Overview

The Momentum Universal Communications Module (MUCM) is a programmable serial communications module compatible with Schneider Electric’s Momentum PLC. The MUCM is a Momentum specialty base that interfaces with Momentum communication adapters and processors and supports Momentum option adapters. The MUCM is a powerful module that can be used in a variety of stand-alone applications such as serial protocol converter, data logger, or ASCII serial device interface.

Product Description

The MUCM is available in two formats. The MUCM+302 has one RS-232 serial port and one RS-422/485 serial port. The MUCM+303 has two serial ports, independently switchable between RS-232 and RS-422/485. This feature provides the flexibility to use the MUCM+303 with either port set to RS-232 or RS-422/485, allowing concurrent use of two RS-232 ports, or two RS-422/485 ports, or one of each data level.

The serial ports are electrically isolated, providing protection against ground loops and minimizing potential damage from over-voltage events on the serial networks. The serial protocol of each port is independently configured.

Features

• compatible with Schneider Electric’s Momentum communication adapters and PLCs
• user programmable
• independently configurable serial ports
• electrically isolated serial ports
• thirty-two Input (3x) and 32 Output (4x) registers of data are exchanged with communications adapter or processor
• front mounted LCD and keypad for configuration and troubleshooting
• LEDs for TX/RX on each serial port
• two 5-position screw-terminal connectors included

Applications

Serial Protocol Converter

Option 1: MRPC Application
The versatile MUCM shines when used as a serial protocol converter. There are two mechanisms for programming the MUCM as a serial protocol converter. The MUCM comes from the factory with the MRPC application installed, which allows the ports to be independently configured to use one of 18 protocols. These protocols were developed by the engineers at NR&D for some of the most popular devices available from Schneider Automation and its partners. The list of protocols available are as follows:

• SY/MAX • Gateway • Net-to-Net • Transparent • Peripheral • Share
• PLogic • PNIM • Multidrop • RNIM Master • IDEC • RNIM Slave
• Modbus Host • Transfer • Chevron • Modbus Gate • Dual Slave • Modbus ASCII

Option 2: Custom Program For Your Device
The MUCM is also user programmable and can handle communications to any serial device for which the protocol is available. Using Niobrara’s powerful yet intuitive UCM programming language, an engineer with moderate programming experience can create complete communications solutions. The MUCM’s programming language is similar to BASIC in its simplicity, but contains powerful communication and register manipulation extensions. Programs are also compiled, rather than interpreted by a runtime module, so the MUCM is fast. Using a favorite text editor, the user writes the code for the application at hand. The completed program is then compiled and loaded into the MUCM’s Flash memory. The compiler is furnished with each MUCM.

For users without programming experience or resources, custom programming by Niobrara engineers is available. Required elements include the communication protocols for the devices to be attached and access to samples of those devices for test purposes. For further details on this service, contact Niobrara at
800-235-6723.

No matter which method you choose, the communication tasks are handled without the addition of a Momentum communication adapter. An empty base cover is available; order part number METH-001.

The MUCM operating system includes an Internet Protocol stack with support for a PPP client connection. This allows custom MUCM programs to use a standard external serial modem to dial up a local Internet Service Provider (ISP) and connect to the Internet. The MUCM may then send logged data by email, FTP, or any other TCP/IP protocol. The MUCM can also send emails for alarm conditions to notify you immediately of any problems with your process or application. While the MUCM is connected to the ISP it may also serve Web pages or Telnet sessions for testing purposes.

Remote direct dial-in modem applications are also supported by the MUCM. Niobrara engineers can provide sample programs to allow the MUCM to be a YMODEM server to allow the transfer of logged data files back to a central location.

 

ASCII Serial Device Networking

Data from ANY device using ASCII protocol can be acquired and manipulated by an MUCM before passing the pertinent data to a Momentum processor or to a communications adapter via data registers. Once the data is passed to the communication adapter, it is available to every other device on the network including PLCs, HMIs, or SCADA systems.

The MRPC application has been refined by NR&D engineers to be fast and reliable. The MRPC application comes preloaded on the standard MUCM and is provided on CD-ROM with purchase of MUCM. Any updates to the application are posted for download at
www.niobrara.com.

The MUCM can perform auto-scan and auto-transfer between the ports, permitting use as a data concentrator, SCADA interface, or allowing data to be shared between slave devices. Auto-scan can also collect and distribute data for or from an attached processor or communications adapter.

 

Specifications

Warranty / Manual

The MUCM is furnished with a user manual on CD and carries a one year warranty from the date of shipment. During the warranty period, free firmware upgrades are available. See Niobrara’s Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale for additional warranty information.

Dimensions

Standard Momentum base module; 4.9” wide x 5.6” tall x 1.6” deep (124 x 142 x 41 mm). Approximately 7.5 ounces (282g) net. Durable polycarbonate enclosure.

Power Requirements

9-30 VAC or VDC; 5 Watts max. Removable screw terminal power connector is included.

Serial Ports

5-position removable screw terminals included. Isolated (500V Max). 50, 75, 110, 134.5, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, 14400 or 19200 baud; 7 or 8 data bits; odd, even or no parity; 1 or 2 stop bits. Selectable checksum (BCC or CRC) supported in some modes.

RS-232 Port

RTS/CTS handshaking

RS-422/485 Port

Supports 4-wire RS-422 point-to-point or 2- or 4-wire RS-485 multidrop.

MRPC Port Modes

Auto-scan and Auto-transfer; each serial port can independently operate in any of the following modes: SY/MAX ; Net-to-Net; Peripheral; PLogic; Multidrop; IDEC; Modbus Host (RTU - Master and Slave); Modbus Gate (RTU - master and slave); Modbus ASCII; Gateway; Transparent; Share; PNIM; RNIM Master; RNIM Slave; Transfer; Chevron; or Dual Slave.

Display

LCD with 5 position keypad for user interface. User programs have complete control of the display.

Indicators

LED Rx and Tx for each serial port, LED for power.

Mailbox Registers

2048 4X registers addressed 1 through 2048; 58 3X registers addressed 1 through 58. 32 input (3X, addressed 1-32) and 32 output (4X, addressed 1-32) registers available to the communication adapter.

Program Storage

1 program storage area; up to 5MB memory

Real Time Clock

Maintained by external power when present or by internal capacitor for up to one week when unpowered.

Operating Conditions

0 to 50 degrees C operating temperature; -40 to 80 degrees C storage. Humidity up to 90% noncondensing. Pressure altitude -200 to +10,000 feet MSL.

RoHS

The MUCM+302 and MUCM+303 are RoHS compliant.