutions. With over 50 years of expertise and R&D and production facilities in Germany, the United States, and China, the company provides controllers, sensors, and automation platforms widely used in cranes and other heavy-duty applications, ensuring safety and reliability under the most demanding conditions.
SonnePower
SonnePower, established in 2007, is a technology-driven company specializing in control solutions for special equipment. Its product portfolio includes controllers, displays, intelligent distributed I/O, and keypads, which are widely applied in construction, agriculture, ports, mining, oil, airports, firefighting, aerial work platforms, cranes, AGVs, and hydrogen energy equipment.
Supported by an experienced R&D team, strong partnerships with leading industry brands, and rigorous quality control, SonnePower delivers reliable, innovative, and customized solutions trusted by customers worldwide.
Product and Application Comparison
WIKA Mobile Control
Main product :
- Controls & I/O: cSCALE controllers, DIO modules
- Sensors: pressure sensors, force sensors (fSENS), geometric sensors (gSENS), anti-two block switches
- Human-Machine Interfaces: HMI displays, consoles
- Safety & Software: trueSafety solutions, qSCALE RCL software library
- Wireless & Accessories: wireless communication solutions, trip amplifiers
- Application Solutions: LMI load moment indicators, retrofit solutions
In short
WIKA offers a one-stop portfolio for mobile machinery, covering controllers, sensors, HMIs, safety software, and retrofit solutions, with particular strength in cranes and safety monitoring.
Application Areas
WIKA Mobile Control focuses its applications mainly on lifting and heavy-duty machinery — especially cranes (lattice, telescopic, offshore), as well as specialized machines like pipelayers, telehandlers, compact crawlers, and demolition excavators.
SonnePower
Main product
- Controllers: programmable mobile controllers for various machinery applications
- Human-Machine Interfaces: rugged displays (HMI) in multiple sizes for extreme environments
- I/O Modules: intelligent distributed I/O modules with flexible channel configurations
- Keypads & Consoles: customizable keypads and operator panels for easy control
- Integrated Systems: complete control and display solutions tailored to machinery needs
- Motors & Motor Controllers: intelligent powertrain systems integrating motors, controllers, and cloud-enabled monitoring, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance issues
In short:
SonnePower delivers flexible and cost-effective control and powertrain solutions for mobile machinery, covering controllers, HMIs, I/O modules, keypads, integrated systems, and intelligent motors. These products are widely applied in construction, agriculture, sanitation, firefighting, and mining equipment, and are trusted by over 100 customers including Zoomlion, Infore, CLW Group, XCMG, and Shenzhen Dongfeng.
Application Areas
- Construction Machinery: excavators, loaders, pumps, cranes.
- Agricultural Equipment: seeders, harvesters, tractors.
- Sanitation Vehicles: garbage trucks, sweepers, sprinklers.
- Fire & Rescue: fire trucks, foam trucks, aerial platforms.
- Mining & Heavy Industry: drilling rigs, underground transport.
- Ports & Logistics: cranes, material handling, automation.
- New Energy: AGVs, hydrogen energy equipment.
Controller Comparison: WIKA vs SonnePower
| Feature / Aspect | WIKA cSCALE Controllers | SonnePower Controllers |
|---|---|---|
| Power Supply | 8–32VDC | 8–32VDC |
| Communication | Multi-CAN, CANopen Safety, J1939, Ethernet, USB | 2–3 CAN, RS232/RS485, Ethernet; supports CANopen, J1939 |
| Programming | CoDeSys IEC 61131-3 + C/C++ | CoDeSys 3.5 (some 2.3); flexible and compatible |
| I/O Range | Scalable, up to >100 I/O with modular expansion | 18–66 I/O across models (DI, DO, AI, AO, PWM) |
| Safety Certification | TÜV-certified, PL d / SIL 2 (trueSafety) | Limited certifications; focus on functional performance |
| Design Concept | Strong modularity, dual CPU (safety + application) | Compact to high-end options, fast adaptation, flexible MOQ |
| Extra Features | Pre-certified safety libraries, safety redundancy | WiFi, 4G, BeiDou positioning, 64GB storage, IoT-ready |
| Application Focus | Cranes, lifting machinery, safety-critical environments | Construction, agriculture, sanitation, firefighting, mining |
| Market Positioning | High-end, certification-driven, higher cost | Cost-effective, fast delivery, wide industry coverage |
Customer Case: Displays and Controllers in Zoomlion Cranes
Zoomlion, a leading construction machinery manufacturer, required a control and display system with fast response, multi-protocol support, and high reliability for its next-generation cranes. SonnePower delivered an integrated solution with a 7-inch display and controller, offering extensive I/O resources, CANopen/J1939 compatibility, customizable UI, and reliable operation from -40°C to +70°C.
The solution enabled faster boot-up, enhanced diagnostics, and stable performance, greatly improving usability, safety, and efficiency. With this upgrade, Zoomlion strengthened its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
Why SonnePower for Mobile Machinery Controllers?
- Wide Applications – serving construction, agriculture, sanitation, firefighting, and mining.
- Flexible Customization – tailored I/O, protocols, and UI to meet customer needs.
- Fast Response – quicker delivery and direct engineer support.
- Cost-Effective – reliable performance with optimized investment.
- Smart Features – options for WiFi, 4G, BeiDou, and IoT-ready functions.
- Trusted Partnerships – proven by collaborations with leading brands like Zoomlion and XCMG.
Conclusion
WIKA cSCALE controllers excel in safety certification and crane applications but are costly, slow to deliver, and industry-specific. SonnePower offers broader applications—construction, agriculture, sanitation, firefighting, and mining—with flexible customization, faster response, and strong cost-effectiveness. Advanced features like WiFi, 4G, and BeiDou make SonnePower the more suitable partner for international buyers seeking reliable and smart solutions.
Ready to power your machinery with smarter, flexible, and cost-effective controllers?
Contact SonnePower today to get your customized solution!
