MCU 500
MCU-500 MONITOR and CONTROL UNIT (MCU) series 500The MCU-500 monitor and control unit is a multipurpose site management system. It is designed to provide a cost effective, reliable means to autonomously monitor and control site functions.
It is an excellent, low-cost control system for use in such diverse applications such as water treatment and purification systems, fisheries management, aquaculture control systems, Greenhouse controls, Golf Course watering and feeding, Irrigation systems and other agriculture applications, as well as site security monitoring and access control systems, to name but a few.
The MCU is a complete SCADA-MTU/RTU (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition - Master/Remote Terminal Unit), readily handling such task as gas and oil extraction and delivery systems, wayside control systems for light rail, energy management and building climate control, and manufacturing and process control.
The MCU500 combines the functions of a data acquisition system, on-site data processing, reporting and logging platform, and an alarm monitoring and site control system all in one neat package.
System Description:
The MCU500 is a self-contained controller that normally operates stand-alone. It may also be controlled from your PC or host computer, using modems, Ethernet or direct serial communications to communicate with your networks. You can operate the MCU500 from the convenience of your office or home, including reading system parameters, operating switches, setting/changing setpoints and alarms, uploading new databases, etc. If an alarm occurs, the MCU will automatically call your host PC, page you, print an alarm message, or perform whatever action you tell it to.
The MCU includes digital and analog inputs for monitoring of external events and functions, with built-in signal conditioning; and a variety of digital and heavy-duty relay driver and Relay outputs for control of external equipment and devices.
The MCU may be operated locally through its front panel, menu driven keyboard and LCD display, or through the external ports. Data and event logging is supported, both to a local printer, and/or to a remote host, using file formats compatible with your favorite spreadsheet.
MCU500 Control Features:
• Local or remote control of up to 64 external Electronic AC or DC Switches, or Relay outputs.
• Continuous monitoring of switch conditions, switch functions, and circuit status with activity and alarm reporting.
• Control of up to 64 digital outputs.
Data Acquisition:
The MCU 500 has internal signal conditioning and interfaces for:
• 16 Analog Channels: +/- 10mV to 240V, DC or AC
• 16 Digital Input channels, with transition detection, adjustable from 50nS to 20 seconds (accepts standard TTL or CMOS signal levels). Bit or word addressable.
• 16 digital outputs, with high current 35 mA outputs. Bit or word addressable.
• Data interface cards provide individually configurable transducer excitation, signal conditioning, and filtering for each of the16 analog and digital input channels, with programmable gain and offset for each analog channel.
• All inputs and outputs are provided with transient protection. Optical isolation for both analog and digital channels is available for systems requiring high isolation in hazardous environments (common mode rejection >130 dB, isolation > 3700 VRMS).
Expansion Unit:
• Expands analog and digital inputs to a total of 64 points (channels) each.
• Expands digital outputs to a total of 64 points (channels) each.
• Adds capability for heavy duty relay driver outputs (source or sink up to 0.5 amp, 28VDC), and /or relay outputs (form C and A), to a total of 64 points (channels) each.
• Provides power and interface for Modem (RF or Phone Line) and 12 VDC power for external line amplifiers and sensors.
MCU Data processing:
The MCU500 uses a very flexible and easily programmed data base to control all data collection, processing, special event processing, and data logging. The MCU has 64 virtual channels, each of which has it's own, user specified analog, digital or other source of input data, conversion parameters (gain, offset, etc.), data conversion method, calibration table, and formatting instructions for output to printers, the display, data logger, pager, or remote host.
Each channel also has it's own setpoint and alarm function and tables, and a user definable macro function which is based on the very powerful, yet easy to use MCU script language. The macro function let's you implement virtually any process, data scaling, timing event, or other function you may want to perform, in addition to a host of I/O operations including pager support, printouts, logging and more. The MCU includes 10 additional "alarm clocks" which may be used to control feeders, watering schedules, end-of-day reports or whatever you wish.
Some of the highlights are:
• Very easy and straight forward configuration of the MCU database. The MCU database is created using a Windows based database management program. The finished database is then downloaded to the MCU.
• Channel parameters, such as point source (analog or digital input channel),scan type, scan rate, conversion type, and calibration are individually configurable.
• Data acquisition and conversion functions include filtering, debouncing and windowing.
• Standard alarm monitoring configurations include two state, three state and five state alarms. User defined scripts are executed when a change in state is detected. These scripts can send pager messages, call a host to report the alarm, log the event to the internal log record, print an alarm message, perform script based control functions, and much more.
• Alarm limits, setpoint levels, scan rates and most other parameters may be changed in the field, either from the remote host, or from the front panel.
Communications:
• The MCU software supports several HOST interface options. These include direct host connections using the RS-232 serial interface, dial up modems, Ethernet interface or RF telemetry link. The MCU supports up to 4 ports. Usually, port 1 is used for the remote Host and pager modem, port 2 is the printer port, port 3 is the MCU network interface (a local network between MCU's). Another application may use port 1 as the Ethernet interface to a local LAN or Internet connection, port 2 as the Modem connection (for pagers), port 3 for the printer, and port 4 for the MCU network. Any port can be used for any application.
• The MCU can also communicate with ‘smart’ transducers, sensors, and instruments. The MCU supports both direct control of such devices, and a ‘pass-through’ mode which allows the remote host or other MCU to communicate directly with the equipment.
Peripheral support equipment:
• COS supplies a Windows based Database management program for creation and maintenance of MCU databases. The database contains all the "programming" necessary to properly operate the MCU. Once created, these database files are downloaded to the MCU, using the PC based MCU communications program.
The communications program can be configured to automatically retrieve logged data from the MCU(s) at specified times, and keeps a log record of all alarms from the MCU(s). The alarms and logged data are saved in time annotated files which are easily imported into any spreadsheet program or other analysis tool.
• Our Windows based SiteMan management program is used to provide "quick look" data retrieval and display capability. It can display between 1 to 4 channels from any MCU on the MCU network. It also provides control capabilities allowing the user to turn on and off switches, change setpoints, etc. This program is especially useful when calibrating the MCU's, line amplifiers and sensors, in the field. We typically use a laptop, with an RF modem to communicate with the MCU net over the local Ethernet.
•Calibrations are available for most temperature probes, humidity probes, pressure transducers, pH and ORP probes, DO sensors, and a variety of sensors from other manufacturers.
Reliability:
•The MCU uses a ‘state machine’ design that directly links internal hardware resources (switches, I/O devices, etc.) to specific software control routines. This greatly reduces the chance of accidental or inadvertent operation of the MCU or equipment during adverse conditions (transients, lighting strikes, power failures, etc.).
•The MCU incorporates a watchdog monitor to ensure safe, reliable restart under all conditions.
•Built in UPS battery backup provides safe ride-through during power outages or transients (up to 4 hours backup time).
•As with all COS products, The MCU is built to MIL standards to provide reliable operation in the most rugged environments.
Options:
•Optional modem and communication equipment, as well as Alphanumeric text message pagers are available. Yes, we support SkyTel pagers.
•A variety of sensors are available, including Temp probes, pH and Ion selective probes, and more.
•An Expansion Unit (see below) is available to provide power for sensors and line amplifiers, and protected mounting space for relay driver modules, and additional I/O modules for both analog and digital inputs.
Physical Specifications:
Dimensions: Panel Mount (12" wide), 10.5" height, 6" depth. Clear Plexiglas front panel protects keyboard , but allows easy viewing of LCD display and other controls. Panel opens to use keyboard. Panel is environmentally sealed when closed. Rugged, fiberglass enclosure, designed for harsh environments. Meets NEMA 4 requirements.
Weight: 6 lb.
AC input: 90 to 240 volts AC, 50/60 Hz (no preset required)
Power requirement (MCU controller): Operating temperature -20C to 75C, 100% humidity, non-condensing.
Meets shock & vibration specifications for MIL-810 transportation requirements.
Optional Expander case:
Fiberglass, NEMA 4 enclosure, 2 versions: 10" wide by 12" high, and 12" wide by 16" high. Provided with two DIN rails for mounting breakout panels, relay modules, digital and analog expander modules, and a modem. The case is environmentally protected against splash and rain, and includes a fan for cooling internal components. A 12 VDC, 4 amp power supply is included for powering sensors and the Line Amplifiers.
Please call for additional details and current pricing.
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Last Update: 04/14/00
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