Sigma Controls

Electro-hydraulic integrated drive-by-wire control system

Alamarin-Jet Sigma Control System is an electro-hydraulic integrated drive-by-wire control system.

It supports installations from single to quadruple waterjets. The system is based on modular architecture and the level of features depends of the modules integrated based on the user requirements.

In addition to the standard configuration of Sigma Control System, AJ Intelligent Dynamics is also available as an add-on feature.

AJ Intelligent Dynamics has been developed with future markets and industries at its core, such as effortless and straightforward integration with 3rd party autonomous and unmanned systems.

Intelligent Dynamics also features highly sophisticated position and heading keeping functions which give significant operational benefits to a wide variety of vessel types and applications.

ISO

9001

ISO

14001

ISO

45001

Specifications

  • Modular and scalable architecture – From single installation up to 4 jets
  • Multiple control stations
  • Multiple control head arrangement options
  • Flexible BUS architecture – each jet unit acts as an individual BUS node
  • Factory made modular cabling system, no custom cables required
  • Increased Redundancy – Based on individual drive lines and multiple control law levels
  • Easy to approach design
  • Installation is based on plug’n’play modules
  • Intuitive walk through commissioning procedure
  • Simple to use, new High Resolution display with modern UI/UX usability
  • Digital engine interface – Direct digital CAN-CAN Throttle control for responsive throttle management without delays
  • Sophisticated diagnostics – Multiple data logging and diagnostic options
  • Intelligent self-monitoring system. Temperature, Pressure and Fluid Levels are continuously monitored

Intelligent Dynamic Features

Joystick

Dynamic Positioning (DP)

Virtual Anchor

Autopilot

Support for External Autopilot

EXIF – External Interface (USV)

Joystick

Ideal for docking and low-speed maneuvering in harbor environments, Joystick mode allows the vessel to move precisely in the direction and rotation set by the joystick.

The operator can perform all movements, including lateral, diagonal and rotational maneuvers, using only the joystick.

The system automatically calculates and adjusts the propulsion to execute the requested movements accurately, providing smooth and controlled handling.

Dynamic Positioning (DP)

When DP mode is activated, the system automatically holds the vessel’s GNSS position and heading, keeping it steady in a designated location.

The operator can make precise adjustments to the vessel’s position and heading using the joystick without disengaging DP mode, enabling smooth, controlled movements as needed.

Key Features:

  • Maintains set position and heading, counteracting wind, waves, and other external forces.
  • Typically requires high RPMs in adverse weather conditions, making it fuel intensive.
  • Optimally functions with a twin-jet configuration for enhanced stability and performance. Single-Jet require a bow thruster

Virtual Anchor

Activating Virtual Anchor mode sets a virtual anchor point that the system uses to maintain the vessel’s position within a defined radius, automatically orienting its bow toward the wind for stability.

Instead of a physical anchor, Virtual Anchor relies on GNSS positioning and compass data to hold the vessel in set distance from virtual anchoring point, using precise engine and propulsion adjustments to counteract wind and currents. This allows for fuel-efficient operation at minimal RPM, ensuring smooth, controlled movement.

Virtual Anchor is convenient for the crew, ideal for ROV deployment, and functions effectively even with a single-jet configuration. The system also enables fine-tuning of the anchor point distance while the function is active, helping the vessel to naturally stabilize over time with minimal energy consumption.

Autopilot

Heading Hold: Maintains the vessel on a set heading, allowing for natural drift caused by wind and currents. The locked heading is easy to adjust on the fly, reducing user workload and offering intuitive control.

Course Mode: An advanced version of Heading Hold, Course Mode creates a course for the vessel to follow. In this mode, the vessel actively maintains its course, preventing any drift.

Track Mode: Designed for use with an external navigation planner (ECDIS), Track Mode enables the Sigma autopilot to follow a pre-defined route with waypoints. Once a route is activated, the autopilot automatically steers the vessel along the planned path.

Support for External Autopilot

In addition to its built-in Sigma autopilot, the system includes an interface that allows compatibility with external autopilot systems

EXIF – External Interface

USV Ready – Provides a comprehensive CAN bus JET-Control interface with engine management, enabling rapid deployment for Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). EXIF includes essential methods to control the system via an external CAN bus node, and allows access to Sigma’s higher-level controls, such as Joystick mode.

Contact us for more information

If you want to learn more about this or our other models for your particular specifications and application, we are here to help you.

Mr. Jukka Kukkula
Mr. Jukka Kukkula
Head of Sales and Customer Support
Mr. Stephan Öström
Mr. Stephan Öström
Area Sales Manager