Watlow EZ-ZONE ® RMA (Access) module

Watlow EZ-ZONE ®  RMA (Access) module

Product basic information and positioning

1. Core positioning

As the core extension module of the RM system, it does not have independent PID control function and mainly provides auxiliary functions such as communication gateway, data log, configuration backup, real-time clock, etc. It can be networked with RM series modules such as RMC (controller), RME (extension), RML (limit), etc. It supports up to 17 modules (1 RMA+16 other RM modules) to work together.

2. Basic specifications

Appearance and installation: DIN rail installation (EN50022 standard), size 155mm × 116.08mm, weight 453.59g, requires vertical installation, with reserved 76.2mm maintenance space.

Power requirements: 20.4-30.8V AC/DC, Class 2 or SELV power supply, power consumption 4W/9VA, supporting Semi F47-0200 voltage drop standard.

Environmental adaptability: working temperature -18~65 ° C, storage temperature -40~85 ° C, 0-90% RH (non condensing), protection level IP20.

Certification standards: UL/EN 61010, Class 1 Div. 2 (optional), RoHS, WEEE, FM Class 3545 (limited version).

Warranty and Support: 3-year warranty (non misuse scenario), technical support can be obtained through phone, email or local representative, and RMA number needs to be applied for in advance for returns.

Core functions and technical features

1. Communication function

(1) Support agreement

Mainstream protocol: Modbus ®  RTU/TCP、EtherNet/IP ™、 DeviceNet ™、 PROFIBUS DP， Some models include USB (Mini Type B) communication.

Basic communication: EIA-485/232 interface, Standard Bus (default), supports up to 247 Modbus nodes, maximum communication distance of 1200 meters.

(2) Communication parameters

Modbus: Address 1-247, baud rate 9600/19200/38400bps, supports Non/Even/Odd parity, configurable high and low byte order.

Ethernet: Supports DHCP/fixed IP, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP dual protocol enabled, with a maximum of 100 implicit communication members.

DeviceNet: Node address 0-63, baud rate 125/250/500kbps, supports Quick Connect for fast communication.

PROFIBUS DP: Address 0-126, supports DP-V0 (cyclic communication)/DP-V1 (non cyclic communication), maximum distance of 1200 meters.

2. Core extension functions

(1) Data Logging

Storage medium: Micro SD card (standard 2GB, supports larger capacity), CSV file format (can be opened directly with Excel).

Recording capability: up to 200 log points, with a recording period of 1-3600 seconds, supporting two full storage strategies: "stop" or "overwrite".

Trigger method: Recording can be started/stopped through signals such as digital input, alarm, timer, etc. The log contains a timestamp (dependent on real-time clock).

(2) Configure backup and recovery

Backup capacity: The basic version supports backup of 4 modules, while the enhanced version (SD card storage) supports full configuration backup of 16 modules.

Recovery mode: Manual recovery (Now), automatic recovery after module replacement (Change), supports cross module cloning configuration, reduces downtime.

Backup content: Module parameters (excluding User Set 1/2), excluding communication protocol assembly configuration.

(3) Real time clock (RTC)

Function: Provides date and time stamps (log/program linkage), supports program continuation after power interruption (Power Off Time parameter configuration).

Accuracy: ± 30ppm (25 ° C), battery backup (BR1225 lithium battery), typical battery life of 3 years after power failure.

(4) Security and Permissions

Password protection: Supports user/administrator two-level passwords, and can enable rolling passwords (automatically changed after power failure) to prevent unauthorized operations.

Hazardous area adaptation: Some models support Class 1 Div. 2 (Groups A-D), temperature code T4, and require the use of certified components.

Installation and Wiring Guide

1. Installation process

Rail installation: The hook is fixed to the 35mm rail and the rotating buckle is locked; Optional panel installation (customers need to provide their own fasteners).

Module networking: Multiple modules are horizontally spliced, sharing power and communication through the backplane bus, and supporting remote networking (up to 200 feet) using the "_stplit rail".

2. Wiring specifications

Terminal specifications: Supports 12-30 AWG wires, with a torque of 0.56 Nm (right angle terminal)/0.5 Nm (front terminal), and a stripping length of 7.6mm.

Core wiring:

Power supply: Slot C terminals 98 (+), 99 (-), need to distinguish AC/DC polarity.

Communication: Slot E (protocol terminal), Slot C (standard bus terminal CF/CD/CE), EIA-485 needs to distinguish T+/R+/T -/R -.

Bus wiring: Adopting a daisy chain topology, the first and last modules need to be connected to 120 Ω terminal resistors to avoid parallel wiring with power lines.

3. Typical networking methods

Single rail networking: RMA is directly connected to other RM modules through a backplane bus, sharing power and communication.

Track based networking: Connect two rails through Inter module Bus, provide single power supply across rails, and support remote module deployment.

Operation and Configuration Guide

1. Menu and Operation

Operation level: divided into three menus: Operations, Setup, and Factory, which can be configured through RUI (Remote User Interface) or software.

Core operation:

Address setting: Long press the panel button for 2 seconds to modify the Zone address (1-17), ensuring that the module address is unique.

Configuration method: Supports RUI local operation, EZ-ZONE Configurator/Composer software configuration (free download), Bluetooth (some models) remote configuration.

2. Key configuration items

(1) Communication configuration

Modbus: Set address, baud rate, parity, TCP mode requires configuring IP address (DHCP/fixed).

EtherNet/IP: Enable implicit/explicit communication and configure the number of assembly members (0-40).

DeviceNet: Set node address, baud rate, and enable Quick Connect.

(2) Data recording configuration

Log parameters: Set the recording period, full storage strategy, select up to 200 log points, support data sources such as analog inputs, alarms, process values, etc.

Format settings: Time format (HH: MM/HH: MM: SS), date format (MM/DD/YYYY/DD/MM/YYYY), configurable log precision (integer/decimal).

(3) Backup and Recovery Configuration

Backup operation: Setup → Backup → Save, select the backup range (single/multiple modules), and store the enhanced version to the SD card.

Recovery operation: Setup → Backup → Restore, supports manual triggering or module replacement for automatic recovery.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

1. Daily maintenance

Regular inspection: fastening of wiring terminals, SD card status, power stability, annual verification of communication links and log storage.

Cleaning and maintenance: Wipe the shell with a dry cloth to avoid corrosive cleaning agents, and regularly backup data for the SD card.

Battery replacement: After the real-time clock battery is depleted, the BR1225 model needs to be replaced by disconnecting the power supply.

2. Common faults and solutions

Possible causes and solutions for the fault phenomenon

Communication failure address/baud rate mismatch, wiring error, terminal resistance not connected. Check communication parameters, check EIA-485 polarity, and connect 120 Ω resistors at the beginning and end of the bus

Data recording failure: SD card not inserted/damaged, log points not configured. Replace SD card, reconfigure log point data source and cycle

Backup failed due to insufficient memory/SD card space, incompatible module model, cleaning storage media, confirming that the module belongs to the RM series and the address is unique

Power failure: voltage exceeds the range, power ripple is too large. Replace the compliant Class 2/SELV power supply and check the power supply circuit

Typical application scenarios

Multi protocol gateway: enables cross protocol communication between PLC and RM modules (such as EtherNet/IP to Modbus RTU).

Data collection and traceability: Record process parameters such as temperature and pressure, generate CSV logs for quality traceability.

System configuration backup: Batch backup of multiple module configurations for quick replacement of faulty modules and system recovery.

Distributed control networking: Through the track based networking function, remote module deployment and centralized monitoring can be achieved.