›Compact design, optimizing DIN rail space›Modbus RTU or TCP connection options, for simple
connection to SCADAs and PLCs
›Optional WiFi connectivity, cutting the cost of cabling›Compact DIN rail mount design›4 Digital inputs
›Easy USB programming via your PC:
defineinstruments.com/workbench
General Description
The Zen RTU Mini is a Remote Terminal Unit
made for harsh industrial environments. Each
channel is isolated and EMC hardened. The
universal input is one of the most exible on
the market, making it a breeze to interface to
a wide range of sensors.
The basic Zen RTU Mini unit has four isolated
universal input channels, and comes in a
compact 1.38" (35mm) case. This can be expanded to 12 inputs (2.36" [60mm] case) or
16 inputs (3.35" [85mm] case).
This expanding design enables you to collate
a large number of signals and simply and efciently route them to your PLC or SCADA
system, while optimizing your DIN rail space.
Our free WorkBench conguration soware
is designed to assist and even teach you how
to congure the unit, and provides a range of
easy-to-use presets and exible controls. The
intuitive help panel follows you during setup
and updates automatically with relevant tips,
wiring diagrams, and application examples.
1
Zen RTU Mini
Remote Terminal Unit
Symbol Denitions
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock
Please refer to user manual.
CAUTION
Risk of danger
Please refer to user manual.
Direct current.
Equipment protected throughout by
DOUBLE INSULATION or REINFORCED
INSULATION.
4 universal inputs, standard 1.38" (35mm) case
12 universal inputs, expanded 2.36" (60mm) case
16 universal inputs, expanded 3.35" (85mm) case
Built in RS485/232 only
Built in RS485/232 + Additional Ethernet Modbus/TCP
Built in RS485/232 + Additional WiFi
Comm Port(s)
Accessories
Bridge KeyBRIDGE-KEYUSB Bridge Key, required for PC programming us-
ing our free WorkBench soware
SAFETY NOTICES
For your safety and the prevention of damage to the Zen RTU Mini and other equipment connected to it, please read complete instructions prior to installation and
operation of the Zen RTU Mini and carefully observe all safety regulations and
instructions. Consult this manual carefully in all cases where hazard symbols are
marked on the Zen RTU Mini.
Use of this instrument in a manner not specied by the manufacturer may compromise the protection provided by the instrument. This instrument should not be used
to directly drive valves, motors, or other actuators, unless equipped with appropriate safeguards.
It is the responsibility of the user to identify potential hazards that may arise in
the event of a fault to unit, and implement safeguards for the prevention of harm
to persons or equipment. The safety of any system incorporating this unit is the
responsibility of the assembler of the system.
Casing DIN 35 rail mounting; Material: ABS
inammability V0 (UL94)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
Zen RTU Mini4 = 3.98 x 1.38 x 4.72"
(101 x 35 x 120mm)
Zen RTU Mini12 = 3.98 x 2.36 x 4.72"
(101 x 60 x 120mm)
Zen RTU Mini16 = 3.98 x 3.35 x 4.72"
(101 x 85 x 120mm)
Height with antenna
4.65" (118mm), WiFi model only
2.1 - Station Mode
The most common operating mode for a WiFi enabled Zen RTU Mini is the Station (or Client) Mode. This mode is used when the unit is required to connect to an access point of an existing
WiFi network as a client.
Depending on the plugin, it can be set up to work with a DHCP server (default setting), or to
have a xed (or Static) IP address. The user must enter the SSID and passphrase of the WiFi
network that it is attempting to connect to.
2.2 - Access Point Mode
Some WorkBench plugins also allow a WiFi enabled Zen RTU Mini to be run as an access point
which is totally independent of any other networks. This can be useful if there are no WiFi
networks available, or if they are not accessible for security reasons.
When running in Access Point Mode, the Zen RTU Mini will function as a DHCP server and can
work with up to 5 Clients. The user can set the SSID, passphrase, and also which WiFi channel
to use.
The Zen RTU Mini should be installed in a
location that does not exceed the maximum operating temperature, and at a safe
distance from other devices that generate
excessive heat. The installation environment
should provide good air circulation to the
unit.
The plastic casing and product label may be
cleaned, if required, using a so, damp cloth
and neutral soap product. Caution should
be exercised when cleaning the unit to
avoid water dripping inside, as this will
damage the internal circuits.
3.3 - Installation Instructions
Antenna mounted
outside enclosure
using antenna
extension cable
The Zen RTU Mini is rated IP20, and should be mounted in a protective enclosure to protect
the unit from weather conditions and dust. If using the Zen RTU Mini with WiFi, the unit must
be located within range of a WiFi network. The maximum distance is 1476 (450m) L.O.S.
A - Plastic Enclosure (Fig 1)
Prepare the Plastic Enclosure (not supplied)
as illustrated by mounting a DIN 35 rail, cable
glands, and any other required components.
If you are using the WiFi model, the antenna
may be mounted directly on the Zen RTU
Mini (inside the Plastic Enclosure).
B - Metal Enclosure (Fig 2)
Prepare the Metal Enclosure (not supplied)
as illustrated by mounting a DIN 35 rail, cable
glands, and any other required components.
This enclosure type should be earthed.
If you are using the WiFi model or a cellular
modem, a Metal Enclosure will impede your
signal strength. In these cases, the antenna
should be installed on the outside of the enclosure using a compatible Antenna Exten-
sion Cable.
C - DIN Rail Mounting (Fig 3)
To clip the unit onto the DIN rail:
(1) Hook the upper part of the unit onto the
rail, and then (2) Press down towards the rail
until the red hook clicks into place.
Leave at least 0.79" (2cm) clear on either
side of the unit, and at least 1.97" (5cm)
clear above and below the unit, to allow
room for airow and wiring.
To unclip the unit from the DIN rail, power
the unit down and remove the power
connector.
Then insert a small screwdriver into the slot
on the red hook (just visible when the power
connector is removed), and lever it down.
This will release the hook, allowing the unit
to be detached from the DIN rail.
3.4 - EMC Installation Guidelines
Fig 4
The Zen RTU Mini has been designed to
cope with large EMC disturbances. This
has been achieved by continual testing
and improvement of ltering and layout
techniques.
The Zen RTU Mini meets CE noise requirements, and even surpasses them in many
tests. (For full details and test results, see
Appendix A.) However in some applications
with less than optimum installations and
large power switching, the EMC performance of the unit can be further improved
by:
A Installing the unit in an earthed Metal
Enclosure (as in Fig 2). This is particular-
ly useful if the control box is mounted
close to large power switching devices
like contactors. Every switching cycle
there is a possibility of generating a
large amount of near eld radiated
noise. The Metal Enclosure, acting as
a faraday cage, will shunt this radiation
to ground and away from the unit.
B Increasing the physical distance from
the power devices. For example, increasing the control box distance from
6" to 12" from the noise source will reduce the noise seen by the control box
by a factor of 4. (Probably the cheapest
and best results in this situation could
be obtained by adding RC snubbers to
the contactors or power switches.)
C Using shielded cable on sensitive input
and control signal lines. Good results
can be obtained by grounding the
shields to the metal enclosure close to
the entry point. All cables act as aerials and pick up unwanted R.F. radiated
signals and noise; the earthed shield
acts as a faraday cage around the cables, shunting the unwanted energy to
ground.
Shields can also help with capacitively
coupled noise typically found in circumstances when signal cable is laid on top
of noisy switching power cables. Of
course in this case you are better o to
keep separate signal and power lines.
D Laying cable on earthed cable trays can
also help reduce noise seen by the Zen
RTU Mini. This is particularly useful if
there are long cable runs, or the unit is
close to radiating sources such as two
way radios.
Dene WorkBench oers a comprehensive and yet simple-to-use setup tool for your Zen RTU
Mini, complete with data log extraction and visualization.
You must install WorkBench before connecting the Zen RTU Mini to your computer. If you
have already connected using the Bridge Key, please disconnect before continuing.
A Download the latest version of WorkBench from
www.deneinstruments.com/workbench
B Extract the install le from the zip folder. Right-click on the zip folder and choose
'Extract All', (or extract the le using another extraction utility of your choice).
INSTALLING DEFINE WORKBENCH
C Double-click on the extracted .msi
install le. This will launch the
WorkBench installer.
Depending on your security settings,
a 'Security Warning' dialog may
appear. If you see the security
message, click 'Run'.
To program your Zen RTU Mini, connect
one end of the Interface Cable to the 'PC
Setup' port on the unit's front panel, and
the other end to your Bridge Key.
Then plug the Bridge Key into your computer's USB port (see Fig 5).
Supply Power
Supply power to the Zen RTU Mini, referring
to 6.1 for wiring.
Connect to your Zen RTU Mini
in Dene WorkBench
Launch Dene WorkBench (see Section 4
for installation instructions), and select the
'Prog Port' tab.
If your Zen RTU Mini is powered up and connected via the Bridge Key, then the COM
Port will be detected automatically. Click
'Connect'.
Main Navigation, including channel sub-navigation. See 5.3 for more information.
Control Area
Main control area for conguring your
system. Any changes made in this area will
bring up the Apply Button (see below)
Connection Panel
Disconnect button
Connection status
Apply Button
Appears if you have made any changes in the
Control Area. WorkBench will not allow you to
browse to a new tab in the Main Navigation with
unapplied changes to your conguration.
Wiring diagrams, explanations
and helpful tips will automatically appear in this panel as
you congure the unit.
5.3 - Main Navigation
13
Overview
View basic device information including Serial Number and rmware version. Password
protect, export a conguration certicate,
and save/upload conguration settings.
Ports
This tab is only visible if you are connected to
your Zen RTU Mini via the USB Programming
Port. It enables you to congure a range of
settings for the default RS232 / RS485 port.
Inputs
Set up and scale the universal isolated input
channels. Includes integrated wiring diagrams and examples.
Digital Inputs
Set up the four digital inputs and view their
live status.
Totalizers
Congure up to 10 totalizers using either an
input channel or a digital input as the source.
Plugins
Plugins are small programs which are loaded
into the Zen RTU Mini to expand its functionality or simplify its use. Available plugins
include:
Ĝ WiFi (requires WiFi hardware)
Enables your Zen RTU Mini to wirelessly
connect to a LAN or the internet
via a local WiFi network, allowing
it to become a Modbus TCP server
for configuration or data viewing
applications.
Ĝ Ethernet (requires Ethernet hardware)
This plugin enables your Zen RTU Mini
to connect to a LAN or the internet via
wired Ethernet connection, allowing
it to become a Modbus TCP server
for configuration or data viewing
applications.
6.2 - Analog Input See 6.1A (also 6.1E–G for Zen RTU Mini12/16)
The four primary analog input channels (included for all Zen RTU Mini models) are shown in
6.1A. For Zen RTU Mini models with expanded input channels, please also refer to 6.1E (for
channels 5–8), 6.1F (for channels 9–12), and 6.1G (for channels 13–16).
All input terminals are universal and can be wired for a range of input types, as detailed in
Section 7. Please also refer to the product label for input terminal pinouts.
6.3 - Serial Port (RS232 / RS485) See 6.1B
The auto-detecting serial terminal on
the top side of the unit can be wired for
either RS232 or RS485, as shown.
RX
NC
COM
NC
TX
NC
NC
TX+
TX–
COM
RS232
RS485
NOTE
Pins marked 'NC' MUST be le disconnected to ensure correct auto-detection of
your comm type.
6.4 - Digital Input
See 6.1C
The Zen RTU Mini has four Digital Inputs (A–D) which can be
congured and scaled using Dene WorkBench from the "Digi-
tal Inputs" tab, as per the list below:
›Status (active/inactive - can be read by a SCADA system as
a general digital input)
›Counter (up to 10KHz, or 100Hz Debounced)›Frequency (up to 10KHz)›Flow count (up to 10KHz)›Flow rate (up to 10KHz)›RPM (up to 10KHz)
NOTE
The Digital Inputs can be congured in soware to be either Sinking (active low
input) or Sourcing (active high input). The diagrams in this manual are for Sinking
wiring, which is the default conguration. To view Sourcing wiring, please refer to
the help information provided in Dene WorkBench.
Connection example for digital inputs (A–D)
Reed Switch or
Relay Contact
3-wire Proximity
Transducer,
Paddle Wheel etc.
–
OP
+
Com
A
B
Selected digital
input channel
D D
D C
+5V
Digital Output
5-30V DC
Open
Collector
–
+
+
–
+
–
C
D
+24V Supply
Note 1 All cables must be screened, with screen earthed at one end only.
NOTE
The universal analog inputs can also be wired as digital pulse inputs (see 7.5).
Wire your power supply for 10–32V DC supply, as shown.
(If the supply voltage is less than 10V at power up, the power LED (see
6.6B) will ash very quickly every 2–3 seconds until the supply voltage
reaches an acceptable level.)
CAUTION
Low voltage (10–32V DC) only. Higher voltages will damage the
Zen RTU Mini.
6.6 - Front Panel & LED's
A - Programming port
See 5.1
B - Additional comm port and LED status area
17
10–32V DC
EMOD
LED
Description
Flashing between Green & Red= Normal operation.
Red for 2–3 seconds following power up= Unit is booting up
and checking for errors.
Intermittent rapid ashing Red= Supply voltage is too low.
Red continually= Error (contact your distributor).
Flashing= Data is being transmitted, or a connection is being
established.
Link LED's indicate the status of the wireless link.
Green O, Red On= Not connected (idle).
Green/Red Toggling= Trying to connect in Station Mode.
Green/Red Flashing= Trying to connect in Access Point Mode.
Green On, Red O= Station Connected.
Green On, Red On= Access Point Connected.
Note: See Section 2 for more information on WiFi operating modes.
Risk of electric shock. Dangerous and lethal voltages may be present on the input termi-
nals. Please take appropriate precautions to ensure safety.
CAUTION
Risk of danger. The sensor input can potentially oat to dangerous and unexpected volt-
ages depending on what external circuit it is connected to. Appropriate considerations
must be given to the potential of the sensor input with respect to earth common.
7.1 - Current Input
Range 0–20mA, 4–20mA
Input impedance 45Ω
Maximum over-range protected by PTC
to 24V DC
Accuracy 0.1% FSO max
0/4–20mA DC is the most commonly used analog signal in industry, and is universally accepted.
As a current loop, it is unaected by voltage drops in cables, and can be transmitted over long
distances without signal degradation.
Connection example for 2, 3 & 4 wire mA output transmitters
+24V Supply
2-Wire
Transmitter
B+
B–
19
Input
Channel
Output +
Output −
Output +
Output −
Power
Supply
3-Wire
Transmitter
4-Wire
Transmitter
Note 1 All analog inputs are isolated to
other channels and all other voltages.
They also have built in over voltage protection to 24V, protecting the unit if the
24V supply is inadvertently connected to
the unit when congured for mA input.
Note 2 All cables must be screened, with
screen earthed at one end only.
B+
Input
Channel
B–
B+
Input
Channel
B–
Note 3 Do not run input cables in close
vicinity to noisy power supplies, contactors or motor cables. The best practice is
to run input cables on a separate earthed
cable tray. This will minimize RFI eects,
of which magnitude cannot be easily
predicted.
The Zen RTU Mini accepts both voltage and millivolt inputs. Along with the standard 0–10V
DC range, a variety of other ranges are provided to suit a various applications. These can all be
selected using the WorkBench soware and easily scaled into engineering units.
The ±200mV DC and -200mV to 1V DC ranges are ideal for low signal applications, such as
measuring large DC currents using external current shunts, or interfacing to sensors with low
voltage output. A 0–18V general purpose voltage range is also provided.
Connection Example for Millivolt & Voltage Inputs for 2, 3 & 4 Wire
Transmitters
+24V Supply
2-Wire
Transmitter
B+
B–
21
Input
Channel
Output +
Output −
Output +
Output −
Power
Supply
3-Wire
Transmitter
4-Wire
Transmitter
Note 1 Each voltage input must not see
more than 18V peak between the negative and the input, otherwise permanent
damage may occur.
Note 2 All cables must be screened, with
screen earthed at one end only.
B+
Input
Channel
B–
B+
Input
Channel
B–
Note 3 Do not run input cables in close
vicinity to noisy power supplies, contactors or motor cables. The best practice is
to run input cables on a separate earthed
cable tray. This will minimize RFI eects,
of which magnitude cannot be easily
predicted.
The RTD (standing for Resistance Temperature Device) is highly stable
and accurate, and is fast becoming the most popular temperature
sensor in industry. Oen referred to as Pt100 and Pt1000, the Pt represents platinum (the dominant metal in its construction), and 100/1000
is the resistance in ohms at 0°C.
Supported RTD types/ranges
Pt100/Pt1000 (0.02°F/0.01°C res)-328 to 572°F (-200 to 300°C)
Pt100/Pt1000 (0.1°F/0.1°C res)-328 to 1472°F (-200 to 800°C)
Note 1 All RTD inputs are isolated from
each other.
Note 2 All RTD cables must be screened,
with screen earthed at one end only. All
three wires must be the same resistance
(i.e. the same type and size).
Note 3 To minimize lead resistance errors,
3-wire RTD’s should be used. Oset errors
for 2-wire RTD’s may be compensated for
in the soware.
Note 4 Do not run input cables in close
vicinity to noisy power supplies, contactors or motor cables. The best practice is
to run input cables on a separate earthed
cable tray. This will minimize RFI eects,
of which magnitude cannot be easily
predicted.
Thermocouple types B, E, J, K, N, R, S or
T type (see table below for ranges)
Cold junction compensation 14 to 140°F
(–10 to 60°C)
CJC dri <0.02°C/°C typical for all inputs
The thermocouple
is one of the most
common temperature sensors used in
industry. It relies on
the Seebeck coecient
between dissimilar
metals. The thermocouple type is selected
with reference to the
application temperature range and environment, with J and K
type being the most common.
Connection Example for
Thermocouple Inputs
B+
B–
B+
B–
B+
B–
Note 1 All thermocouple inputs are isolated from each other. There is no need to
buy expensive isolated thermocouples.
Thermocouple
Input
Channel
Input
Channel
Input
Channel
Sensor open Upscale
TC lead resistance 100Ω max
Input impedance >500KΩ
Accuracy 0.1% of FSO ±1°C typical
Supported thermocouple types/ranges
B32 to 3272°F(0 to 1800°C)
E-328 to 1292°F(-200 to 700°C)
J-328 to 1832°F(-200 to 1000°C)
K-328 to 2300°F(-200 to 1260°C)
N-328 to 2372°F(-200 to 1300°C)
R32 to 3092°F(0 to 1700°C)
S32 to 3092°F(0 to 1700°C)
T-328 to 752°F(-200 to 400°C)
Note 2 For accurate thermocouple mea-
surements (especially at low temperatures) the top cover must always be tted.
Avoid dras and temperature dierences
across terminals. Once installation is complete, close the cabinet door and allow
the cabinet to reach equilibrium. This may
take several hours. Place all thermocouple
probes into a calibrated thermal bath at
temperature of interest. Any osets can
be zeroed out in the soware.
Note 3 All thermocouples are referenced
to a combination of four CJC temperature sensors on the main Zen board. This
minimizes errors caused by the mounting
orientation of the Zen unit, and temperature dierences in enclosures. However,
for high accuracy applications it is still
Note 4 All cables must be screened, with
screen earthed at one end only.
Note 5 When thermocouple inputs are selected, an upscale resistor is automatically
connected to the T/C + input, resulting in
an overow condition for open or broken
sensors.
7.5 - Digital Pulse
Frequency range 0–2500.0Hz
Fast counter range 0–2500.0Hz
Sensors Open collector (NPN, PNP), TTL
or Clean Contact
The Zen RTU Mini's universal input terminals
accept digital inputs from NPN, PNP or TTL
sensors as well as Clean Contacts. Pulses up
to 2.5kHz can be counted (except for the
debounced counter, which has a range of
0–50Hz).
A variety of operating modes are soware
programmable to suit your application.
Note 4 Do not run input cables in close
vicinity to noisy power supplies, contactors or motor cables. The best practice is
to run input cables on a separate earthed
cable tray. This will minimize RFI eects,
of which magnitude cannot be easily
predicted.
Frequency resolution 0.1Hz
Debounce counter range 0–50Hz max
Counter register output 32 bit
Accuracy ±0.5%
Soware programmable modes include:
›General counter›General debounced counter (ideal for
mechanical relay contacts which are
subject to bouncing)
each other. Inputs from various sources
can be connected without fear of crating unwanted and troublesome ground
loops.
Note 2 Soware selectable functions
include: frequency to 2kHz, debounced
counter for contact closures to 100Hz
maximum, fast counter to 20KHz.
Note 3 All cables must be screened, with
screen earthed at one end only.
Note 4 Do not run input cables in close
vicinity to noisy power supplies, contactors or motor cables. The best practice is
to run input cables on a separate earthed
cable tray. This will minimize RFI eects,
of which magnitude cannot be easily
predicted.
Field prog span 0.1–100%
Linearity and repeatability
<±0.05% FSO typical
Response time 100msec
Temperature dri <50ppm/°C
A 3 wire potentiometer is typically used to measure position. A low or
high potentiometer range can be programmed to your unit using the
WorkBench soware.
These ranges must be calibrated using the two point calibration method.
Your Zen RTU Mini has been fully calibrated at the factory, and can be recalibrated in soware
using Dene WorkBench (see Section 5). Scaling to convert the input signal to a desired display value is also done using WorkBench
If your Zen RTU Mini appears to be behaving incorrectly or inaccurately, refer to troubleshooting before attempting to calibrate it. When recalibration is required (generally every 2 years),
it should only be performed by qualied technicians using appropriate equipment.
Calibration does not change any user programmed parameters. However, it may aect the
accuracy of the input signal values previously stored.
9.2 - Troubleshooting
IssueResolution
Auto-detecting RS Port is
not working
Power LED stays red
continuously
Cannot power up unitCheck the power supply connections and supply range. (The
Ethernet device does not
appear on the network
when trying to connect in
WorkBench
Ensure that any terminal connections marked 'NC' are le
open - otherwise the Zen RTU Mini will not be able to autodetect your serial type.
Indicates an internal error which will need to be assessed
by the manufacturer. Please return the Zen RTU Mini to the
manufacturer for analysis and repair.
polarity on the power input is irrelevant.)
Repower the device aer you plug in the ethernet cable to
ensure that it appears on the network.
For further assistance, please contact technical support using the contact details listed at the
end of this document.