Comprehensive Product Summary – Dataforth MAQ20‑COM4 Communication Ethernet USB RS‑485 Module

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: MAQ20‑COM4 Communication Module
Model Number: MAQ20‑COM4
Series: MAQ®20 Industrial Data Acquisition and Control System
Article Number: MAQ20‑COM4
Manufacturer: Dataforth Corporation, Tucson, Arizona, USA
Quality System: ISO 9001:2008‑Registered QMS

The MAQ20‑COM4 is a high‑performance communications module forming the core of Dataforth’s MAQ®20 modular data acquisition and control platform. It provides Ethernet, USB, and RS‑485 interfaces for host connectivity and system networking, enabling distributed, industrial‑grade data acquisition, control, and signal conditioning. The module mounts on a DIN‑rail backbone and powers and manages up to 24 I/O modules within a single system.

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### 2. Key Features

- Multi‑Interface Communication:
- Ethernet 10/100 Base‑T (compatible with 1000 Base‑T) using Modbus TCP
- USB 2.0 Type B interface using proprietary Modbus‑over‑USB protocol
- RS‑485 2‑wire/4‑wire serial interface using Modbus RTU

- Integrated System Management:
- Automatic registration of up to 24 I/O modules (384 channels)
- Hot‑swappable I/O modules with field‑side pluggable terminal blocks
- Distributed processing for autonomous operation and local data logging

- Industrial‑Grade Design:
- 1500 Vrms channel‑to‑bus isolation
- 240 Vrms continuous field I/O protection
- ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1 transient protection
- Operating temperature –40 °C to +85 °C
- CE compliant; UL Class I Div 2 and ATEX pending

- Integrated Data Logging:
- microSD card slot supporting up to 4 GB for onboard data storage
- Configurable logging intervals (100 ms to 49.7 days)
- FTP server for remote file access and management

- Advanced Control Capabilities:
- Supports up to 32 independent PID control loops (via firmware)
- Real‑time clock for time‑stamped data logging
- Built‑in Modbus server for remote operation without a local PC

- Software Ecosystem:
- ReDAQ Shape HMI and control software (Developer and User versions)
- Configuration Software Tool for setup and diagnostics
- LabVIEW VIs and examples for custom application development
- Modbus TCP/RTU compatibility for third‑party SCADA integration

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Interfaces | Ethernet 10/100 Base‑T (1000 Base‑T compatible), USB 2.0 Type B, RS‑485 2‑wire/4‑wire |
| Protocols | Modbus TCP (Ethernet), Modbus RTU (USB/RS‑485) |
| Power Input | +7 to +34 V DC @ 2 A max |
| Power Output to Bus | +5 V DC @ 3 A max |
| Isolation | 50 V Power‑to‑Bus and Comms‑to‑Bus |
| Transient Protection | ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1 |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 114.6 × 28.2 × 82.8 mm (4.51 × 1.11 × 3.26 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 0.25 kg (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | –40 °C to +85 °C |
| Storage Temperature | –40 °C to +85 °C |
| Humidity | 0 – 95 % RH non‑condensing |
| Compliance | CE (EN61000‑6‑2/‑6‑4), UL/CUL pending, ATEX pending |
| Mounting | 35 mm DIN‑rail with MAQ20‑BKPL backbone |
| Data Logging Memory | microSD card ≤ 4 GB (FAT format) |
| Real‑Time Clock | Battery‑backed RTC for timestamping |
| LED Indicators | PWR (Blue), STAT (Green), TX/RX (Yellow), SD (Green), ALM (Red) |

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### 4. Functionality

System Role:
The MAQ20‑COM4 serves as the communication and control hub for a MAQ®20 system. It powers the backbone, manages module registration, and provides host connectivity via Ethernet, USB, or RS‑485.

Operation:
- On power‑up, the COM4 scans the backbone, registers installed I/O modules, and assigns sequential addresses.
- Data acquisition and control are performed through Modbus registers accessible via any supported interface.
- The module can log data locally to its microSD card or stream data to a host PC.

Use Cases & Applications:
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Distributed data acquisition systems
- Laboratory automation and test stands
- Remote telemetry and condition monitoring
- Closed‑loop PID control of temperature, pressure, flow, or level

Compatibility:
Fully compatible with all MAQ20 I/O modules (analog input/output, thermocouple, RTD, strain gage, discrete I/O, frequency input, etc.) and with Dataforth software tools and LabVIEW VIs.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- MAQ20‑COM4 module
- microSD card (4 GB) and USB adapter
- Quick Start Guide (MA1036)

Optional Accessories:
- Backbones: MAQ20‑BKPL4, BKPL8, BKPL16, BKPL24
- Expansion Cables: MAQ20‑XCA01 (1 m), MAQ20‑XCA02 (2 m)
- Ethernet Cables: SLX141‑01/‑02/‑07 (straight), SLX141‑X01/‑X02/‑X07 (crossover)
- USB Cables: SLX147‑01/‑02/‑05 (Type A to Type B)
- RS‑485 Adapters: SLX142 (pre‑wired RJ‑45 to DB‑9), SLX143 (configurable)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Mounting:
- Snap the MAQ20‑BKPL backbone onto a 35 mm DIN rail with the “UP” arrow facing up.
- Insert the MAQ20‑COM4 into the left‑most slot.
- Add I/O modules to remaining slots in any order.

Power Connection:
- Terminals: 1 (+7 – 34 V DC), 2 (+7 – 34 V DC), 3 (SHIELD/GND).
- The shield terminal is common to system ground.

Communication Setup:
- Ethernet: Default IP 192.168.128.100, Subnet 255.255.0.0, Port 502.
- USB: Install Dataforth USB driver before connecting.
- RS‑485: Default 115.2 kbps, Even parity, Slave ID 16, 4‑wire mode, termination disabled.

Software Configuration:
- Install ReDAQ Shape or Configuration Software Tool from Dataforth.
- Connect via desired interface and verify module registration.
- Configure I/O modules and logging parameters as required.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Throughput (typical):

| Interface | Command Rate | Throughput (Ch/s) | Notes |
|----------------|------------------|-----------------------|-----------|
| Modbus TCP (Ethernet) | ≈ 44 cmd/s (analog read) | ≈ 180 ch/s (8 ch module) | Fastest interface |
| Modbus RTU (USB) | ≈ 43 cmd/s | ≈ 170 ch/s | Low latency local link |
| Modbus RTU (RS‑485) | ≈ 42 cmd/s | ≈ 160 ch/s | Up to 4000 ft network length |

Data Logging:
- Up to 4 start addresses × 100 registers each (400 registers total).
- Interval 100 ms – 4.29 × 10⁹ ms (49.7 days).
- Each record time‑stamped by RTC.

PID Control:
- Up to 32 independent loops per COM module.
- 1 s fixed update rate.
- Non‑interactive or parallel algorithms.
- Auto‑tuning and gap control features.

Limitations:
- microSD capacity ≤ 4 GB.
- One COM module per system (backbone).
- RS‑485 termination disabled by default (must be enabled for long lines).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical Safety: ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1 transient protection
- EMC Emissions: EN61000‑6‑4 (ISM Group 1, Class A)
- EMC Immunity: EN61000‑6‑2 (ISM Group 1, Performance A/B)
- Environmental: Heavy Industrial CE compliant
- Pending Certifications: UL Class I Div 2 Groups A–D, ATEX Zone 2

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Hardware – 1 year from delivery
- Software – 30 days from delivery
- Special products – 60 days
Dataforth will repair, replace, or refund defective items returned with RMA authorization.

Support & Service:
- Technical Support: techinfo@dataforth.com
- Phone: +1 520‑741‑1404 / 800‑444‑7644 (toll‑free US)
- Fax: +1 520‑741‑0762
- Mail: Dataforth Corporation, 3331 E. Hemisphere Loop, Tucson, AZ 85706 USA
- Website: [www.dataforth.com](http://www.dataforth.com)

Maintenance & Updates:
- Firmware and software updates available via Dataforth website.
- Modules are ESD‑sensitive; handle with proper grounding.
- Clean with dry air or soft brush; avoid solvents.

Return Procedure:
1. Contact Customer Service for RMA number.
2. Provide model and serial numbers, contact information, and repair instructions.
3. Ship prepaid to Dataforth with RMA visible on package.

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### Summary

The Dataforth MAQ20‑COM4 is a rugged, high‑reliability communications and control module designed for industrial data acquisition systems requiring flexible connectivity, distributed intelligence, and robust environmental performance. With Ethernet, USB, and RS‑485 interfaces, integrated data logging, and support for advanced PID control, it serves as the central processor for the MAQ®20 platform. Its modular architecture, comprehensive software suite, and adherence to industrial standards make it ideal for process automation, test and measurement, and remote monitoring applications demanding precision, scalability, and long‑term stability.