Rolls‑Royce (Weidmuller) RRAIO16 IO Alarm Module
Product Basic Information
The RRAIO16 is a multi‑purpose universal analogue IO alarm module manufactured by Weidmüller under commission from Rolls‑Royce. It belongs to the Helicon marine monitoring and alarm control system hardware series. Widely deployed for sensor signal acquisition, pulse frequency measurement, digital output and analogue output control on ship propulsion systems, generator sets and offshore platforms. Acting as an interface unit between field signals and the main host system, it completes acquisition of field process data such as pressure, temperature, rotational speed and liquid level as well as alarm output. The RRAIO16 module communicates with the system main control unit via CAN bus and is DIN‑rail mounted. It is engineered for marine environments on vessels and offshore sites featuring high vibration, wide temperature ranges and strong electromagnetic interference.
Technical Specifications
| Hardware Channels | Ch1‑2: DO digital output channels Ch3‑6: Frequency pulse input channels for rotational‑speed pulse signal acquisition Ch1‑16: Analogue input, supporting 20mA / 0‑30V / DI digital input multiplexing Ch9‑16: Analogue output, supporting ±20mA output / 0‑30V voltage output |
| Bus Interface | CAN1 (terminal X3), CAN2 (terminal X4); dual CAN‑bus interfaces for module network communication |
| Power Supply | 24 VDC (marine standard power supply; operating range: 12‑28 VDC) |
| Analogue Input Range | 0‑30V voltage, 20mA current; compatible with DI digital input |
| Analogue Output Range | 0‑30V voltage, ±20mA current |
| Frequency Input | Dedicated pulse frequency acquisition via Ch3‑6 |
| Communication Protocol | CANopen (internal bus for Rolls‑Royce Helicon systems) |
| Operating Temperature | ‑20℃ ~ +70℃ |
| Storage Temperature | ‑40℃ ~ +85℃ |
| Humidity | 5‑95%, non‑condensing |
| Mounting | DIN35 rail mounting |
| Housing | Weidmüller‑series modular housing, screw‑type terminal blocks |
Product Hardware Structure
- Pull‑out label card: Teal‑coloured removable card on module side, printed with channel definitions and CAN‑bus terminal definitions for convenient on‑site wiring reference. Card part number: RRAIO16.V1 2.0MHX.
- Dual‑layer terminal block: Screw‑clamp terminals, including power terminals (24V, 0V), Ch1‑Ch16 signal‑channel terminals and GND reference‑ground terminals. 1L, 1Gnd, 2H, 2L, 2Gnd serve as matching connection points for frequency channels.
- CAN‑bus interfaces X3, X4: Dual CAN ports supporting daisy‑chain bus networking to allow multiple IO modules to connect to one control‑system network.
Application Scenarios
- Standard IO component for the Rolls‑Royce Helicon X3 marine alarm and monitoring system
- Ship engine‑room monitoring and alarm system: collects 4‑20mA signals from pressure, temperature and liquid‑level transmitters
- Pulse‑frequency measurement for main engine speed and pump speed (Ch3‑6 channels)
- Analogue control output for valve actuators
- Digital output for driving on‑site alarm relays (Ch1‑2 DO)
Process monitoring and alarm acquisition unit for offshore platforms and offshore engineering equipment
System Compatibility
Compatibility Scope:
The RRAIO16 is only compatible with the Rolls‑Royce Helicon X3 marine control system. It connects into the system via CAN bus. The module supports node‑address setting; system software identifies module nodes for channel configuration.
Channel Configuration:
Each channel can be configured as AI, DI, AO, DO or frequency‑input mode. Direct operation with generic third‑party PLCs is not supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can RRAIO16 work with ordinary third‑party PLC?
A1: No. This module adopts proprietary CANopen protocol for Helicon X3 system only, cannot be directly used with general‑purpose third‑party PLC.
Q2: What is the function of Ch3‑Ch6 channels?
A2: They are dedicated frequency pulse input channels, mainly used for rotational speed signal acquisition of main engine, pump and other rotating equipment.
Q3: What does dual CAN‑bus X3/X4 interface achieve?
A3: Support daisy‑chain networking, multiple RRAIO16 modules can be cascaded on one CAN network to expand system IO points.
Q4: What is the operating power supply range of this module?
A4: Nominal 24 VDC marine power supply, acceptable operating voltage range:12‑28 VDC.
Q5: Is the pull‑out label card replaceable?
A5: Yes, part number RRAIO16.V1 2.0MHX, it records channel and CAN‑bus terminal definitions for field wiring reference.
