1. Product Overview

Product Name: MAQ20 Backbone Expansion Cable
Model Number: MAQ20-XCA01
Series: MAQ20 Data Acquisition and Control System
Article Number: MAQ20-XCA01
Manufacturer: Dataforth Corporation

The MAQ20-XCA01 is a backbone expansion cable designed specifically for the Dataforth MAQ20 modular data acquisition and control system. This 1-meter cable enables the extension of the MAQ20 system backbone, allowing distributed installation of I/O modules and communication modules across multiple DIN rails or remote locations. It serves as a critical interconnect component that maintains both power and communication continuity between backbone segments, ensuring reliable system expansion and flexible configuration in industrial and laboratory environments.

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2. Key Features

- Purpose-Built for MAQ20 Systems: Designed to connect multiple MAQ20 backbone segments, enabling distributed or expanded system configurations.
- 1-Meter Length: Provides a convenient and manageable cable length for local expansion or short-distance remote installations.
- Power and Communication Distribution: Maintains both power supply and RS-485 communication signals between connected backbones.
- Plug-and-Play Connectivity: Utilizes mechanical male/female pluggable terminal blocks for quick, secure, and tool-free connection between backbone sections.
- Supports Modular Scalability: Allows the main communication module and I/O modules to be installed in different physical locations while functioning as a unified system.
- High Reliability: Features durable, vibration-resistant contacts and robust mechanical design to ensure long-term performance in industrial environments.
- Reverse Installation Protection: Mechanical keying prevents incorrect connection or reversed installation, protecting system integrity.
- DIN Rail Integration: Compatible with industry-standard 35 × 7.5 mm gull-wing DIN rails used in MAQ20 backbone mounting.
- Hot-Swappable System Support: Fully compatible with MAQ20’s plug-and-run architecture, allowing modules to be added or removed without system downtime.
- Environmental Robustness: Designed to operate in harsh industrial conditions with wide temperature and humidity tolerance.

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3. Technical Specifications

Cable Type: MAQ20 Backbone Expansion Cable
Length: 1 meter (approx. 3.28 feet)
Connection Type: Mechanical male/female pluggable terminal blocks
Function: Power and RS-485 communication interconnection between MAQ20 backbones
Maximum Expansion Distance: 100 ft (30 m) total between backbone segments

Associated Backbone Models:
- MAQ20-BKPL4 – Supports 1 COM module + 4 I/O modules
- MAQ20-BKPL8 – Supports 1 COM module + 8 I/O modules
- MAQ20-BKPL16 – Supports 1 COM module + 16 I/O modules
- MAQ20-BKPL24 – Supports 1 COM module + 24 I/O modules

Backbone Dimensions (for reference):
- MAQ20-BKPL4: 5.05" × 0.94" (127.1 mm × 3.9 mm)
- MAQ20-BKPL8: 7.53" × 0.94" (191.1 mm × 3.9 mm)
- MAQ20-BKPL16: 12.63" × 0.94" (320.9 mm × 3.9 mm)
- MAQ20-BKPL24: 17.41" × 0.94" (442.1 mm × 3.9 mm)

Electrical Characteristics:
- Circuitry: Passive
- Communication Interface: RS-485
- Power Distribution: Through backbone bus

Environmental Ratings:
- Operating Temperature: –40°C to +85°C
- Storage Temperature: –40°C to +85°C
- Relative Humidity: 0–95% non-condensing

Certifications:
- CE (Heavy Industrial)
- ATEX (Pending)
- UL Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D (Pending)

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4. Functionality

The MAQ20-XCA01 functions as an expansion interconnect cable that bridges two MAQ20 backbone assemblies. Within the MAQ20 system, the backbone serves as the central bus structure that distributes both power and communication signals between the communication module (COM module) and the I/O modules. The expansion cable extends this backbone, enabling system designers to physically separate module groups while maintaining logical continuity.

How It Works:
- Each MAQ20 backbone segment has male and female pluggable connectors at its ends.
- The MAQ20-XCA01 connects these terminals between two backbones, transmitting both power and RS-485 communication signals.
- The system recognizes all connected modules as part of a single unified network.
- When an I/O module is inserted into any backbone position, the communication module automatically detects it, registers it in the system configuration, and makes it available in the host software.
- Removal of a module triggers automatic deregistration, ensuring real-time system integrity.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Distributed Data Acquisition: Enables installation of I/O modules in remote panels or separate DIN rails while maintaining a single communication interface.
- Industrial Automation: Facilitates modular expansion of control systems across multiple enclosures or machine sections.
- Test and Measurement Systems: Allows flexible configuration of measurement points across different physical locations.
- Process Monitoring: Supports scalable deployment of sensors and actuators in large industrial plants.

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with all MAQ20 backbone models (BKPL4, BKPL8, BKPL16, BKPL24).
- Works with MAQ20 communication modules (e.g., MAQ20-COMx series).
- Integrates seamlessly with MAQ20 I/O modules for analog, digital, and specialty signal processing.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- One (1) MAQ20-XCA01 backbone expansion cable, 1 meter in length.

Compatible Accessories and Related Components:
- MAQ20-BKPL4 / BKPL8 / BKPL16 / BKPL24: DIN rail backbones for mounting communication and I/O modules.
- MAQ20-COM Modules: Communication modules providing system interface to host computers or networks.
- MAQ20 I/O Modules: Analog input, analog output, digital input/output, and specialty modules for data acquisition and control.
- DIN Rail Mounting Hardware: Standard 35 × 7.5 mm gull-wing DIN rails for backbone installation.

Connectors:
- Mechanical male/female pluggable terminal blocks at each end.
- Designed for secure, vibration-resistant engagement.
- Keyed to prevent reverse connection.

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Compatible MAQ20 backbone segments with pluggable terminal connectors.
- Properly mounted DIN rail sections for each backbone segment.
- Power supply and communication module installed in the primary backbone.

Installation Steps:
1. Mount each MAQ20 backbone segment onto a 35 × 7.5 mm DIN rail using the integrated spring clips.
2. Ensure that the communication module is installed in the primary backbone.
3. Connect one end of the MAQ20-XCA01 cable to the male connector of the primary backbone.
4. Connect the other end to the female connector of the secondary backbone.
5. Verify that the connectors are fully seated and mechanically locked.
6. Apply system power. The communication module will automatically detect all connected I/O modules across both backbones.

Configuration:
- No manual configuration required for backbone expansion.
- The MAQ20 system automatically recognizes all connected modules.
- Modules are hot-swappable; insertion or removal is detected dynamically.

Mounting Options:
- Standard DIN rail mounting for all backbone segments.
- Expansion cable allows flexible physical arrangement of modules across multiple rails or enclosures.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

Speed and Communication:
- Utilizes RS-485 inter-module communication for robust, noise-resistant data transfer.
- Maintains full communication bandwidth across connected backbones.

Capacity:
- Supports up to 24 I/O modules per backbone segment.
- Multiple backbones can be interconnected using expansion cables, up to a total expansion distance of 100 ft (30 m).

Efficiency:
- Passive circuitry ensures minimal signal loss and low power consumption.
- High-quality connectors maintain low contact resistance and reliable signal integrity.

Reliability:
- Designed for continuous operation in industrial environments.
- Vibration-resistant contacts and secure mechanical engagement prevent accidental disconnection.
- Reverse installation protection ensures correct orientation and prevents damage.

Limitations:
- Maximum total expansion distance limited to 100 ft (30 m).
- Environmental conditions must remain within specified operating temperature and humidity ranges.

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8. Standards & Compliance

Quality Management:
- Manufactured under ISO 9001:2008-registered quality management system.

Certifications:
- CE (Heavy Industrial): Complies with European standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety in industrial environments.
- ATEX (Pending): Intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, pending certification.
- UL Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D (Pending): Suitable for hazardous locations, pending approval.

Industry Standards:
- DIN rail compatibility: 35 × 7.5 mm gull-wing profile per IEC standards.
- RS-485 communication standard for inter-module data exchange.

Environmental Compliance:
- Designed for operation in wide temperature ranges and high humidity conditions.
- Non-condensing humidity tolerance ensures reliability in industrial and field environments.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard Dataforth limited warranty (refer to manufacturer’s warranty policy).

Support:
- Technical support and documentation available through Dataforth Corporation.
- Hardware user manuals and configuration guides downloadable from [www.dataforth.com/maq20_download.aspx](http://www.dataforth.com/maq20_download.aspx).

Maintenance:
- No routine maintenance required.
- Periodic inspection of connectors recommended to ensure secure engagement and cleanliness.
- Cable should be protected from mechanical stress and sharp bending to maintain integrity.

Updates and Documentation:
- Refer to MA1040 – MAQ20 Communications Module Hardware User Manual for detailed system operation and connection diagrams.
- Product updates, firmware releases, and compatibility notes are available on the manufacturer’s website.

Manufacturer Contact:
Dataforth Corporation
3331 E. Hemisphere Loop, Tucson, AZ 85706 USA
Phone: 800-444-7644
Website: [www.dataforth.com](http://www.dataforth.com)

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Summary

The Dataforth MAQ20-XCA01 Backbone Expansion Cable (1m) is a precision-engineered interconnect solution for extending the MAQ20 modular data acquisition and control system. It provides seamless power and communication continuity between backbone segments, enabling flexible, distributed installations across multiple DIN rails or enclosures. With robust mechanical design, vibration-resistant connectors, and compliance with industrial standards, the MAQ20-XCA01 ensures reliable operation in demanding environments. Its plug-and-play functionality, passive circuitry, and compatibility with all MAQ20 backbone and communication modules make it an essential component for scalable, high-performance data acquisition and control architectures.