Allen-Bradley 900-TC8, 900-TC8RGTH1Z25, 900-TC8RGTZ25, 900-TC8RVGTZ25, 900-TC8VGTZ25 Selection Manual

SELECTION GUIDE

BULLETIN 900-TC

Single-Loop Electronic
Temperature/Process Controllers

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Bulletin 900-TC

Single-Loop Temperature/Process Controller

3

Bulletin 900 Controllers with Enhanced Features

Both the hardware and function set of the Bulletin 900-TC8 and 900-TC16 temperature controller product lines offer an enhanced feature set
as compared to the 900-TC32. The controller enhancements allow the Bulletin 900-TC8 and 900-TC16 line a much wider range of process
applications. Key enhancements include:

ModBus is a registered trademark of Group Schneider.

• Analog voltage and current inputs

• The combination of thermocouple and platinum RTD controller types into one Global Temperature (GT) controller which incorporates both sensor input types

• A second voltage (SSR) or Triac (electronic relay) control output without loss of an alarm output

• 0...20 mA analog output in addition to the existing 4...20 mA output

• Analog transfer output function to allow easy connection to a strip chart recorder or PLC input

• Manual control of the output from the controller keypad, with bumpless transfer to the Automatic PID mode

• 11-segment alphanumeric LED readouts to display the controller parameters in a more understandable format

• Single- and three-phase heater burnout and short circuit detection

• Faster sampling rate to 250 ms

• Direct connection to your PC's USB port and 4-pin serial port on the controller using the 900-CPOEM1 cable. Allows 1-to-1 (non-network) parameter
configuration and monitoring without the need of an option communication unit/module.

• ModBus

®

RTU (master/slave) protocol

Bulletin 900-TC8 and 900-TC16 Series B Added Features and Functions

In addition to the above enhanced features/functions associated with the Bulletin 900-TC8 and 900-TC16 controllers, the Series B version
(released in October 2008) offers additional features over the series A controllers.

MV (Manipulated Variable) Display Ye s N o

PF Key (addition to keypad: allows one touch assignment of Auto/Manual, Run/Stop, etc) Yes No

Thermocouple Types: Added W and PL II Ye s Ye s

Thermocouple Accuracy: Improved from +/-0.5% of PV to +/-0.3% of PV Yes Yes

RTD Accuracy: Improved from +/-0.5% of PV to +/-0.2% of PV Ye s Yes

Analog Output Resolution: Expanded from 2,700 to 10,000 Ye s Yes

Max. Network Communications Rate: Increased to 57.6 Kbps

Ye s7

Yes ‡

Simultaneous Network and USB Cable (900-CPOEM1) communications Yes Yes

Modbus Communications: 1 data, 2-byte mode added Ye s Yes

Manipulated Variable Limiter Ye s Yes

40% Auto-tuning Ye s Yes

Auto-tuning for cooling when heating & cooling is selected Ye s

Direct/Reverse mode change selection by input interrupt Yes §

Yes ♣

Square Root extraction function for analog input Ye s Yes

PV rate of change alarm Ye s Yes

Over current alarm Yes

³ Yes ³

9

Version 1.2 of 900BuilderLite is required to configure Series B controllers if the software configuration option is used versus the controller keypad. NOTE:
Version 1.1 saved parameter cannot be downloaded using Version 1.2

7 Requires the use of a communication option unit: 900-TC8232 (Series B) for RS232C or 900-TC8COM (Series B) for RS485 communications.

‡ Requires the use of a Series B RS485 communication option unit: Refer to Table “Option Units”. NOTE: Series A option units cannot be used with Series B

controllers and vice versa.

§ Requires the use of an event Input option unit: 900-TC8EIM (Series B)

♣ Requires the use of a Series B Event Input option unit: Refer to Table “Option Units”. NOTE: Series A option units cannot be used with Series B controllers and

vice versa.

Ye s

New Series B Feature/Functionality

9 900-TC8 900-TC16

Bulletin 900-TC Digital Temperature Controllers

Page 4

Bulletin 900-CONV Interface Converter

Page 23

Bulletin 900 900BuilderLite™ Software

Page 26

Bulletin 900 900Builder™ Software

Page 27

Bulletin 900 — Temperature/Process Controllers

³ Requires the use of a current transformer: 900-CT1 or 900-CT2

y Single-Loop, High Value, ON/OFF, or Analog Output Controllers
y 1/8 DIN (Bulletin 900-TC8), 1/16 DIN (Bulletin 900-TC16), and 1/32 DIN (Bulletin 900-TC32)

Sizes

y Various Sensor Inputs

– Thermocouple
– Platinum RTD
– Non-Contact Temperature Sensor
– Analog Input 4...20 mA, 0...20 mA, 1...5, 0...5 or 0...10V DC and 0…50 mV (TC8 and TC16)

y Auto-Tuning and Self-tuning Available to Simplify Startup
y Heating, Cooling, or Heating/Cooling Control Available
y Manual Output Control (TC8 and TC16)
y High Visibility 4-digit, 11-segment LED Displays, Easy to See in High Levels of Ambient Light
y Integral Keypad with Tactile Feedback for Setup and Modification of Parameters
y Security Modes/Levels
y Event Input (TC8 and TC16) for Multiple SP Selection, Controller RUN/STOP and Auto/Manual

Mode Change

y Water-Resistant Construction UL Type 4X or IP66 for Indoor Use
y On-Board Wiring Diagrams to Simplify Startup
y cULus, CE

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Bulletin 900-TC

Single-Loop Temperature/Process Controller

4

Product Overview/Quick Selection

Bulletin

900-TC32

Bulletin

900-TC16

Bulletin

900-TC8

Bulletin 900 — Temperature/Process Controllers

Product Selection...... 5

Accessories..................

General Functions .....78

Inputs Ranges............. 10

Specifications.............. 1 2

Approximate

Dimensions................... 15

Wiring Terminals ......... 1 7

Option Units................. 19

Installation .................... 20

Controller Config.

from Keypad................ 22

Bulletin 900-TCx Quick Selection

Bulletin 900 — Temperature/Process Controllers

Item

Bulletin No.

900-TC8

900-TC16

900-TC32

Dimensions 48 x 96 x 78 mm 48 x 48 x 78 mm 48 x 24 x 100 mm

Alphanumeric Display Types PV, SV, MV PV, SV PV, SV

Sample Rate 250 ms 500 ms

Indication Accuracy

Thermocouple: ±0.3% of PV; RTD: ±0.2% of PV;

Analog: ±0.2% of F.S.

±0.5% PV +1 digit max.

Heating/Cooling Control Mode Yes Yes Yes

Control Method

ON/OFF or 2-PID (auto-tune and self-tune) with time proportioning ON/OFF outputs

or Analog Output (900-TC8 & 900-TC16)

Inputs

Thermocouple Input and 0...50 mV Yes Yes Yes

Platinum Resistance Temperature Sensor Yes Yes Yes

Analog Input 0...20 mA, 4...20 mA,

1...5V DC, 0...5V DC, 0...10V DC

Yes Yes No

Non-Contact Temperature Sensor Yes Yes Yes

Control
Output
1 Type

ON/OFF Relay Output (Electro­Mechanical)

Ye s Ye s Ye s

ON/OFF Voltage Output for Solid-State
Relay

Ye s Ye s Ye s

ON/OFF Triac (AC Only) No Yes No

4…20 and 0...20 mA (DC) Analog Yes Yes No

Control
Output
2 Types

ON/OFF Relay

No a No a No a

ON/OFF Triac

Yes

³

No No

ON/OFF Voltage SSR

Yes

³

Yes ‡ No

Maximum Number of Auxiliary/
Alarm Outputs

None No No

Ye s7

1 Output No No Yes

2 Outputs No Yes No

3 Outputs Yes Yes No

RS-232C Communications Function Yes § No No

RS-485 Communications Function Yes § Yes §

Yes

³

Event Input Yes § Ye s§ No

Run/Stop via Keypad or Interrupts Yes Yes Keypad

Multiple SP Selection via Keypad or Interrupts

Yes ♣ Yes ♣

Keypad

Manual Output Control via Keypad or Interrupts

Yes ♣ Yes ♣

No

Transfer Output Function (Requires Analog Output) Yes Yes No

Heater Burnout, Heater Overcurrent or Heater Short Alarm (Single or 3­Phase)

Ye s Ye s

No

7 When RS-485 communication is required.

§ Requires an option unit. Refer to Option Unit table on page 6

♣ Interrupts require an event input option unit. Refer to Option Unit table on page 6.

³ Determined by controller catalog number.

a One of the controller alarm relays can be used as a second control output (i.e., a heating and cooling application).

‡ Requires an option unit with an SSR output.

 Requires addition of hardware. One current transformer (900-CT1 or 900-CT2) for single-phase and two current transformers for 3-phase detection. For the

900-TC16, the appropriate option unit must be purchased. Refer to Option Units in Product Selection on page 6.

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Bulletin 900-TC

Single-Loop Temperature/Process Controller

5

Product Selection

Bulletin 900-TC8 Controller Models

Bulletin

No.

DIN Size

(DImensions)

(mm)

Sensor Input

Type

Power

Supply

Voltage

Max No. of

Auxiliary

Outputs

Supported

³ Control Output 1 Type Control Output 2 Type

Supports

Heater Burnout

(Open) and

Heater Short-

Circuit Alarm

Controller Cat. No.

900-TC8

97

1/8 DIN
48 mm (W)
x 96 mm (H)
x 78 mm (D)

Thermocouple

or RTD

100…

240V AC

3

Relay

—No

900-TC8RGTZ25

— Yes (1-Phase) 900-TC8RGTH1Z25

Voltage (for driving SSR) No 900-TC8RVGTZ25

— Yes (3-Phase)

900-TC8RGTH3Z25

Voltage (for driving SSR)

—No900-TC8VGTZ25

— Yes (1-Phase) 900-TC8VGTH1Z25

Triac ♣

No

900-TC8VYGTZ25

Voltage (for driving SSR) No 900-TC8VVGTZ25

— Yes (3-Phase) 900-TC8VGTH3Z25

0...20 or 4...20 mA
Analog Output

—No

900-TC8ACGTZ25

Triac ♣

No

900-TC8ACYGTZ25

Voltage (for driving SSR) No 900-TC8ACVGTZ25

Thermocouple

or RTD

24V

AC/DC

3

Relay

—No

900-TC8RGTU25

— Yes (1-Phase) 900-TC8RGTH1U25

Voltage (for driving SSR)

—No900-TC8VGTU25

— Yes (1-Phase) 900-TC8VGTH1U25

0...20 or 4...20 mA
Analog Output

—No

900-TC8ACGTU25

Analog Current

& Voltage 0...20

and 4...20 mA

0...5, 1...5, and

0...10V DC

100…

240V AC

3

Relay — Yes (1-Phase)

900-TC8RABH1Z25

Relay — No

900-TC8RABZ25

Voltage (for driving SSR) — Yes (1-Phase)

900-TC8VABH1Z25

Voltage (for driving SSR) — No

900-TC8VABZ25

Voltage (for driving SSR)

Triac ♣

No

900-TC8VYABZ25

0...20 or 4...20 mA
Analog Output

—No

900-TC8ACABZ25

Bulletin 900-TC16 Controller Models

Bulletin

No.

DIN Size

(DImensions)

(mm)

Sensor Input

Type

Power

Supply

Voltage

Max No. of

Auxiliary

Outputs

Supported

³ Control Output Type §

Supports Heater

Burnout (Open)

and Heater

Short-Circuit

Alarm

Controller Cat. No.

900-TC16

97

1/16 DIN
48 mm (W)
x 48 mm (H)
x 78 mm (D)

Thermocouple

or RTD

100…

240V AC

2

Relay Output Yes‡

900-TC16RGTU25

Triac ♣

Ye s‡

900-TC16YGTZ25

Voltage output (for driving SSR) Yes‡ 900-TC16VGTZ25

0...20 or 4...20 mA Analog Output No 900-TC16ACGTZ25

Thermocouple

or RTD

24V

AC/DC

2

Relay Output Yes‡

900-TC16RGTU25

Voltage output (for driving SSR) Yes‡ 900-TC16VGTU25

0...20 or 4...20 mA Analog Output No 900-TC16ACGTZ25

Analog Current

& Voltage 0...20

and 4...20 mA

0...5, 1...5, and

0...10V DC

100…

240V AC

2

Relay Yes ‡

900-TC16RABZ25

Triac ♣

Yes ‡

900-TC16YABZ25

Voltage (for driving SSR) Yes ‡

900-TC16VABZ25

0...20 or 4...20 mA Analog Output No

900-TC16ACABZ25

24V

AC/DC

Relay Yes ‡

900-TC16RABU25

Voltage (for driving SSR) Yes ‡ 900-TC16VABU25

0...20 or 4...20 mA Analog Output No

900-TC16ACABU25

9 A current transformer (CT) is not provided with the unit.

7 When the heating and cooling function or the heater burnout alarm is used, one of the relay alarm outputs can be used as the heating or cooling output or

heater burnout alarm.

‡ To implement the single-phase or three-phase heater burnout and heater short alarm function, an option module must be inserted into the 900-TC16 controller.

For a list of 900-TC16 option modules, refer to the Option Units table, page 6. The heater burnout and heater short alarm is available by mounting the
appropriate option module into any 900-TC16 controller that supports (yes) the heater burnout (open) or heater short-circuit feature.

§ The Bulletin 900-TC16 can have a second ON/OFF control output (SSR) by adding an option unit to the controller. Refer to Option Units table on page 6.

♣ For AC voltage operation only

³ Typically used for alarms or cooling output in a heat/cool application

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Bulletin 900-TC

Single-Loop Temperature/Process Controller

6

Product Selection

Bulletin 900-TC32 Standard Controller Models

Bulletin

No.

DIN Size

(DImensions)

(mm)

Power

Supply

Voltage

Max No. of

Alarms

Supported

³ Control Output Type

Supports

Heater

Burnout

(Open) and

Heater Short-

Circuit Alarm

Controller Cat. No.

with Thermocouple

Support

Controller Cat. No.
with Platinum RTD

Support

900-TC32

97

1/32 DIN
48 mm (W) x 24 mm
(H) x 100 mm (D)

100…

240V AC

1

Relay Output

No

900-TC32RTZ25 900-TC32RPZ25

Voltage output (for driving SSR) 900-TC32VTZ25 900-TC32VPZ25

24V AC/DC 1

Relay Output

No

900-TC32RTU25 900-TC32RPU25

Voltage output (for driving SSR)

900-TC32VTU25 900-TC32VPU25

100…

240V AC

RS485

Relay Output

No

900-TC32CRTZ25 900-TC32CRPZ25

Voltage output (for driving SSR)

900-TC32CVTZ25 900-TC32CVPZ25

24V AC/DC RS485

Relay Output

No

900-TC32CRTU25 900-TC32CRPU25

Voltage output (for driving SSR) 900-TC32CVTU25 900-TC32CVPU25

9 If the heating/cooling function is used, ALM1 will be used for the cooling control output and so the alarm output relay will not be available.

7 Cat. Nos. with a C designator (e.g., Cat. No. 900-TC32C___) include RS-485 communications, but do not have an alarm (or cooling) output.

³ Typically used for alarms or cooling output in a heat/cool application

Option Units (Bulletins 900-TC8 and 900-TC16 — Only One Option Unit per Controller)

The unit provides communications or event input functionality.

Bulletin No. Name Function Cat. No.

900-TC8

Communications Unit

RS-232C communications‡

900-TC8232(B)

RS-485 communications

900-TC8COM(B)

Event Input Unit

Event inputa

900-TC8EIM

900-TC16

Communications and 1-Phase Heater

Burnout Unit and Heater Short

RS-485 communications with single-phase heater burnout (open) and heater

short-circuit failure detection

900-TC16NCOM(B)♠§

Event Input Unit with 1-Phase Heater

Burnout and Heater Short

Event Input with single-phase heater burnout (open) and heater short-circuit

failure detectiona

900-TC16NEIM(B)♠

Event Input Unit

Event Inputa

900-TC16NACEIM(B)♠

Communications Unit RS-485 communications

900-

TC16NACCOM

(B)♠§

Communications and 3-Phase Heater

Burnout and Heater Short Unit

RS-485 communications with 3-phase heater burnout (open) and heater short-

circuit failure detection

900-

TC16NCOMP3

(B)♠§

Communications and Second Voltage

(SSR) Output Unit

RS-485 communications and a second voltage (SSR) output

900-

TC16NCOMV2

(B)♠§

1-Phase Heater Burnout and second

voltage (SSR) output

1-Phase Heater burnout (open) and heater short-circuit failure detection with a

second control voltage (SSR) output

900-TC16P1V2(B)♠

‡ Enables direct RS-232 connection to personal computer using 900BuilderLite™ software. A Cat. No. 900-CP1X cable or equivalent is also required.

aProvides two event inputs. Allows selecting up to 4 different pre-configured set points, controller Run/Stop or Auto/Manual mode, from 2 external inputs.
Heater bur nout is not available for 0...20 or 4…20 mA analog output style 900-TC16 controllers such as the 900-TC16AC.
To obtain 57.6 k baud rate, Series B communication units must be used with any 900-TC8 controller catalog number from the Product Selection table on the

previous page.

♠ Series B option units must be used with Series B 900-TC16 controllers. Series A option units cannot be used with Series B controllers and vice versa.

§ Series B provides 57.6 K baud rate.

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Bulletin 900-TC

Single-Loop Temperature/Process Controller

7

Accessories

Accessories

For Use With Bulletin No. Hole Diameter ✶ Cat. No.

900-TC8, 900-TC16

5.8 dia.

900-CT1

12.0 dia. 900-CT2

✶ The hole diameter is the only functional difference between the Cat. No. 900-CT1 and the Cat. No. 900-CT2. Current output to controller is the same.

Interface Converter (RS-232/USB to RS-485) Model

Converts personal computer RS-232 or USB (Ser. B or later) communications to RS-485. Use for interface with a single Bulletin 900-TC8, or
Bulletin 900-TC16 with a Cat. No. 900-TCxxCOM unit installed or a single Cat. No. 900-TC32C_ designated controller. Also allows interface
to up to 31 controllers connected on a RS-485 link/network. See Bulletin 900-CONV, page 24 for additional details.

Bulletin No. Size Power Supply Voltage Cat. No.

900-CONV 30 mm (W) x 80 mm (H) x 78 mm (D)

100…240V AC

900-CONVZ25

24V AC/DC 900-CONVU25

RS-232 Interface Cable

Allows connection between a 900-TC8 with a 900-TC8232 option unit and a PC using 900BuilderLite software (see page 25) or PC with
software and a 900-CONV RS232-to-RS485 converter (see Bulletin 900-CONV, page 24).

900Builder™ Personal Computer Configuration Software (for Bulletin 900-TC32 Controllers)

Allows online and offline graphical configuration and online (direct or network) monitoring of controller parameters with data-logging and
trending, plus program upload/download capability for any Bulletin 900-TC32 controller.

Accessory Cat. No.

900Builder™ Personal Computer Configuration Software for Bulletin 900-TC32 Temperature Controllers (available in CD format only)

900-BLDSW1

Current Transformer (Use with Bulletins 900-TC8 and 900-TC16 Only for Heater Burnout or Heater Short)

USB Direct Communication Cable

This cable allows direct 1-to-1 (no network capability) communication between a PC USB port and the serial port of a Bulletin 900-TC16 or a
900-TC8 controller. No communication option unit is required. The cable can be used with the 900BuilderLite™ software to modify
parameters, monitor controller operation, and upload or download parameters to/from PC disk media.

Accessory Cat. No.

RS-232 cable with 9-pin female D shell and 3 flying leads (3 m)

900-CP1X

Accessory Cat. No.

USB-Serial Conversion Cable

900-CPOEM1

900BuilderLite™ Personal Computer Configuration Software for Bulletin 900-TC8 and 900-TC16 Controllers

Accessory Cat. No.

Free configuration software for Enhanced Functionality Bulletin 900-TC8 and 900-TC16 controllers.

900-BLDLTSW1

Free software. Allows online configuration and monitoring (direct or network) plus program upload/download capability to/from PC disk media
for any Bulletin 900-TC8 or 900-TC16 controller.

Note 1: To obtain the free software, go to http://www.ab.com and use the A-Z Product Directory under "Resources" to locate the Temperature
Controller home page. With the Bulletin 900-TC Single-Loop website displayed, go to the "Get Software" selection in the upper right and click
on 900BuilderLite. Follow the download instructions.

Note 2: Version 1.2 of 900BuilderLite is required to configure Series B controllers. Version 1.1 saved parameter cannot be downloaded to a
Series B controllers using Version 1.2.

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Bulletin 900-TC

Single-Loop Temperature/Process Controller

8

Bulletin 900-TC8

General Functions

USB-Serial Conversion Cable (900-CPOEM1)

(2,100)

250

1,765

USB connector (type A plug) Serial connector

LED indicator

(RD)

LED indicator (SD)

y Note: To use the cable you must first download a USB driver (free download). To get the driver, go to http://www.ab.com and use the A-Z

Product Directory under "Resources" to locate the Temperature Controller home page. When the Bulletin 900-TC Single-Loop Controller
website is displayed, go to "Get Software" selection in the upper right and click on 900-CPOEM1 driver. Follow the instructions.

y Do not connect or disconnect the Conversion Cable connector repeatedly over a short period of time. The computer may malfunction.

y After connecting the Conversion Cable to the computer, check the COM port number before starting communications. The computer

requires time to recognize the cable connection. This delay does not indicate failure.

y Do not connect the Conversion Cable through a USB hub. Doing so may damage the Conversion Cable.

y Do not use an extension cable to extend the Conversion Cable length when connecting to the computer. Doing so may damage the

Conversion Cable.

SUB 1
SUB 2
SUB 3

A

6. MANU (Manual Mode) — Lights when the controller mode
is in manual.

7. (Key) — Lights when thesettings change protection
is ON ( Keys disabled).

auxiliary 1 output is ON
auxiliary 2 output is ON
auxiliary 3 output is ON

57$

57$

57$

*#

Green, , Amber

No. 2 Display (Green)

Displays the set point, manipulated variable, or
configured value (setup) of the parameter.

No. 3 Display (Amber)

Displays manipulated variable soak time
remaining or multi SP.

PV

SV

5612176

/#07

%/9176

MV

2(

#/

4-pin Serial Port For USB Cable (900-CPOEM 1)

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Bulletin 900-TC

Single-Loop Temperature/Process Controller

9

General Functions, Continued

Bulletin 900-TC16

Bulletin 900-TC32

SUB

SUB

, or Amber

6. MANU (Manual Mode) — Lights when the controller mode
is in manual.

7. (Key) — Lights when thesettings change protection
is ON ( Keys disabled).

failure (open or short)

A

SUB2 — Lights when auxiliary 2 output is ON.

SUB1 — Lights when auxiliary 1 output is ON.

configured value (setup) of the parameter.