Next Generation CTU

Last Week

We took a closer look at our monitoring system—how it works, why it works the way it does, and we dispelled a few common myths along the way. If you missed it, you can catch up here AFAM Monitoring System.

This Week: Next Generation CTU

A couple of weeks ago we shared that we’ve begun developing a next-generation version of our CTU monitoring device. This week, we’re excited to give you a deeper look at what’s underway.

Next Generation CTU

Earlier this year, we quietly kicked off a ground-up redesign of our CTU hardware. Our current CTU has served the industry for more than a decade, evolving through multiple updates and still outperforming alternatives.

However, there are new features and services we want to deliver that the current design simply can’t support. This redesign lays the foundation for those capabilities—both for today and for the future.

​Be rest assured though, everything that the current CTU provides such as in panel installation and native IoT Detector Level information capture will be carried forward. We're not going to remove any existing functionality, we're going to add to it.

A Common Platform

Right now, we manufacture two CTU variants, chosen based on whether the device will be installed inside a panel or not.

The new CTU will be built as a single common platform, with an optional secondary board (added during manufacturing) to meet specific installation requirements. This gives us far more flexibility, makes future feature expansion easier, and even opens the door to potential use in new markets here and overseas.

Bluetooth Connectivity

​The next-generation CTU includes built-in Bluetooth. One major use will be enabling authorised users to connect via the AFAM AlarmTech App for diagnostics and commissioning while on-site.

This will mean guided commissioning prompts, clear indications of what’s correct or incorrect, and far less reliance on manuals, prior knowledge, or interpreting LEDs on the unit.

Processor & Memory

This new CTU isn’t just faster—it’s dramatically faster.

• The processor is roughly 100× faster
• It includes over 100× more storage

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This leap in capability allows far more processing to happen directly on the device, which will be crucial for the new services we’re planning.

Inputs & Outputs

As with the current CTU, the new device will include four versatile inputs. (If you missed our article on how those inputs work, you can read it here: CTU Additional Inputs)

The next-gen CTU will also feature two outputs, allowing the device not just to monitor equipment but to activate it when required.

Advanced Battery Management

We’ve designed the new CTU around a modern, commercial-grade battery management system. Battery management technology has advanced significantly since our current model was introduced, and this upgrade will improve charging, monitoring, and overall battery lifespan.

When Will It Be Available?

We’re still in the prototyping phase. While we’d love to release it this year, that won’t be possible. Hardware development takes time, and our best estimate is that the CTU will be ready sometime early to mid next year.

What Else Could It Do?

There’s plenty we haven’t revealed yet—and we’d love your input.

​If there’s something you’d like the new CTU to be capable of, let us know. We may already be working on it, or it might be something we can still build in. We can’t promise every idea will make it, but we’re listening.

Coming Next Week

​We’ve got some news to share—and a few interesting updates you won’t want to miss.