P-Bus system monitors PSS, PSM3 & PSL – central monitoring and control of the onboard system
The P-Bus system monitors PSS, PSM3 and PSL are the central display and control unit of the P-Bus energy management system for monitoring and controlling the entire onboard electrical system. They show battery status, power consumption, energy balance, tank levels, temperatures and AC and DC supply in real time – for use in boats, yachts, motorhomes, expedition vehicles and special vehicles.
In brief: P-Bus system monitors connect all components of the onboard electrical system via a CAN bus network and display all relevant system data centrally on one or more touch displays. The page P-BUS shows how the system is structured.
What are P-Bus system monitors and how do PSS, PSM3 and PSL work?
The P-Bus system monitors PSS, PSM3 and PSL are touch control units for the P-Bus energy management system. Via a CAN bus network they communicate with all connected P-Bus components and display battery data, tank levels, temperatures, switching states and AC and DC supply data in real time.
Several system monitors can be operated in parallel at the same time – at different locations in the vehicle or on board, each with individually configurable displays. PSS, PSM3 and PSL differ in display size, resolution and range of functions – all three models are fully P-Bus compatible and can be used together in the same system.
Which P-Bus components can be connected to the system monitors?
The P-Bus system is modular and scalable. Starting with a single battery management shunt, it can be expanded step by step into a complete energy management system:
| P-Bus component |
Function |
| SHX 300 |
Battery monitoring & energy balance – state of charge, current, voltage |
| SHC 612 |
Battery monitoring for up to 6 battery banks simultaneously |
| CMT3 tank interface |
Tank monitoring for up to 4 tanks |
| CMR4 switching interface |
Control and display of up to 4 switching functions |
| CAV AC interface |
Monitoring of the AC system (shore power, generator) |
| TPC4 temperature interface |
Temperature monitoring at up to 4 measuring points |
| LAU AC changeover unit |
Control and monitoring of AC changeover units |
| ACE charger series |
Integration of chargers into the P-Bus system |
| EM-Box |
Energy management box for extended system functions |
Using P-Bus as a battery monitor – how does it work?
With just a single battery management shunt, the P-Bus system monitor can be used as a full battery monitor – without any further components. Two variants are available:
SHX 300: records state of charge, current, voltage and also the entire energy balance of the onboard system. Precise in lithium systems too.
SHC 612: allows up to six battery banks to be monitored simultaneously – ideal for onboard systems with starter, service and lithium batteries.
Both shunts communicate directly with the system monitor via the CAN bus network.
How is the P-Bus system wired and networked?
All P-Bus components are networked via M12 connection cables, which link all devices via the CAN bus network. Thanks to the standardised M12 plug system, connection is straightforward. When planning a P-Bus system, allow for suitable M12 connection cables in sufficient length and number.
Firmware updates for P-Bus system monitors – how do I stay up to date?
Current firmware updates for all compatible P-Bus components are available in the download area. Regular updates extend the functions of the system monitors and ensure maximum system stability. It is recommended to install the latest firmware before commissioning.
Frequently asked questions about P-Bus system monitors
Can several system monitors be operated at the same time?
Yes. Several PSS, PSM3 or PSL monitors can be operated in parallel in the same P-Bus system – at different positions in the vehicle or on board, with individually configurable display content.
Which data do the P-Bus system monitors display?
Battery status, power consumption, energy balance, tank levels (up to 4 tanks per CMT3), temperatures (up to 4 measuring points per TPC4), switching states (up to 4 functions per CMR4) and AC and DC supply data.
Is the P-Bus system suitable for lithium batteries?
Yes. The P-Bus system is designed for modern onboard systems with lithium batteries, inverters and battery-to-battery chargers. The SHX 300 shunt records state of charge, current, voltage and energy balance precisely in lithium systems too.
What is the difference between PSS, PSM3 and PSL?
PSS, PSM3 and PSL differ in display size, resolution and range of functions. All three models are fully P-Bus compatible and can be operated in parallel in the same system.
How many tanks and temperature sensors can the system monitor?
The CMT3 tank interface monitors up to 4 tanks per unit, the TPC4 temperature interface measures at up to 4 points simultaneously. By using several interfaces, the number of monitored points can be extended as required.
Can I also switch loads via the system monitor?
Yes. The CMR4 switching interface allows up to 4 switching functions to be controlled directly via the touchscreen of the system monitor.
