Description
Note: Many products are not yet listed. Please contact us for more product information. Our supply channels are constantly expanding, and we currently have 20 stable shared supply channels. Please confirm the model, product, price, and all other necessary information with customer service before placing an order. We offer new, refurbished, and used products, and prices are adjusted according to the year of the item you require.
Product Introduction
When an offshore vessel’s dynamic positioning system loses all field sensor data mid-operation, the root cause almost always traces back to a standard industrial I/O module that cannot withstand continuous salt spray, high vibration and strong EMI typical of marine environments.
Purpose-built for Kongsberg K-Chief marine automation and K-Pos dynamic positioning systems, this rugged remote multiplexer unit features heavy-duty corrosion-resistant housing and high EMI shielding, fully certified for operation in salt-laden offshore atmospheres. All 32 channels are fully software configurable, supporting analog, digital, NAMUR and PT100 RTD temperature inputs without requiring separate signal conditioning modules. The dual redundant I/O bus ensures zero single-point communication failure, maintaining continuous data transmission even if one communication link is completely lost. It is fully approved for Ex Zone 2 hazardous areas, making it suitable for installation on oil and gas production vessels and drilling rigs.
RMP420
RMP420
RMP420
RMP420
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | RMP420, Part No. 306712 |
| Compatible Platforms | Kongsberg K-Chief Marine Automation, K-Pos Dynamic Positioning System |
| Power Supply | 24 V DC (18–31.2 V) |
| Typical Power Consumption | 10 W (loop power dependent) |
| Total I/O Channels | 32 fully configurable multipurpose channels |
| Analog Input Range | 0–10 V / 0–24 mA, ±0.15% full scale accuracy |
| Digital I/O Compliance | NAMUR / PnP / NpN, full short-circuit protected |
| RTD Support | 2/3-wire PT100, -200°C to +600°C measurement range |
| Communication Interfaces | Dual redundant I/O bus, redundant RS-485 Modbus RTU |
| Safety & Approvals | Ex Zone 2 hazardous area, SIL compliant, marine type approved |
| Operating Temperature Range | -15°C to +70°C |
| Dimensions | 355 mm × 158 mm × 87 mm |
| Net Weight | 1.35 kg |
| Sealing Rating | IP20 (panel mount, marine rated enclosure compatible) |
Field Application & Technical Pitfalls
This part runs three non-negotiable production-critical roles.
First, it acts as the core remote I/O unit for offshore drilling rig K-Pos dynamic positioning systems, collecting real-time data from gyroscopes, motion reference units and wind sensors to maintain precise vessel position stability.
Second, it serves as the distributed signal collection module for ship K-Chief alarm and monitoring systems, connecting all engine room temperature, pressure and level transmitters to the main automation host.
Third, it functions as the signal interface for FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) vessel process control systems, delivering stable data transmission in Ex Zone 2 hazardous production deck areas.
⚠️ Channel Configuration Mismatch Risk: All 32 channels are software configurable. If you assign a PT100 RTD temperature sensor to a standard 4-20mA analog input channel, you will get completely invalid temperature readings and cannot access the full -200°C to +600°C measurement range.
⚠️ Redundant Bus Polarity Mismatch: The dual redundant I/O bus has strict TX/RX polarity requirements. If you swap the two bus cables, the redundant communication link will never establish, and the system will lose all fault-tolerant capability.
⚠️ Power Supply Overvoltage Risk: The module’s maximum rated DC supply voltage is 31.2V. If you connect it directly to a 48V marine battery system without a proper voltage regulator, you will blow the entire internal power regulation circuit instantly.
I watched a senior marine automation tech skip the channel type check last summer. He installed this RMP420 module on an offshore supply vessel, connected 8 PT100 temperature sensors to standard analog input channels, and all temperature readings were completely wrong. The team spent 2 hours troubleshooting before they found the configuration mismatch. That 1-minute oversight forced the vessel to stay in port for an extra shift before sailing.
Quality Control (QC) SOP & Transparency
- Inbound Verification: Cross-check the OEM serial number against Kongsberg’s official K-Chief part revision database, run anti-counterfeit validation on the module’s laser-etched serial label, and confirm no corrosion traces or cracked solder joints on the redundant communication bus ports.
- Live Rig Testing: Mount the module in a certified Kongsberg marine automation test rack, connect 32 simulated field signals, and verify 4 hours of stable continuous data transmission operation.
- Parameter Testing: Confirm full ±0.15% analog input accuracy, verify dual redundant I/O bus zero packet loss performance, and validate all NAMUR digital input and PT100 RTD functions meet factory marine specifications.
- Final QA & Packaging: Seal the fully tested module in a static-shielding anti-static bag, apply a unique QC passed serial label, and pack it in shock-absorbent marine-grade foam with a printed hard copy of the full marine performance test report.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I hot-swap this module while the vessel’s K-Chief system is running? Yes, it supports full marine certified hot-plug. But you must put all corresponding dynamic positioning control loops into manual bypass mode before removing the module, otherwise you will trigger an unplanned DP system fault.
- What exact Kongsberg marine systems does this part work with? It is fully compatible with Kongsberg K-Chief marine automation and K-Pos dynamic positioning platforms. It will not establish stable redundant communication with older Kongsberg AutoChief propulsion control systems.
- How long is the standard warranty for this new surplus unit? It carries a full 12-month functional warranty. If it fails within that window under specified operating conditions, we cover all return shipping and bench replacement costs.
- How do I tell a genuine OEM unit apart from a refurbished clone? Genuine units have the Kongsberg hologram sticker on the side of the PCB, and the redundant communication transceiver chip carries the official Kongsberg part number marking. Refurbished clones usually skip the official hologram and use generic non-marine rated transceivers that cannot withstand the required high EMI and salt spray environment.
- Will this RMP420 directly replace an older Kongsberg marine remote I/O module? No. Older Kongsberg remote I/O variants may have different firmware versions. You will need to re-import the full channel configuration file from the K-Chief engineering station after swapping.
- What’s the maximum safe continuous operating temperature at full 32-channel load? It will hold stable signal performance up to 70°C, though your mileage may vary if the local engine room ambient temperature spikes above 75°C and the marine conformal coated PCB will experience accelerated aging.
