Introducing The PA-CB31 and PA-CB40 Actuator Control Boxes

Introducing The PA-CB31 and PA-CB40 Actuator Control Boxes

Nathan Bong
Nathan Bong
PA Engineer

We’re excited to announce the release of two new additions to our growing lineup of actuator control box solutions: the PA-CB31 and PA-CB40. Designed for high performance and user-friendly operation, these actuator control boxes bring more flexibility and intelligence to how you operate your electric linear actuators. Whether you're working on a robust industrial actuator system, a responsive smart home actuator setup, or projects that require synchronous motion, these new actuator control boxes deliver power, synchronization, and convenience in compact plug-and-play packages.

Key Features and Specs

Both the PA-CB31 and PA-CB40 are engineered to simplify motion control and extend the functionality of your actuators. Each actuator control box includes our new and improved wireless style of RF actuator controller remotes with enhanced benefits:

  • A longer 100 ft wireless range
  • Updated wireless remote from 2-button to 4-button
  • Wireless remote pairing & mode selection
  • Pairs up to 4 remotes

These control boxes both offer new enhanced protection features to ensure safe and efficient operation as an upgrade from our previous generation PA-31 and PA-40. Other standard features offered in these new-generation actuator control boxes include:

  • Automatic power-saving mode
  • Smooth Motion Mode
  • Instant Wake Up (Single press, 100mS response time)
  • Accepts 12 or 24 VDC input voltage
  • 2x LED indicators for control box status and error codes
  • Intuitive programming via remote or onboard button
  • Momentary & non-momentary configuration options

Browse through our range of control boxes and find the best one for your application!

PA-CB31 – High Power, Simplified Control

The PA-CB31 actuator control box is designed to operate a single actuator with powerful force and high current draw requirements. Being Progressive Automations’ first High Power Control Box for high power actuator control, this model offers:

  • 25 A peak current @ 12 VDC (12.5 A @ 24 VDC)
  • Increased power rating, duty cycle, and continuous ON time
  • Featuring highly robust connectors, MOSFETs, and PCB traces
  • 300-Watt High Power Output 

Safety features include:

  • Output Short Circuit
  • Out of Range Input Voltage
  • Reverse Input Voltage Protection

For more detailed technical information, check out our PA-CB31 datasheet

 

PA-CB40 – Precision Dual-Channel Synchronous Motion

If your application requires perfectly synchronized movement between two actuators, the PA-CB40 is your go-to dual-channel control box. Designed as Progressive Automations’ most advanced control solution for synchronizing two Hall effect feedback actuators, it offers:

  • 12.5 A output @ 12 VDC Per Channel (6.25 A @24 VDC Per Channel)
  • Synchronization for two Hall effect actuators
  • Improved self-learning, calibration, and troubleshooting procedures
  • Higher power capacity, increased duty cycle, improved wireless response, and greater efficiency (upgrade from PA-40)

Safety features include:

  • Improved responsiveness for Out of Synchronization
  • Output Short Circuit
  • Out of Range Input Voltage
  • Overcurrent / Overload
  • Over Duty Cycle
  • Reverse Input Voltage Protection

For more detailed technical information, check out our PA-CB40 datasheet.

Browse through our electric linear actuators, from micro to industrial capabilities!

Installation and Compatibility: Plug-and-play Connectors

Both the PA-CB31 and PA-CB40 offer plug-and-play control box convenience with streamlined linear actuator Molex connector harnesses sold separately. By utilizing Molex connectors for their output ports and Hirose Connectors for their input ports, these actuator control boxes ensure a secure and clean connection with your actuators and power supplies.

The PA-CB31 supports most of our heavy-duty actuator models when paired with the appropriate wiring harness (sold separately). Since different heavy duty actuator models come with different connectors, the suitable Molex connector harness to pair with will depend on which model actuator you use. Our PA-CB40 is built specifically for actuators that have Molex Mini-Fit Jr 6-Pin connectors and Hall effect feedback compatibility within the matching voltage and current requirements.

Use Cases and Applications

The PA-CB31 actuator control box is an excellent fit for projects that require rugged, high-force movement from a single actuator. Its actuator remote control functionality makes it especially convenient for mobile or remote applications like:

  • Automated hatches or lids 
  • Heavy-duty doors
  • Agricultural equipment
  • Mobile machinery 

Our PA-CB40 actuator control box is perfect for dual-actuator projects requiring synchronized movement. With enhanced safety mechanisms and various user convenience features, the PA-CB40 is a top-tier choice for advanced linear motion applications found in:

  • Smart home actuator setups 
  • Industrial synchronized actuator systems
  • Automotive use cases
  • Window and gate automation

Choosing Between PA-CB31 & PA-CB40

When picking between single channel vs dual channel control, the PA-CB31 offers raw power, while the PA-CB40 adds intelligent synchronization. If you're unsure which control box is best for your setup, we have more detailed technical information available under our comparison and compatibility charts. For a brief actuator control comparison, here’s a quick preview:

Feature

PA-CB31

PA-CB40

Channel Type

Single channel

Dual Hall Channels

Current (Per channel)

25A @ 12VDC, 12.5A @ 24VDC

12.5A @ 12VDC, 6.25A @ 24VDC

Feedback

Not required

Requires Hall Effect Feedback

Output connectors

Molex Mega-Fit Connector 2 pin

Molex Mini-Fit Jr 6 pin

Application Focus

High-power, standalone control

Precision dual-actuator syncing

 

IN SUMMARY

With the launch of the PA-CB31 and PA-CB40, we’re providing more tailored solutions for actuator motion control—whether you need high-current output or intelligent dual-actuator synchronization. These compact, efficient, and easy-to-use actuator control boxes mark an exciting upgrade in our product lineup.

We hope you found this as informative and interesting as we did, especially if you were looking into suggestions for your next actuator control box solution. If you have any queries or wish to discuss our products further, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are experts in what we do and will be happy to assist however we can.

sales@progressiveautomations.com | 1-800-676-6123