PL -Product Link
TMI - Technical Marketing Information
PW - PowerWizard
CDL - Caterpillar Data Link
CAN - Controller Area Network
PL Web UI - Product Link Web User Interface
MUI - Mechanical Unit Injected
FBR - Fuel Burn Rate
kWh - kilowatt-hour
kVArh - kilovolt-ampere-reactive-hour
Identifying the Version of Caterpillar Control Panels
The most reliable method of identifying what version of generator control and engine control is installed is to run a Product Status Report using Cat® ET.
In addition, as-shipped factory information can be referenced by accessing the Technical Marketing Information (TMI) system at tmiweb.cat.com. Locate as-shipped factory information on TMI through the following steps:
- Select "Engine/Parts Data" from the left-hand navigation list
- Click "Order Inv. w/Eng Breakdown" in the top middle screen
- Scroll down and look on the right side for the generator control and engine control
- Enter the genset package serial number in the Reference Number field and select "Serial Number" from the drop-down menu. Click Retrieve Data
PL Feature Capability Set Defined
The PL Feature capability set can be separated into Basic PL Features and Advanced PL Features. All the following features are available in Product Link Web User Interface (PL web UI).
GPS location determined from the radio. Requires either a PL641 or PL631 radio. Requires external antenna for PL641e and PL631e.
Total engine run hours. Source of engine hours depends on the controls on the datalink. The below order of priority is used in determining the source of hours to display in PL web UI:
- Engine Control
- Generator Control (EMCP or PW)
- PL Hardware
Note: The Cat® Product Link hardware can sense engine running based on engine speed signal from the datalink or R-terminal wire if connected to an AC or DC source. These hours are only displayed if the other controls are Not present.
The last reported status of the asset. Under Normal operating conditions, the last reported status will be that of Engine Stopped, Engine in Cool Down, or Engine Running.
If conditions are present that may disrupt/prevent the engine from running, a Not Ready to Run status will be displayed. The following conditions are provided to aid in troubleshooting:
- Not in Auto Mode: The engine control switch on the EMCP/PW is Not in "AUTO". Generator Control Not in Automatic Warning (4007-31) is present in EMCP/PW event log.
- E-stop Pressed: Emergency Stop Shutdown (970-31) is present in EMCP/PW event log.
- Shutdown Occurred: A shutdown fault has occurred. The shutdown fault should be present in the EMCP/PW event log.
- Not Ready to Auto-Parallel: Generator Not Ready to Auto Parallel Warning (3568-31) is present in EMCP 4.4 event log.
Engine controls support various fault codes. The specific codes can vary per engine type. The datalink these codes are communicated on can also vary. Engine fault codes can be communicated on Caterpillar’s proprietary datalink (CDL) or J1939 Controller Area Network (CAN). Identify the datalink supported by reviewing documentation for your genset package.
EMCP/PW supports various fault codes. The specific code supported depends the EMCP/PW hardware and software installed. Always ensure that you have the latest EMCP/PW software installed. EMCP II/II+ family of controls communicates fault codes over Caterpillar’s proprietary datalink (CDL). EMCP 3 & 4 and PW controls communicate fault codes over J1939 Controller Area Network (CAN).
Total fuel burned (gallons), idle fuel burn, and working fuel burned are parameters communicated by a fuel flow meter control or engine control. The below order of priority is used in determining the source of fuel burn to display in PL web UI:
- Fuel Flow Meter Control
- Engine Control
Note: Support for these parameters may vary per engine type. Parameters Not supported on Mechanical Unit Injected (MUI) engines.
Fuel Burn Rate (FBR) is calculated in PL web UI from fuel burn and engine hours.
Generator parameters kilowatt-hours (kWh) and kilovolt-ampere-reactive-hours (kVArh) are communicated from the EMCP/PW. Support for these parameters depends the EMCP/PW hardware and software installed. Always ensure that you have the latest EMCP/PW software.
Average power factor is calculated in PL web UI from kWh & kVArh. Both must be supported for calculation.
Average kW (Average %kW) is calculated when there is a change in kWh over the selected date range. Average %kW is displayed if the user enters the rated power of the generator.
Fuel level percentage is communicated from the EMCP/PW. A fuel level sender is required and should be wired to an available analog input on the EMCP/PW. The type of fuel level sender required depends on the EMCP/PW hardware and software installed. Always ensure that you have the latest EMCP/PW software installed.
DC Voltage measured at +Battery/-Battery pins on PL hardware.
A user in PL web UI can configure alerts to be sent to an email address or email text message (SMS) to a mobile device. The alerting functionality in PL web UI is supported only with specific subscriptions. To enable alert configuration and viewing in PL web UI, your asset must be subscribed with Aide or Advisor subscription. The following alert rules can be configured.
Alerts can be received every time there is a fault code occurrence on the asset. The user can choose to receive fault code alerts for various severity levels. The following severity levels can be chosen:
- High: severity typically associated with diagnostics/events causing an engine to shut down. These faults may require immediate attention. For example, engine over speed shutdown event.
- Medium: severity typically associated with diagnostics/events that could eventually cause an engine to shut down. These faults may be warning the user that attention could be required. For example, low battery voltage warning event.
- Low: severity typically associated with diagnostics/events that are present but do Not require immediate attention. For example, engine in cool down event.
The user can also choose to receive fault code alerts for specific fault codes or choose to exclude specific fault codes.
Alerts can be received every time an asset crosses a pre-defined boundary. This "Geo Boundary" must first be defined in the Geo Boundaries menu before creating the alert rule. Once defined, the user can select the "Geo Boundary" and choose to receive an alert when the asset enters or exists the boundary.
Alerts can be received for engine status changes. A user can select to receive an alert for the following engine statuses:
- Engine Stopped
- Engine Running
- Engine in Cool Down
- Not Ready to Run
Note: The reason why the engine is "Not Ready to Run" will be included in the alert received. The possible reasons are explained above in Basic PL Features > Last Reported Status.
This alert is supported only on compatible assets.
Alerts can be received informing the user, the asset is No longer reporting information to PL web UI.
Alerts can be received when the PL hardware detects low battery voltage. The "Battery Voltage Threshold (Volts)" must first be configured in Device Configuration menu. Once configured, the user can enable battery voltage low alert rule.
Alerts can be received indicating the power status of the PL Hardware. A user can select to receive an alert for the following power statuses:
- Power Loss: main power to +battery/-battery pins on PL hardware was lost.
- Power Restore: main power to +battery/-battery pins on PL hardware was restored.
- Asset Move: PL Hardware has detected movement though being powered by secondary battery.
Note: A second battery connected to PL Hardware is required for the above alert rules.
Alerts can be received when low fuel level percentage is detected.
This alert is supported only on compatible assets.
The advanced PL features require the PL Elite (PLE601) hardware and configuration file. Standard configuration files are created and provided by CAT engineers. Customer configuration files can be created in PL Web UI.
Customer Configuration Tool (Aide/Advisor)
Customer Configuration Tool is accessible to assets with an Aide or Advisor level of subscription. More details on how to use this tool in PL web UI can be found on dealer.cat.com/PL.
Snapshots allow for the collection of data for all inputs present in the standard configuration file upon the occurrence of a configurable health condition. Health types:
- CDL Event Code
- CDL Diagnostic Code
- J1939 SPN-FMI
Snapshots can be downloaded and viewed in the "Fault Codes" tab on the asset equipment page. Snapshots can also be viewed in the "Data Visualization Tool" on assets with an Advisor subscription.
Data point loggers enable configuration of an input for which value metrics will be collected for the configured input when the configured condition is met.
Metrics collected include the minimum, maximum, and average for each parameter collected over a period of time in which the configured condition is met. A typical condition is "Engine Running".
On the asset equipment page, the Status Parameters tab displays a graphical view of each parameter to the user.
Standard parameters (Engine Oil Pressure, Engine Coolant Temperature, Engine Speed, Engine Load Factor) can be viewed here.
Assets with Aide level of subscription can view up to 10 more customer parameters. Customer parameters can be added to a customer configuration file using the Customer Configuration Tool.
Data Visualization Tool (Advisor)
The Data Visualization Tool is accessible for assets with Advisor level subscription. Value Point Indicator, Histogram, and Snapshots can be viewed in this tool. More advanced features can be viewed in this tool but are Not explained in this document.
Value Point Indicator (Advisor)
Data point logger similar to the Status parameters explained above. Up to 50 more customer parameters can be viewed. More customer parameters must be added to a customer configuration file using the Customer Configuration Tool.
Histograms enable the aggregation of data into user-defined buckets. Histograms can be defined as 2D (one axis) or 3D (two axes). A standard 3D histogram with Engine Speed and Engine Load Factor will be available. More histograms can be configured in the customer configuration tool.
PL PRO System Feature Capability Set for EMCP & Power Wizard
The Product Link PRO system supports the Basic PL Features and Alerts. The PL PRO hardware only supports the J1939 Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. PL PRO Systems are Not recommended on genset packages supporting primarily CDL.
The Product Link feature capability set depends both the engine control and generator control present on the supported datalinks. The table below displays PL PRO system feature capability set for genset packages with an EMCP or Power Wizard installed. Some features may be supported by the engine control if installed.
| Data Links Supported | PW X.0 | PW X.1 | EMCP 3.X | EMCP 4.X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J1939 Controller Area Network(CAN) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Basic PL Features | ||||
| Engine Hours | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Last Reported Status (Not Ready to Run) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Last Reported Status(Engine Running, Engine Stopped) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Last Reported Status(Engine in Cool Down) | No(1) | Yes(1)(2) | No(1) | Yes(1)(2) |
| Fault Codes | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) |
| Fuel Utilization (Fuel Burn/Fuel Burn Rate) | No(1) | No(1) | No(1) | No(1) |
| Kilowatt-hours(kWh) | PW 2.0 | PW 2.1 | EMCP 3.2/3.3 | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4 |
| Kilovolt-ampere-reactive-hours(kVArh) | No | PW 2.1(2) | No | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(2) |
| Average kW/Average kW% | PW 2.0 | PW 2.1(2) | EMCP 3.2/3.3 | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(2) |
| Fuel level (%) | PW 2.0(4)(5) | PW 2.1(5) | EMCP 3.2/3.3(4)(5) | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(5) |
| Battery Voltage(Vdc) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | |||
| Alerts(Aide, Advisor) | ||||
| Fault Codes | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) |
| Geo Boundary(Entry, Exit) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | |||
| Engine Status(Not ready to Run) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Engine Status(Engine Running, Engine Stopped) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Engine Status(Engine in Cool Down) | No(1) | Yes(1)(2) | No(1) | Yes(1)(2) |
| Device Status(Not Responding) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | |||
| Low System Battery Voltage | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | |||
| Power Loss(Asset Move, Power Loss, Power Restore) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | |||
| Low Fuel Level | PW 2.0(4)(5) | PW 2.1(5) | EMCP 3.2/3.3(4)(5) | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(5) |
| (1) | Feature could be supported by engine control. |
| (2) | Feature requires latest EMCP/PW software installed. |
| (3) | Specific code supported depends EMCP/PW hardware and software installed. |
| (4) | Feature supported ONLY with resistive fuel level senders. |
| (5) | Fuel level sender must be wired into available analog input on EMCP/PW and analog input must be configured properly using the service tool/display. |
PL ELITE System Feature Capability Set for EMCP & Power Wizard
The Product Link ELITE system supports the Basic PL Features, Alerts, and Advanced PL Features. The PL ELITE hardware supports the J1939 Controller Area Network (CAN), Caterpillar Data Link (CDL), and Modbus RTU, and Modbus TCP/IP protocols.
The Product Link feature capability set depends both the engine control and generator control present on the supported datalinks. The table below displays PL ELITE system feature capability set for genset packages with an EMCP or Power Wizard installed. Some features may be supported by the engine control if installed.
| Data Links Supported | EMCP II/II+ | PW X.0 | PW X.1 | EMCP 3.x | EMCP 4.X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J1939 Controller Area Network(CAN) | No(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Caterpillar Data Link(CDL) | Yes(1) | No(1) | No(1) | No(1) | No(1) |
| Modbus RTU | Yes | PW 2.0 | PW 2.1 | EMCP 3.2/3.3 | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4 |
| Modbus TCP/IP | No | No | No | No | EMCP 4.3/4.4 |
| Basic PL Features | |||||
| Engine Hours | No(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Last Reported Status (Not Ready to Run) | No(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Last Reported Status(Engine Running, Engine Stopped) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Last Reported Status (Engine in Cool Down) | No(1) | No(1) | Yes(1)(2) | No(1) | Yes(1)(2) |
| Fault Codes | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) |
| Fuel Utilization (Fuel Burn/Fuel Burn Rate) | No(1) | No(1) | No(1) | No(1) | No(1) |
| Kilowatt-hours(kWh) | No | PW 2.0 | PW 2.1 | EMCP 3.2/3.3 | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4 |
| Kilovolt-ampere-reactive-hours(kVArh) | No | No | PW 2.1(2) | No | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(2) |
| Average Power Factor | No | No | PW 2.1(2) | No | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(2) |
| Average kW/Average kW% | No | PW 2.0 | PW 2.1(2) | EMCP 3.2/3.3 | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(2) |
| Fuel Level(%) | No | PW 2.0 (4)(5) | PW 2.1(5) | EMCP 3.2/3.3(4)(5) | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(5) |
| Battery Voltage(Vdc) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | ||||
| Alerts(Aide, Advisor) | |||||
| Fault Codes | Yes(1) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) | Yes(1)(3) |
| Geo Boundary(Entry, Exit) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | ||||
| Engine Status(Not ready to Run) | No(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Engine Status(Engine Running, Engine Stopped) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes(1) |
| Engine Status(Engine in Cool Down) | No(1) | No(1) | Yes(1)(2) | No(1) | Yes(1)(2) |
| Device Status(Not Responding) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | ||||
| Low System Battery Voltage | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | ||||
| Power Loss(Asset Move, Power Loss, Power Restore) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | ||||
| Low Fuel Level | No | PW 2.0(4)(5) | PW 2.1(5) | EMCP 3.2/3.3(4)(5) | EMCP 4.2/4.3/4.4(5) |
| Advanced PL Features (Vitals, Aide, Advisor) | |||||
| Customer Configuration Tool(Aide/Advisor) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | ||||
| Snapshot | No(1) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) |
| Status Parameters (Min,Max,Average) (Vitals/Aide) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) |
| Data Visualization tool (Advisor) | Feature supported independent of EMCP/PW or engine control. | ||||
| Value Point Indicator (Min,Max,Average)(Advisor) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) |
| Histograms(Advisor) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) | Yes(1)(6) |
| (1) | Feature could be supported by engine control. |
| (2) | Feature requires latest EMCP/PW software installed. |
| (3) | Specific codes supported depends EMCP/PW hardware and software installed. |
| (4) | Feature Supported ONLY with resistive fuel level senders. |
| (5) | Fuel level sender must be wired into analog input on EMCP/PW and analog input must be configured properly using the service tool/display. |
| (6) | Parameter set (Generator, Engine) available for Advanced PL Features depends EMCP/PW and engine control installed. |