These operating instructions describe the installation, features, and
characteristics of the FP-RLY-422. For details on configuring and
accessing the FP-RL Y-422 o ver a network, refer to the user manual
for the particular FieldPoint network module you are using with
the FP-RLY-422.
Features
The FP-RLY-422 is a FieldPoint relay output module with the
following features:
The FP-RLY-422 mounts on a FieldPoint terminal base
(FP-TB-xx) unit. The hot plug and play operation of the
FP-RLY-422 allows you to install it onto a powered terminal base
without disturbing the operation of other modules or terminal
bases. The FP-RLY-422 receives operating power from the
terminal base.
FieldPoint ™ is a trademark of National Instruments Corporation. Product and company names
mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
T o install the FP-RLY-422, refer to Figure 1 and follow these steps:
1. Slide the terminal base key to either position X (used for any
module) or position 7 (used for the FP-RLY-422 module).
2. Align the FP-RLY-422 alignment slots with the guide rails on
the terminal base.
3. Press firmly to seat the FP-RL Y- 422 on the terminal base. The
terminal base latch locks the FP-RLY-422 into place when it is
firmly seated.
Key
Latch
Alignment
Slot
Guide Rails
Terminal BaseI/O Module
Figure 1. Module Installation Diagram
Field Wiring
The terminal base has connections for each of the four relay
channels and an external supply to po wer f ield de vices. Each relay
channel of the FP-RLY-422 has four terminals: one N.Open
(Normally Open), two I.Com (Isolated Common), and one
N.Closed (Normally Closed). The external supply is not needed for
the internal operation of the FP-RLY-422; however, you may
connect an external supply to po wer field de vices b y connecting to
the V and C terminals of the terminal base. If you connect an
external supply to the V and C terminals, the total current supplied
cannot exceed 5 A.
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Table 1 lists the terminal assignments for the signals of each
channel.
Table 1.
Terminal Assignments
Terminal Numbers
Channel
N.OpenI.ComN.Closed
012,34
156,78
2910,1112
31314,1516
V
SUP
1718
1920
2122
2324
2526
2728
2930
3132
COM
Figures 2a and 2b show examples of basic wiring connections.
The outputs of the FP-RLY-422 consist of four independent
Form C electromechanical relays. The relays are
break-before-make, but only if you do not exceed the specified
relay operation speed. All relays remain in their power-up state or
OFF state (N.Closed connected to I.Com) until the relay (Channel)
is turned on. This will break the N.Closed–I.Com connection and
connect I.Com to N.Open. Choose the impedance of the loads so
that the current switched by any one channel is no more than 3 A.
Each relay can be controlled separately without affecting the
others, or all relays can change states at the same time.
There is an effective resistance of 100 mΩ between I.Com and
N.Closed or N.Open. This resistance will cause a voltage drop. For
example, if the current is 3 A, the voltage drop across the I.Com
and N.Closed or N.Open terminals is 0.3 V.
Figure 3 shows the diagram of one channel’s relay output circuit.
V
V
sup
N.Open
I.Com
I.Com
N.Closed
COM
C
Figure 3.
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Relay Output Circuit
Page 5
The maximum switching capacity of each relay is 3 A up to
250 VAC or 35 VDC. To switch greater DC voltages, refer to
Figure 4.
3
2.5
Current
(Amps)
2
1.5
1
.5
Safe Operating
Region
2004060
Figure 4.
Maximum Current vs. DC Volts
DC Volts
80 100 120
Contact Protection for Inductive Loads
When inductive loads are connected to the relays, a large
counter-electromotive force may occur at relay switching time
because of the energy stored in the inductive load. These flyback
voltages can severely damage the relay contacts and greatly
shorten the life of the relay.
It is best to limit these flyback voltages at your inductive load by
installing, across your inductive load, a flyback diode for DC loads
or a metal oxide varistor (MOV) for AC loads. Refer to the next
section, Guidelines for Selecting Contact Protection Circuits, for
more information.
In addition, the FP-RLY-422 contains its own internal protection
MOV to prevent excessively high voltage from being applied
across the contacts. Each channel contains two MOVs: one
between N.Closed and I.Com and one between N.Open and I.Com.
However, National Instruments still recommends the use of a
protection circuit across your inductive load.
Guidelines for Selecting Contact
Protection Circuits
Proper selection is critical as the use of a contact-protection device
can extend contact life. When mounting the protection device,
always locate it near the immediate area of the load or contact.
T ypically you should mount a protectiv e device within 18 in. of the
load or contact.
T ypically , contact-protection circuits are provided for an ov erview,
but you should thoroughly examine the circuit you are planning
to use.
Diode and Zener Diode Circuit
DiagramNotes
Diode Circuit
DiagramNotes
Load
1
Use in DC applications only.
Use when diode circuit causes too long
release time.
Load
Use zener diode with zener voltage about
equal to power supply voltage.
Use in DC applications only.
Compared to RC type, circuit delays release
time (2 to 5 times values stated in catalog).
For larger voltages, use diode with reverse
breakdown 10 times circuit voltage and
forward load circuit.
For smaller voltages, use reverse breakdown
voltage of 2 to 3 times power supply voltage.
1
This section has been reprinted with permission from American Zettler, Inc.
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Page 7
CR Circuits
DiagramNotes
Varistor Circuit
DiagramNotes
Circuit A is suitable for AC or DC
applications, but if used with AC
voltage, impedance of the load
should be smaller than the CR
Load
circuit’s. Do not utilize for timer
loads, as leakage current can cause
faulty operations.
Circuit B is suitable for AC or DC.
If the load is a relay or solenoid,
release times lengthen. Effective
when connected to both contacts,
Load
power supply voltage across the
load is 100 to 200 V.
Effective for A C and DC
applications.
Circuit slightly delays release time.
Load
Effective when connected to both
contacts, power supply voltage
across the load is 100 to 200 V.
In-Rush Current
The type of load and its in-rush current characteristics, together
with switching frequency, can cause contact welding. For loads
with in-rush current, measure the steady state current and in-rush
current to determine the proper relay. Some typical types of loads
and the in-rush current they create are summarized in the follo wing
table.
Resistive loadSteady-state current
Solenoid load10 to 20 times the steady-state current
Motor load5 to 10 times the steady-state current
Incandescent lamp load10 to 15 times the steady-state current
Mercury lamp loadApproximately 3 times the steady-state
Sodium vapor lamp load1 to 3 times the steady-state current
Capacitive load20 to 40 times the steady-state current
Transformer load5 to 15 times the steady-state current
Typical Load Types and In-Rush Currents
current
Status Indicators
Figure 5 shows the module label and status indicators. You can
remove the insertable label to see wiring diagrams for the relay
channels.
4-Ch. SPDT Relay
NONCNONCNONCNONC
0123
Figure 5.
Status Indicators and Module Label
After the module has been inserted into a terminal base (and
power is applied), the green POWER indicator lights and the
FP-RLY-422 informs the network module of its presence. When
the network module recognizes the FP-RLY-422, the network
module sends initial configuration information to the FP-RLY -42 2.
After receiving this initial information, the green READY
indicator lights and the FP-RLY-422 is in its normal operating
mode. In addition to the green POWER and READY indicators,
each channel has two, green, output state indicators labeled
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Page 9
NO and NC. The indicators show which terminal is connected
to I.Com.
Isolation and Safety Guidelines
Caution
attempting to connect ANY circuits that may contain
hazardous voltages to the FP-RLY-422.
This section describes the isolation of the FP-RLY-422 and its
compliance with international safety standards. The outputs are
isolated from the backplane of the terminal base with an isolation
barrier designed and tested to protect against fault voltages of up to
3000 Vrms. In addition, the FP-RLY-422 provides double insulation (compliant to UL and IEC safety standards) for
working common-mode voltages of 250 Vrms. Safety standards
(such as those published by UL and IEC) require the use of double
insulation between hazardous voltages and any human-accessible
parts or circuits. You should never attempt to use any isolation
product between human-accessible parts (such as DIN rails or
monitoring stations) and circuits that may be at hazardous
potentials under normal conditions, unless the product is
specifically designed (as the FP-RLY-422 is) for such an
application.
Even when a product like the FP-RLY-422 is used in applications
with hazardous potentials, follow these guidelines to ensure a safe
total system:
•The safe ty isolation of the FP-RLY-422 is from input to output, not between channels on the same module. If any of the
channels on a module are wired at a hazardous potential,
ensure that all other devices or circuits connected to that
module are properly insulated from human contact.
•Do not share the external supply voltages (V and C on the
terminal base) with other devices (including other FieldPoint
devices) unless those devices are also isolated from human
contact.
•As with any hazardous voltage wiring, ensure that all wiring
and connections meet with applicable electrical codes or
common sense practices. Mount terminal bases in an area,
position, or cabinet that prevents accidental or unauthorized
access to wiring with hazardous voltages.
•The isolation of the FP-RLY-422 is certified as double
insulated for normal operating voltages of 250 Vrms. Do not
use the FP-RLY-422 as the sole isolating barrier between
human contact and working voltages of more than 250 Vrms.
Specifications
The following specifications are typical for the range
–40 to +70 °C, unless otherwise noted.
Input Characteristics
Number of channels..........................4
Relay type.........................................1 Form C (SPDT)
Nonlatching
Maximum Switching Capacity (Resistive Load)
AC ..............................................3 A at 250 VAC
DC ..............................................3 A at 35 VDC
2 A at 40 VDC
1 A at 55 VDC
0.4 A at 120 VDC
Minimum switching voltage.............10 mA at 5 VDC
On resistance.....................................100 mΩ
Off state leakage ...............................0.3 µA at 250 VAC
Expected Life
Mechanical .................................10
Electrical (at 30 cpm)................. 300,000 operations at 3 A,
Maximum Switching Frequency
Mechanical .................................20 operations per second
Electrical.....................................1 operation per second at
Relays operate time...........................10 ms typical, 13 ms max.
Relays release time ...........................5 ms typical, 7 ms max.
106 operations min.
×
35 VDC
100,000 operations at 3 A,
250 VAC
maximum load
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Relay bounce time ............................3 ms typical, 6 ms max.