DEIF XDi series FLEXIBLE DISPLAY INDICATORS

DEIF XDi series flexible display indicator: redefining ship bridge instruments

In modern ship bridge design, the flexibility, reliability, and maintainability of instrument systems have increasingly become the focus of attention for ship owners, designers, and crew members. Traditional analog indicators are limited by mechanical structures, and each parameter requires an independent instrument, which not only occupies a large amount of panel space, but also increases spare parts inventory and maintenance complexity. The XDi series flexible display indicators launched by DEIF, with virtual indicator technology as its core, completely breaks this limitation and provides a new instrument solution for applications such as ship propulsion control, navigation monitoring, and power positioning.

Product positioning and core philosophy

The XDi series is a patented lighting indicator display series developed by DEIF, which uses virtual display technology to integrate the functions of traditional multiple physical instruments into one or more high-resolution displays. This series of products breaks through the physical limitations of mechanical instruments, and through pre installed indicator libraries and flexible configuration options, allows crew members to combine and display multiple parameters on a single display screen, such as speed, pitch, azimuth, or speed, heading, water depth, etc.

1. Industry disruptors

The XDi series is known as the "game changer" of bridge instruments, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Save panel space: A single XDi indicator can replace multiple traditional instruments, significantly reducing the footprint of bridge control consoles

Simplified installation: reduces wiring workload, lowers installation time and costs

Flexible configuration: Indicator layout and parameter settings can be completed on site during installation

Convenient maintenance: Backup units can be quickly replaced without waiting for customized instrument spare parts

2. Application case: ZF Marine Krippen

ZF Marine Krippen adopts the XDi solution in its scalable azimuth thruster control. The traditional solution requires configuring different indicator dials for different working modes, while XDi can automatically switch the indicator display range according to the thruster mode. R&D engineer Johan Spruyt said, "With XDi, we have greatly saved space on the bridge operation panel, while simplifying daily operations. Regardless of the working mode, only one thruster indicator display screen is needed. ”

3. Application case: The world's first zero emission electric tugboat

ZeeTug, the world's first zero emission all electric tug, was built by Navtek Naval Technologies, a Türkiye ship designer. Its propulsion control system is integrated by BMA Technology. In this project, BMA Technology selected the highly customizable XDI 192 N indicator from DEIF and utilized its mode switching function to preset up to 4 screens on a single indicator, displaying relevant data for different combinations.

Product series and variants

The XDi series is divided into the following models based on display capability and interface configuration:

Model Function Description

XDi Dual displays 1 or 2 input values, suitable for dual parameter monitoring scenarios

XDi Multi displays multiple input values according to application requirements, suitable for complex parameter combinations

XDi-N is equipped with NX2 NMEA input/output module, supports XDi-net network sharing, and can switch between up to 4 screens for display

As a platform 2 product, XDi-N has more powerful features:

Supports analog, digital, and CAN interfaces

Equipped with hidden buttons (only for settings)

Optional front frame with 4 buttons for dimming and color control

Support mode group control through CAN bus

Technical architecture and pre installed libraries

1. Indicator library

The XDi series products come pre installed with a library file containing over 100 indicator layouts and functions, covering various application scenarios for ships. Library files are classified by application type for easy selection and ordering by users:

Promotion category (Owner 1):

Example of Application Type Library Number

Azimuth thruster Dual 001/Multi 001 azimuth angle and pitch

Tunnel thrusters Dual 011/Multi 011 thrust and direction

Main propulsion Dual 021/Multi 021 speed, pitch, power

Steering angle/Spray propulsion Dual 031/032 Steering angle, Spray angle

Dual 041/042 engine speed, shaft speed

Universal Digital Dual 051/052/Multi 051/052 Digital Parameters

Navigation category (owner 2):

Example of Application Type Library Number

Wind Direction Navigation 001 Relative Wind Speed, Wind Direction

Meteorological Navigation 011 Air pressure, temperature, humidity

Navigation class (owner 3):

Example of Application Type Library Number

Navigation 001 True heading and magnetic heading

Rotation rate Dual 002 Rotation rate

Speed and Depth Navigation 011 Speed and Depth

2. Product configuration files and virtual indicators

The library file contains preset content at the following three levels:

Product configuration file: includes CAN bus default parameters, dimmer group, input types, alarm and sound settings. NMEA settings are also pre-defined in the configuration file.

Virtual indicator: includes graphic design, which can be a DEIF standard design or a unique design customized according to customer needs. The graphic design complies with relevant ship standards and cannot be modified by users. The single virtual indicator of XDi-N can contain up to 4 screen designs, and users can switch between them.

Virtual indicator settings: Each virtual indicator has one or more settings configuration files that define unique configurations for input, output, control, and optional titles.

Customized solution

DEIF provides three levels of customized services to meet various needs from standard applications to complete branding.

1. Customization level 1: Standard combination library

If users frequently use the same set of standard indicators (such as combinations from azimuth thrusters, tunnel thrusters, and rudder angle libraries), DEIF can compile and pre install these indicators into a customized library for a one-time fee. The indicator content remains unchanged, organized only according to user preferences.

2. Customization level 2: Parameter adjustment

According to system requirements, fine tune standard indicators or default settings parameters to reduce installation site configuration time. The cost of this level is slightly higher than level 1.

3. Customization level 3: Fully customized

Suitable for customers who need unique designs that are consistent with the corporate brand image. DEIF leverages its experience in graphic design and system integration to create a complete custom library for clients. Common customization features include:

Virtual Indicator Design

Product matches customer system with input configuration file

Key frequency band setting

Relay output controlled by critical frequency band

Pop up windows and graphic symbol changes controlled by input values or thresholds

4. Customization of Front Frame Logo

For customers who wish to display their corporate logo on the indicator, DEIF recommends placing the logo on a detachable front frame. Adding a logo to virtual indicator design can take up valuable display space, reducing flexibility and readability.

Installation and configuration process

1. Physical installation

The XDi series adopts a standard panel installation method and is configured and upgraded through the rear USB interface. The expansion module adopts a "quick snap" design, which can be easily installed behind the host:

XDi 96 supports up to 1 expansion module

XDi 144/192 supports up to 2 expansion modules

The types of extension modules include:

NX1: 2 contact inputs for remote button control

NX2: Expansion module with NMEA input/output, supporting XDi net

DX1: Digital input module, used for mode selection and control

2. Installation Wizard and Configuration Lock

After XDi is powered on, it automatically starts the installation wizard and guides users to complete the initial setup:

Definition and locking: Assign CAN node ID, XDi marked as "available but not set" on the CAN bus

Automatic setting: XDi receives configuration from the CAN control system, locks the configuration after completion, and enters normal operation

Manual setting: Follow the wizard instructions to set application parameters, including red scale markings, etc

Final confirmation: After completing the setup, lock the configuration and ensure that the indicator meets the approval and regulatory requirements of the bridge indicator system

For XDi-N models, NMEA settings can be easily accessed in the final stage of the wizard.

3. On site configurable functions

Red Mark Setting: Up to 4 integrated scale red marks can be defined and set on site (if this function has been activated in the library)

Daytime and Nighttime Scale: The standard library includes both daytime and nighttime designs, and dusk design can be added upon request

Front button control: The front button allows for easy screen switching, dimming, and unit conversion. In the XDi-N system, pressing a button can simultaneously control the display of all XDi-N units within the group

XDi net and mode switching function

1. XDi net network

The XDi-N model supports XDi-net through the NX2 module, which is a network protocol based on the CAN bus and has the following characteristics:

Up to 5 indicators can be connected to the same CAN bus, sharing XDi net

NMEA data is shared via CAN bus

The front button can control the dimming level of all indicators within the group

2. Mode switching function

The virtual indicators in the XDi-N library can contain up to 4 screens, each of which can be assigned to modes 1 to 4. By default, Mode 1 corresponds to Screen 1, and so on. But users can assign any screen to any mode number.

Application example: In a system containing 4 XDi indicators, 4 operating modes can be configured:

Port mode

Navigation mode

Homework Mode

Information mode

The captain can switch all four indicators to the corresponding mode of screen display by pressing a button based on the current operational status. Screen allocation can be set through a shortcut menu, and the same screen can be assigned to multiple modes.

Mode switching method:

Use the left button of any indicator to switch

Switch through external buttons connected to NX1 or NX2 modules

Digital input through DX1 digital module (can be set to select modes 1-4)

Controlled by the integrated control system through CANopen or digital control input

Software updates and spare parts management

1. Convenient update mechanism

The XDi has a built-in USB interface at the rear, which allows for easy upgrading of library files or other updates. All standard libraries and customized libraries can be downloaded and uploaded to XDi devices for free. Even if you choose the wrong library file when ordering, there is no need to worry, it can be easily corrected on site.

2. Spare parts strategy

Due to XDi's integration of a virtual indicator library, solutions, and settings, fault issues can be immediately resolved by trained personnel. Reserve spare units of various sizes on board, and the crew can complete the replacement of faulty units within a few minutes, allowing the system to resume operation without waiting for customized instrument spare parts.

Summary of Technical Advantages

The XDi series flexible display indicator has brought revolutionary changes to ship bridge instrument systems, and its core advantages are reflected in:

Space saving: A single indicator replaces multiple traditional instruments, freeing up valuable bridge deck space

Simplified installation: reduces wiring workload, simplifies on-site configuration with installation guides

Flexible configuration: Over 100 pre installed indicator layouts available for on-site selection and adjustment

Mode switching: XDi-N supports up to 4 screens, which can be switched with one click according to the running mode

Network sharing: XDi net realizes multi indicator linkage control and data sharing

Easy maintenance: USB interface can be easily updated, and spare units can be quickly replaced

Customization flexibility: from standard combinations to fully branded three-level customization solutions

Compliance assurance: Configure locking mechanisms to ensure compliance with approval requirements for bridge instrumentation systems

Application scenarios

The XDi series is widely used in the following fields of ships and marine engineering:

Propulsion control and navigation monitoring of merchant ships (cargo ships, container ships, oil tankers)

Directional thruster and rudder angle indication for tugboats and workboats

Bridge instrument integration for luxury yachts and passenger ships

Power positioning system for offshore platforms and special vessels

New instrument requirements for electric and hybrid ships