Kongsberg DGU

Technical specifications

Manufacturer

Kongsberg

Manufacturer part no.

DGU

Type

Digital Governor Unit

Application

Main-engine RPM regulation

Used with

Kongsberg AutoChief C20

Function

Main-engine speed (RPM) controller

System

Kongsberg AutoChief C20 propulsion control

Set-point source

AutoChief Control Panel (ACP) or manual control lever

Supply voltage

24 V DC (18 to 32 V DC); galvanically isolated

Power consumption

7.5 W nominal; 10 W maximum

Communication

Four CAN interfaces; two RS422/485 interfaces

Isolation

Power, RS422/485 and CAN each fully isolated (DC/DC converters and optical couplers)

Independent operation

Keeps operating even if both CAN networks fail

Operating temperature

-15 to +70 °C

Storage temperature

-25 to +70 °C

Humidity

Max. 96% RH non-condensing

Mechanical environment

DnV Class B; IACS E10

EMC

According to IACS E10 and EN 60945

Mounting

Can be mounted on vibrating surfaces such as engines and compressors

Weight

2 kg

Type approvals

DNV, LRS, BV, GL, RINA, NK, ABS, KR, PRS, MRS, CCS

Technical documents (1)

• Kongsberg datasheet AA-00365-B

Key features

• Keeps main-engine RPM at the set point from the ACP or manual lever
• Keeps operating if both CAN networks fail
• Four CAN and two RS422/485 interfaces, all galvanically isolated
• Barred-speed-range avoidance and automatic slow-down
• Scavenging-air and torque limiting
• Can be mounted directly on engines and compressors

About the Kongsberg DGU

The Kongsberg AutoChief C20 Digital Governor Unit (DGU) is the diesel engine speed controller in the AutoChief C20 propulsion control system. It takes the desired engine speed from the AutoChief Control Panel (ACP) or a manual control lever and holds the main engine at that RPM, with limiting functions for scavenging air and torque, barred-speed-range avoidance and automatic slow-down. The unit works independently and continues to operate even if both CAN networks fail. Kongsberg declared the AutoChief C20 system obsolete on 17 June 2025, with AutoChief 600 as the upgrade.

What is the DGU used for?

The DGU is the governor of the ship's main engine on vessels with AutoChief C20 remote control. Kongsberg's datasheet states it can be mounted on vibrating surfaces such as engines and compressors. It works with the AutoChief Control Panel and the governor actuator; the actuators and servo units named in Kongsberg's June 2025 notice are part of the same governor system.

Lifecycle and successor

Discontinued.

OEM successor: AutoChief 600

Before you order

What to photograph or confirm so the right unit is quoted.

The abbreviation DGU is also used for a Distributed Generic Unit in other Kongsberg documentation, so confirm it is the AutoChief C20 Digital Governor Unit from the label. Send the label photo, the software revision if shown, and the vessel name or IMO number.