Description
DEIF EPQ96-2 | Electronic Potentiometer
Product Introduction
When a generator governor still depends on a motor potentiometer, mechanical wear is eventually going to become somebody’s maintenance problem. The DEIF EPQ96-2 takes that mechanical adjustment function and replaces it with digitally controlled electronics, providing manual and automatic governor control in a compact Q96 panel format.
The EPQ96-2 accepts control from a PI controller and converts the relay output into a control voltage/current or PWM signal for an electronic speed governor. It also incorporates a J1939-to-analog converter, while its power-loss behavior can restore either a preset value or the value held before the supply interruption.
This is generator-control hardware, not a general-purpose PLC I/O module. DEIF specifically positions the EPQ96-2 for electronic speed-governor applications, including generator systems using DEIF load-sharing and synchronization equipment.
EPQ96-2
Key Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: DEIF A/S
- Model: EPQ96-2
- Product Type: Electronic potentiometer
- Primary Function: Electronic speed-governor control
- Input Supply/Control Range: 18–32 VDC
- Control Modes: Manual / Automatic
- Governor Output: Control voltage/current or PWM
- CAN Function: J1939 CAN input
- Conversion Function: J1939 CAN to analog output
- Panel Format: Q96
- Mounting: Front/panel mounting
- Control Inputs: Preset, Up, and Down
- Indicators: Power, Auto/Manual, control activity, and CAN activity
- Power-Failure Function: Automatic restoration to preset or previous value
- Application: Electronic speed governors, generator controls, load sharing, and related power-management systems
The manufacturer’s documentation confirms the EPQ96-2 is a digitally controlled electronic unit designed to replace conventional motor potentiometers. The documentation also identifies the 18–32 VDC input range and front-panel indication scheme.
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
Generator Governor Retrofit
Without the :
A conventional motor potentiometer introduces moving mechanical components into the governor-control chain. That means wear, adjustment issues, and another mechanical component to troubleshoot.
The governor command is handled electronically, with manual/automatic operation and configurable output behavior. DEIF designed the unit specifically to replace conventional motor potentiometers.
Generator Load Sharing
A particularly relevant application is generator load sharing. DEIF specifies the as an interface between load-sharing equipment and an electronic governor. Its LSU-112DG documentation, for example, explicitly identifies the or EPN110DN as the governor interface.
That makes the useful in diesel and gas-generator systems where speed and power control have to remain predictable during standalone or parallel operation.
J1939 Integration
The J1939 CAN input is more than a marketing checkbox. It provides a path for CAN-based engine or control information to be converted into an analog control signal. DEIF documentation specifically identifies the J1939-to-analog conversion capability.
For a retrofit engineer, that can eliminate an additional signal-conversion stage—assuming the governor and CAN network are compatible.
Power-Failure Recovery
Power interruption is not unusual in generator-control environments.
The is designed to restore the potentiometer to an adjusted preset value or, depending on configuration, return to the value recorded before the supply interruption.
That behavior should be verified against the site’s generator-control philosophy before commissioning.
QA & Live Testing SOP
For , the inspection should focus heavily on the control interface and configuration.
- Part-number verification: Confirm the front and rear identification as .
- Physical inspection: Check the Q96 housing, front buttons, display/LED areas, terminal connections, and mounting hardware.
- Power test: Apply a controlled DC supply within the documented 18–32 VDC input range.
- Manual-mode test: Verify the Up/Down controls respond correctly.
- Auto-mode test: Confirm the unit responds correctly to simulated PI-controller relay commands.
- Output verification: Measure the configured analog or PWM output with appropriate test equipment.
- CAN test: Where equipment is available, verify CAN reception and corresponding output behavior.
- Power-loss test: Verify configured restart behavior according to the intended preset/previous-value setting.
- Indicator check: Confirm power, mode, input, and CAN status indications.
- ESD-safe packaging: Protect the controller and rear terminals during storage and shipment.
The manufacturer documentation includes dedicated commissioning, switch-setting, potentiometer-setting, indicator, and wiring sections—so configuration should be checked rather than guessed.
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide
❗ Do not wire the output until you know what the governor expects.
The can provide different forms of governor-control output, including analog and PWM. The receiving governor’s input specification must determine the configuration.
❗ 18–32 VDC is the control range—do not casually substitute a different supply.
Measure the actual cabinet supply before commissioning. Voltage drop during engine starting can also matter, particularly in generator installations.
❗ compatibility is not automatic.
Having a CAN connection does not mean every network will produce the required data. Confirm the relevant CAN messages, baud configuration, wiring, and receiving-device expectations before blaming the .
❗ Check the restart behavior after a power interruption.
The can restore a preset or previously stored value depending on configuration. That setting can directly affect governor behavior after power recovery.
Intent-Driven FAQ
What is the DEIF used for?
The is an electronic potentiometer used to control electronic speed governors. It replaces conventional motor potentiometers and supports manual or automatic control.
Does the support CAN?
Yes. The unit includes a CAN input and can convert information to an analog output.
What is the supply voltage?
The documented input range is 18–32 VDC.
Can the replace a motor potentiometer?
Yes. That is its primary purpose. DEIF specifically describes it as a digitally controlled electronic replacement for conventional motor potentiometers used with electronic speed governors.
Can be used with generator load-sharing equipment?
Yes. DEIF identifies the as a governor interface for its load-sharing equipment, including the LSU family.
Does have manual and automatic modes?
Yes. The front panel provides manual/automatic operation, with Up/Down controls for manual adjustment.
What happens if the loses power?
Depending on its configuration, the potentiometer can return to an adjusted preset value or restore the value that existed before the supply interruption.
Is a PLC module?
No. It is an electronic potentiometer for speed-governor control, not a conventional PLC CPU or I/O module. Treating it like a generic PLC card would lead to the wrong wiring and commissioning assumptions.
Bottom line: The is a specialized generator-control component built around electronic governor adjustment, manual/automatic operation, analog/PWM signaling, and CAN integration. For replacement procurement, verify the exact output configuration and governor interface before ordering—the part number alone does not tell you how the existing installation is configured.
