Controller and method of controlling trailer service braking

A method for controlling trailer brake applications comprising:

• receiving a signal indicative of a trailer brake application request at a tractor controller;
• comparing the trailer brake signal to a plausible signal profile;
• applying the trailer service brakes in response to the trailer brake signal meeting the plausible signal profile;
• comparing a duration of the trailer brake signal to a first predetermined time;
• and
• discontinuing the trailer service brake application in response to duration of trailer brake signal being greater than a second predetermined time.

A system for controlling trailer brake applications comprising:

• an electronic trailer hand control device;
• and
• a tractor controller, wherein the tractor controller includes:
• an input for receiving a signal from the electronic trailer hand control device;
• control logic, the control logic capable of:
• receiving a signal indicating a trailer brake application is requested;
• comparing the trailer brake signal to a plausible signal profile;
• applying the trailer service brakes in response to the trailer brake signal meeting the plausible signal profile;
• compare a duration of the trailer brake signal to a first predetermined time;
• and
• discontinue the trailer service brake application in response to duration of trailer brake signal being greater than a second predetermined time.