Vibro-Meter RLC16 Relay Card



Vibro-Meter RLC16 Relay Card is a high-density relay expansion module engineered for Meggitt’s VM600 machinery protection system (MPS) and condition monitoring system (CMS).

Installed into standard 19-inch 6U racks (such as the ABE04x chassis), the RLC16 expands the discrete switching output capabilities of the VM600 rack, routing alarm signals, voting trips, and machinery protection status outputs to external Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and emergency shutdown (ESD) systems.

Product Introduction / Overview

High-Density Output Channeling: Integrates 16 independent electromechanical relay outputs into a single-slot 6U Eurocard module to save rack space in complex machinery monitoring architectures.

Direct Bus Integration: Interfaces directly with front-mounted processing cards (such as MPC4 or AMC8) via the VM600 open collector bus and backplane logic to process alarm triggers without external wiring bridges.

Fail-Safe & Configurable Relays: Software and hardware configurable for normally energized (fail-safe) or normally de-energized states, supporting both latched and unlatched trip responses.

Live Maintenance: Hot-swappable architecture allows safe card insertion and removal during continuous system operation without interrupting primary machinery protection monitoring.

Technical Table

Environmental Tolerance Conditions

Operating Temperature: -25°C to +65°C (-13°F to +149°F)

Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)

Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Vibration Resistance: Compliant with IEC 60068-2-6 test specifications (10 Hz to 150 Hz, 2g continuous)

Mechanical Shock: Compliant with IEC 60068-2-27 specifications (15g acceleration, 11 ms duration)

EMC Immunity & Emissions: Compliant with IEC/EN 61000-6-2 (Industrial Immunity) and IEC/EN 61000-6-4 (Emissions)

Operating Instructions

Rack Slot Alignment: Align the RLC16 card with the guide rails of any available option slot (slots 1 to 11 depending on rack layout) on the front of the VM600 ABE04x rack. Push firmly until seated in the backplane connector.

Fastening: Tighten the top and bottom front-panel captive screws to lock the card into position and secure the chassis ground connection.

Software Mapping: Use VM600 MPSx or VibroSight software to map open collector signals from MPC4 dynamic processing modules to specific output relays on the RLC16 card.

Wiring & Terminal Setup: Connect field interlock and DCS warning wiring to the corresponding terminal blocks on the paired rear interface card. Ensure proper load fusing and voltage transient suppression on external relay contact lines.

Fault Diagnosis

STATUS LED Off / Red: Indicates loss of backplane power or internal module logic fault. Verify rack power supply unit (FPS02x / RPS02x) health and re-seat card.

Relay Non-Responsive during Trip Test: Check software mapping to ensure the open collector bus assignments match the physical RLC16 slot index. Verify that relay state mode (energized vs. de-energized) matches external loop expectations.

Intermittent Contact Bouncing: Verify that output load switching specs (250 VAC / 5 A max) are not exceeded. High inductive loads without arc suppressors (snubbers) can damage internal relay contact surfaces.

Bus Communication Fault: Check front-panel DIAG/FAULT indicators for backplane line errors or configuration mismatch between MPC4 and RLC16 modules.

Related Models of the Same Series

Storage Conditions

Environment: Store indoors within a clean, climate-controlled, non-condensing environment free from corrosive fumes, solvent gases, or high dust concentrations.

Packaging: Retain original ESD anti-static packaging until the module is ready for field installation.

Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F).

Relative Humidity: Maintain relative humidity below 95% non-condensing; include active desiccant packs inside the storage container in humid tropical conditions.