MultiCon CMC-N16: a compact wall-mountable IP65 multi-controller

The wall-mounted, IP65 housing is made from durable plastic, allowing the unit to be installed in any location (including outdoors) where panel mounting is not possible. Despite a limited amount of available inputs/outputs compared to the MultiCon panel-mounted version, existing metering, controls, data logging and HMI functionalities have been maintained.

The CMC-N16 is one of the first industrial devices to offer integrated advanced control functions (PID, ON/OFF, time & profiles, etc.) with data logging of setpoints, excitations and current state of controlled objects. Based on Linux firmware, the unit is stable and the touchscreen simplifies configuration whilst making displayed data more readable and attractive. Although the CMC-N16 has a compact housing, it can integrate up to four inputs, and its design allows almost free user configuration by choosing from 13 available input/output blocks.

The CMC-N16 is suitable for a wide range of process applications, including centralised temperature measurement and control; multi-zone heating control; intermediate pumping station control; control of industrial furnaces and incinerators; and for engine test cell measurements.

Measuring 166mm × 161mm × 103mm, the controller housing is very compact, which means the unit can be wall-mounted in restricted spaces. The controller has a 3.5-inch backlit colour TFT display and is based on the Linux operating system, with touch-screen menu navigation, offering ease of use and familiarity to the operator.

Signal measurement is the essential function of the device. This compact unit can be equipped with dedicated modules for measuring signals from detectors with a current output (mA), voltage output (in mV and V), from temperature measurement sensors (i.e. thermocouples and RTD elements) or modules with universal inputs that can measure almost any type of signal.

Mathematical functions

Mathematical functions are included, allowing not only the use of arithmetic and trigonometric functions such as addition, multiplication and sine, but also logic functions (e.g. comparing to a constant, comparing the measured values or multiplexer), which simplifies the development of advanced applications.

The CMC-N16 can also act as a PID process controller, providing a reliable control loop feedback mechanism for a variety of process temperature and pressure control applications. PID control is the basis of modern automation systems and in this device each of the 60 (or 90) measurement channels available can be set as an independent PID controller.

Built-in software timing profiles (free programmable runs) provide freedom for users in shaping a control run and the possibility of starting/triggering the control process at a preset time or when a defined event occurs. Their functions enable the control to be stopped at a specific time/conditionally at any point to be looped.

Various methods of data presentation are available with the CMC-N16. The user can choose between 8 data display modes - from standard digitally read indicators, to indicating instruments, vertical and horizontal bar graphs and charts, or needle gauge display - all available from the touchpad screen.

Data recording is also impressive. MultiCon can record up to 60 measurement channels at a speed of 10 samples per second. It has 1.5GB built-in flash memory, intended for data registration, which, in the case of 24 measurement channels every second, is enough for around 2 months of continuous operation.

The CMC-N16 also comes with a number of communications interfaces, including RS485, RS232, Modbus RTU, a USB Host and an Ethernet connection, allowing the controller to integrate easily with the customer's existing process control networks and fieldbuses. The integral software provides the user with archiving, printing and visualisation options.

For more information on the MultiCon CMC-N16 controller, please visit the website at www.impress-sensors.co.uk.