3500/20 - Rack Interface Module

SPECIFICATIONS:

Part Number: 3500/20
Manufacturer: Bently Nevada
Product Type: Rack Interface Module
Transducer Power Supply: 24 Vdc
VoltageCompliance: 0 to +12 Vdc
Power Requirements: 18 to 36 VDC
Data Rate: 38.4 k baud
OperatingTemperature: -30°C to +65°C
Maximum Current: <1 mA dc
Extension Cable Capacitance: 69.9 pF/m
Communications: RS232, RS422
Linear Range: 2 mm
Minimum Target Size: 15.2 mm
Dimensions: 10.2cm X 11.4cm X 13.2cm
Frequency Response: (0 to 10 kHz)
Repair: 3-7 Day
Weight: 0.5 kg
Availability: In Stock
Country of Origin: United States

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION:

3500/20 is a Rack Interface Module manufactured and designed by Bently Nevada as part of the 3500 Series for machinery vibration monitoring systems. The Rack Interface Module (RIM) is the primary interface into the 3500 rack. It supports a Bently Nevada proprietary protocol used to configure the rack and retrieve machinery information. The RIM must be located in slot 1 of the rack (next to the power supplies). The RIM provides the connections needed to support current Bently Nevada Communications Processors (Transient Data Interface External (TDIX) and Dynamic Data Interface External (DDIX)). Although the RIM does provide certain functions common to the entire rack, the RIM is not part of the critical monitoring path. The RIM's operation (or non-operation) does not affect the proper, normal operation of the overall monitoring system.

For TMR applications, the 3500 system requires a TMR version of the RIM. In addition to all the standard RIM functions, the TMR RIM also performs "monitor channel comparison." The 3500 TMR configuration executes monitoring voting using the setup specified in the monitor options. Using this method the TMR RIM continually compares a specified output of 3 redundant monitors. If the TMR RIM detects that the information from one of those monitors is no longer equivalent (within a configured percent) to the remaining two, it will flag the monitor as being in error and place an event in the System Event List.

LED FUNCTIONS:

The LEDs on the front panel of the Rack Interface Module indicate the operating status of the module.

• OK: Indicates that the Rack Interface Module and the I/O modules are operating correctly.
• TX/RX: Flashes at the rate that messages are sent.
• TM: Indicates whether the rack is in the Trip Multiply mode.
• Config OK: Indicates that Any module in the rack is unconfigured or has a configuration error or the stored configuration of the Rack Interface Module does not match the physical configuration of the rack

RACK INTERFACE MODULE SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION:

This section describes how the Rack Interface Module is configured using the Rack Configuration Software. It also describes any configuration considerations associated with this module. Refer to the 3500 Monitoring System Rack Configuration and Utilities Guide and the Rack Configuration Software for details on how to operate the software. This section shows the configuration screens of the Rack Configuration Software that are associated with the Rack Interface Module and discusses the configuration considerations. It will show a copy of the software screen and will explain the available options.

FUNCTIONS OF RACK INTERFACE MODULE:

• Provides configuration write access to the 3500 racks. If the password entered in this field does not match the password entered in the Rack Configuration Software "Download" screen, the 3500 racks will not accept new configurations. This password is also required to change setpoints in the 3500 racks from the Operator Display Software. This password is stored in non-volatile memory in the Rack Interface Module.

• This will only allow changes to setpoints in any of the monitors if the keylock is in the program mode position. If the key is in the run position, setpoint changes will not be allowed.

• The port on the front of the Rack Interface Module is labeled CONFIGURATION PORT which is primarily used to configure the 3500 rack with a personal computer. This port may also be used to retrieve machinery data for display using the Data Acquisition/DDE Server Software and the Operator Display Software. This port supports RS-232 only and provides access to only one rack.

• The command that sets up and starts the modem. If you select a modem from the list, the default initialization string will be displayed in this field. If you select Custom, enter an initialization string from information found in the modem's documentation.

• Identifies which monitors provide dynamic data to the DYNAMIC connectors on the Data Manager I/O Module. This field defines how the 3500 racks will provide machinery data to the Communication Processors (TDIX or DDIX).

• The Rack Interface Module supports one software module switch - Configuration Mode. The switch lets you temporarily inhibit monitor and channel functions. This switch can be set on the Software Switches screen under the Utilities Option on the main screen of the Rack Configuration Software.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the primary function of the Bently Nevada Rack Interface Module?

The Rack Interface Module (RIM) serves as the central communication interface between the Bently Nevada monitoring rack and external systems, such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA, or plant monitoring software.

What communication protocols are supported by the Rack Interface Module?

The RIM supports multiple communication protocols, including Ethernet, Modbus TCP/IP, RS-232, and RS-485. Specific protocols depend on the module version.

How is the Rack Interface Module powered?

The RIM is powered by the monitoring rack, which supplies 18 to 36 VDC. There is no need for an external power source.

What is the Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) version of the product?

The TMR version is required for TMR applications in the 3500 System. It performs monitor channel comparison in addition to all of the standard RIM functions.

How does the TMR RIM perform monitor voting in the 3500 TMR configuration?

It continuously compares the outputs of three redundant monitors using the setup specified in the monitor options. Monitor voting is implemented in the 3500 TMR configuration using this method.