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Newsroom : International Customer Pulse Poll : Multiplexing


Today's business-savvy customers demand vehicles that help increase their company's productivity while decreasing their day-to-day operating costs. To deliver on these expectations, International Truck and Engine Corporation is focused on finding new ways to make maintenance easier and improve reliability and uptime.

In particular, International customers have enjoyed the benefits of our new multiplexed electrical system, known as the Diamond Logic™ electrical system, a flexible, expandable technology that enables complete vehicle integration, connecting the engine, transmission, cab and body on one performance wavelength.

Diamond Logic technology cuts truck repair time by 20 percent because mechanics can access key components faster and easier. Those operational and maintenance benefits also add up to between $4,000 and $6,000 in life cycle savings for every 200,000 operating miles compared to previous models.

Advanced diagnostics reduce downtime with self-protected intelligent modules that help drivers and technicians pinpoint electrical problems. Remote power modules centralize electrical connections outside the cab, eliminating the need to route and splice wires. The plug-and-play capability of this system means body installers no longer have to hack through the truck's firewall and splice into its electrical system. For a medium-duty or Severe Service fleet, that means cutting down the body installation time and improving reliability and functionality through greater computer power.

What types of customers benefit most? The unique programmable characteristics of Diamond Logic technology mean that its benefits - including the ability to design, program and modify electrical features - are applicable in just about any business. However, those segments using complicated body equipment, such as customers in utility, emergency, waste and government applications benefit most from the capacity to modify each vehicle's electrical system to its precise application.

Over the past three years, International has consistently improved and upgraded the Diamond Logic electrical system, enhancing the productivity and performance of customers, operators and equipment manufacturers along the way.

The first stage of Diamond Logic technology, launched in 2001, introduced a multiplexed electrical system that contains new technologies in components such as solid state power switches, self-calibrating gauges, low-current switches and an LCD display that provides instant updates on performance indicators such as mileage, advanced diagnostics, and fuel economy. The system is expandable through the use of remotely mounted power modules and air solenoid modules. These self-diagnosing intelligent modules identify problems in the operation of the truck or its equipment, reducing overall repair troubleshooting time by as much as 80 percent. For fleet managers and technicians, that means improved reliability and uptime, wider intervals between maintenance and repairs, and a longer lifespan for the vehicles.

In 2002, International upgraded the system by offering the Diamond Logic Application Solution, which streamlines customer productivity by allowing the end user or equipment manufacturer to order factory-installed electrical features designed to control specific body equipment. These features are offered in broad categories such as PTO controls, multiple modes of remote engine speed control, switches with interlocks, audible and visual alarm systems, and high-amperage output features. In addition, this technology upgrade allows equipment parameters to be pre-programmed, automating and customizing the truck's performance. For example, by electronically controlling operating limits, the potential for equipment damage - and its associated costs - is greatly reduced.

Brand new this year, International will soon unveil the Diamond Logic Builder, another major step forward in the innovative functionality of the Diamond Logic technology platform. Based on close collaboration with TEMs, this new system will allow International dealers, body builders and end users to write custom software using an easy-to-operate graphical interface, to control body equipment in a manner that is unique to the customer's business.

While improving reliability, durability, ease of maintenance and lower operating costs have been the primary focus of the initial stages of Diamond Logic, this latest advancement significantly simplifies truck chassis and body equipment integration - and performance - for body builders and end users.

On the road, International® 4000 and 7000, and 8000 Series trucks and tractors deliver unparalleled responsiveness and performance, achieved through integrated powertrains, International diesel engines and chassis engineered for smooth ride and handling. The Industry's First High Performance Trucks® are making a real difference by delivering improved vehicle performance, employee performance and financial performance.

Diamond Logic technology hikes that performance up an additional notch, positioning International Truck and Engine Corp. as leaders in the field with this technology that makes trucks programmable.