RP-C Advanced

Introduction

SpaceLogic* RP-C is a room-purpose, fully programmable, IP based field controller that suits a wide range of HVAC applications. The RP-C can either be used as a standalone BACnet/IP field controller or as part of an EcoStruxure BMS with a SpaceLogic AS-P or AS-B server or an Enterprise Server as the parent server. The RP-C can also be reconfigured through the EcoStruxure Building Operation software to support BACnet MS/TP, instead of BACnet/IP. The RP-C features a wireless chip, which enables commissioning of the controller with the Commission mobile application and allows tenants to change the room comfort settings using their smartphones with the Engage mobile application. Web services enable web access directly to the RP-C, making the controller an open IoT hub in the room or space area.

The RP-C has the following features:

• IP enabled with dual-port Ethernet switch

• Full range of controller models

• Versatile onboard I/O point mix

• Optional covers

• Wireless connectivity

• Advanced monitoring

• Two configurable RS-485 ports

• Sensor bus for living space sensors

• Room bus for Connected Room Solutions

• Modbus RTU subnetwork

• KNX support (KNX Modbus gateway required)

• BACnet MS/TP support (adapter required)

• Engage mobile application for room comfort settings

• Commission mobile application for commissioning of the controller before the BMS is in place

• Full EcoStruxure Building Operation software support, providing efficient engineering tools

• Web services through RESTful API

* Formerly known as SmartX.

IP connectivity and flexible network topologies

The BACnet/IP controllers are based on open protocols that simplify interoperability, IP configuration, and device management:

• IP addressing

• BACnet/IP communications

• DHCP for easy network configuration

The BACnet/IP controllers have a dual-port Ethernet switch, which enables flexible network topologies:

• Star

• Daisy chain

• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) ring

In a star topology, the controller and the parent EcoStruxure BMS server are individually connected to an Ethernet switch. Daisy-chain multiple controllers together to reduce installation time and cost. When using a ring network topology, in the event of a broken IP network or a non-operational controller, RSTP will enable rapid identification of the location of the detected error while maintaining communication with the controllers on either side of the break.

Full range of controller models

The RP-C Advanced range includes four different models, which offer four different sets of I/O point types, named 12A, 12B, 12C, and 16A. The RP-C-12A, -12B, and -12C models support 24 VAC/DC power supply, whereas the RP-C-16A model is a 230 VAC model.

 

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Fully programmable

The fully programmable RP-C models provide flexibility through support of both Script and Function Block programming options. The RP-C promotes efficiency and standardization through the use of standard controller applications.

Models with a versatile mix of I/O points

The RP-C-12A, -12B, -12C, and -16A models provide 12 or 16 I/O points, consisting of four different sets of I/O point types. The versatile mix of I/O point types match a wide variety of applications. The universal inputs/outputs are highly flexible and can be configured as either inputs or outputs.

Table: I/O Point Types by RP-C Models

Table: Configurations by I/O Point Types

The universal inputs/outputs are ideal for any mix of temperature, pressure, flow, status points, and similar point types in a building control system.

As counter inputs, the universal inputs/outputs are commonly used in energy metering applications. As RTD inputs, they are ideal for temperature points in a building control system. As supervised inputs, they are used for security applications where it is critical to know whether or not a wire has been cut or shorted. These events provide a separate indication of alarms and events in the system.

For all analog inputs, maximum and minimum levels can be defined to automatically detect over-range and under-range values.

The universal inputs/outputs are capable of supporting analog outputs of type voltage outputs. Therefore, the universal inputs/outputs support a wide range of devices, such as actuators.

Only devices with safe extra low voltage equipment (SELV/PELV) inputs/outputs should be connected to the universal inputs/outputs.

The solid-state relay (SSR) outputs can be used in many applications to switch 24 VAC or 24 VDC on or off for external loads such as actuators, relays, or indicators. SSRs are silent and are not adversely affected by relay contact wear.

The relay outputs support digital Form A point types. The Form A relays are designed for direct load applications.

The high power relay output is of type Form C. The normally-open (NO) contact is ideal for switching resistive loads of up to 12 A, such as electrical heating elements. The normally-closed (NC) contact can be used to switch inductive loads of up to 3 A.

Optional covers

All RP-C models can be equipped with optional covers to reduce access to the screw terminals and wires.

 

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RP-C with equipped with optional covers

Wireless connectivity

RP-C is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled product. You can use this wireless connectivity option to connect the RP-C with a smartphone or tablet running the Commission mobile application or the Engage mobile application for room comfort settings.

Through Wireless Adapter - Advanced connected to the host USB port, Zigbee ^TM wireless connectivity can be enabled for the RP controller. The controller can extend its point count through the Zigbee wireless network and bring flexibility in your applications. The RP controller equipped with the adapter is a Zigbee Certified Product that is compliant with Zigbee 3.0. For more information on the adapter and supported wireless devices, see the Wireless Adapter - Advanced Specification Sheet.

Advanced monitoring

The BACnet/IP controllers support local trends, schedules, and alarms, enabling local operation when the controller is offline or used in standalone applications.

The battery-free power backup of the memory and real-time clock helps prevent data loss and allows seamless and quick recovery after a power disruption.

In WorkStation, you update the firmware of multiple BACnet/IP controllers at the same time and with minimum down time. The EcoStruxure BMS server keeps track of the installed firmware to support backup, restore, and replacement of the controllers and sensors. The server can host controllers of different firmware versions.

Two configurable RS-485 ports

The RP-C controller has two configurable RS-485 ports, which can be configured to support three different types of networks:

• Sensor bus

• Room bus

• Modbus network

The RP-C controller can run one of each network type.

One of the RS-485 ports can also be configured to support BACnet MS/TP network communication with the automation server, instead of BACnet/IP. For more information, see section “BACnet MS/TP support”. The other RS-485 port can then be configured to support either sensor bus, room bus, or Modbus network.

Sensor bus for living space sensors

The BACnet/IP controllers provide an interface designed for the SpaceLogic Sensor family of living space sensors. The SpaceLogic Sensor devices offer an efficient way to sense the temperature, humidity, CO ₂ , and occupancy in a room. The SpaceLogic Sensor devices are available with different combinations of sensor types and various covers and user interface options, such as touchscreen, setpoint and override buttons, and blank covers.

 

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SpaceLogic Sensor devices

The RP controller sensor bus provides both power and communications for up to four sensors that are daisy-chained using standard Cat 5 (or higher) cables. This maximum number of sensors that can be connected to a controller is regardless of the sensor model and the combination of cover and sensor base type:

• Blank covers: Up to four sensors of any combination of sensor base types

• 3-button and touchscreen covers: Up to four sensors of any combination of sensor base types

• SpaceLogic LCD temperature sensors: Up to four sensors are supported

The maximum total length of the sensor bus is 61 m (200 ft). For more information, see the SpaceLogic Sensors - SXWS Sensors for MP and RP IP Controllers - Specification Sheet.

Room bus for Connected Room Solutions

The RP controller room bus allows RP controller expansion modules to be connected to the controller for people counting, motion detection, luminosity and sound pressure level measurements, Bluetooth Low Energy based applications, and control of electric lights and window blinds.

The RP-C Advanced controller room bus supports up to six connected RP controller expansion modules with the following restrictions:

• Maximum of two DALI light modules

• Maximum of two SMI blind modules

• Maximum of four Multi-sensor or Insight-Sensor devices

Maximum total length of the room bus is 72 m (236 ft).

For more information, see the Specification Sheets for the RP controller expansion modules.

Modbus RTU subnetwork

The RP controller Modbus network allows standard Modbus devices and the KNX Modbus gateway (RP-C-EXT-KNX) to be connected to the controller.

The Modbus RTU protocol is used for the communication. The RP controller acts the Modbus client and the connected devices act as servers.

The maximum number of Modbus devices that can be connected to an RP controller depends on the type of Modbus device and the number of Modbus registers.

The RP controller Modbus network supports up to 10 connected Modbus devices with the following restrictions:

• Maximum of one KNX Modbus gateway (RP-C-EXT-KNX)

• Maximum of 250 Modbus registers

The RP controller Modbus network does not support 64-bit Modbus registers.

KNX support

Through the KNX Modbus gateway (RP-C-EXT-KNX), the RP controller can communicate with KNX devices such as push-buttons and sensors.

The KNX Modbus gateway provides a KNX to Modbus interface that connects to one of the RP controller's configurable RS-485 ports.

For more information, see the RP-C-EXT-KNX Specification Sheet.

BACnet MS/TP support

The RP controllers support both BACnet IP and MS/TP protocols. The controller can be configured to use either protocol. This feature enables both retrofitting of MNB and b3 BACnet devices while reusing parts of the existing cabling and equipment, as well as a later transition from the BACnet MS/TP (RS-485) network to an IP based network.

An RJ45 to screw terminal block adapter is required to connect the RP controller to the BACnet MS/TP network of the AS-P or AS-B server. The adapter can be ordered from Schneider Electric. The adapter is available in two models, with an isolated or non-isolated RS-485 interface. For more information, see section “Part Numbers”.

To connect the adapter, it is recommended that you use a Cat 5 (or higher) UTP cable with eight conductors and RJ45 connectors. The cable should be rated for the target environment and have a maximum length of 0.3 m (12 in.). The cable is not included and needs to be purchased separately.

In retrofit projects with MNB devices, the RP controllers can be mixed with MNB devices on the BACnet MS/TP network. A mix of up to 50 devices per RS-485 Com port can be connected to an AS-P or AS-B server. The isolated adapter is used for connection of a controller. The adapter is connected to the RS-485 Com B port on the controller.

In retrofit projects with b3 BACnet devices, the RP controllers can be mixed with b3 BACnet devices on the BACnet MS/TP network. A mix of up to 50 devices per RS-485 Com port can be connected to an AS-P or AS-B server. The non-isolated adapter is used for connection of a controller. The adapter can be connected to either the RS-485 Com A or Com B port on the controller.

In retrofit projects with only RP controllers on the BACnet MS/TP network, up to 50 RP controllers per RS-485 Com port can be connected to an AS-P or AS-B server. The non-isolated adapter is used for connection of a controller. The adapter can be connected to either the RS-485 Com A or Com B port on the controller.

Engage mobile application

The Engage mobile application enables control of room temperature, fan speed, lights, and blinds/shades directly from a smartphone. A user can manage these settings when the application is connected to the RP controller.

The Engage mobile application is free and available for download from Google Play and Apple App Store.

For more information, see the Engage Specification Sheet.

Commission mobile application

The Commission mobile application is designed for local configuration, field deployment, and commissioning of BACnet/IP controllers. The mobile application reduces the commissioning time, allows flexibility in project execution, and minimizes dependencies on network infrastructure.

The mobile application is designed for use with Android, Apple (iOS), and Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. For more information, see the EcoStruxure Building Commission Specification Sheet.

 

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Commission mobile application

Using the Commission mobile application, you can connect to one or many RP controllers. You can connect to a single RP controller using the controller's built-in Bluetooth connectivity or using the SpaceLogic Bluetooth Adapter connected to a SpaceLogic Sensor. Using a wireless access point or a network switch, you can connect to a network of RP controllers on the local IP network.

With the Commission mobile application, you can easily discover BACnet/IP controllers on the IP network. You can change the configuration of each controller, including the BACnet and IP network settings, location, and parent server. To save engineering time, you can save common device settings and then reuse them for controllers of the same model.

The Commission mobile application does not require an EcoStruxure BMS server or a network infrastructure to be in place. You can use the mobile application to load the controller application directly into the local BACnet/IP controller and deploy the controller. The controller application can be created offline using Project Configuration Tool or WorkStation. You can use the mobile application to change the behavior of an installed standard controller application, such as configuring temperature setpoints. You can also perform an I/O checkout to verify that the controller's I/O points are configured, wired, and operating correctly.

You can perform I/O checkout on the RP controller room bus to verify proper communication over the room bus between the RP controller and the associated RP controller expansion modules. Module type mismatches or address mismatches can then be resolved. After wiring the physical inputs and outputs of the RP controller expansion modules, you can perform the following tasks on the different modules:

• DALI light modules: discover, wink, and associate DALI lights with the logical software points, and test individual lights

• 0-10V light modules: test individual lights

• Blind modules: calibrate and test blinds

• Relay module: test outputs

Full EcoStruxure Building Operation software support

The power of the RP controller is fully realized when it is part of an EcoStruxure BMS, which provides the following benefits:

• WorkStation/WebStation interface

• Script and Function Block programming options

• Device discovery

• Engineering efficiency

• Preconfigured BMS applications for HVAC and Connected Room Solutions

• Zoning option

WorkStation and WebStation provide a consistent user experience regardless of which EcoStruxure BMS server the user is logged on to. The user can log on to the parent EcoStruxure BMS server to engineer, commission, supervise, and monitor the BACnet/IP controller and its I/O as well as its attached SpaceLogic Sensor devices. For more information, see the WorkStation and WebStation specification sheets.

The fully programmable RP and MP controller models have both Script and Function Block programming options. Existing programs can easily be reused between the EcoStruxure BMS server and the controller.

The enhanced Device Discovery in WorkStation enables you to easily identify BACnet/IP controllers on a BACnet network and to associate the controllers with their parent server.

The engineering and maintenance of BACnet/IP controllers can be done very efficiently using the EcoStruxure Building Operation reusability features. With these features, you can create library items (Custom Types) for a complete controller application that contains programs and all necessary objects such as trends, alarms, and schedules. The controller application in the Custom Types library is reusable across all controllers of the same model. You can use the controller application as a base for creating new controllers intended for similar applications. You can then edit the controller application, and the changes are automatically replicated to all controllers, while each controller keeps its local values.

WorkStation supports both online and offline engineering of BACnet/IP controllers. You can make the configuration changes online or use database mode to make the changes offline. In database mode, the changes are saved to the EcoStruxure Building Operation database so that you can apply the changes to the controllers later.

Project Configuration Tool enables you to perform all the engineering off site, without the need for physical hardware, which minimizes the time you need to spend on site. You can run the EcoStruxure BMS servers virtually and engineer the BACnet/IP controllers before you deploy your server and controller applications to the servers and controllers on site. For more information, see the Project Configuration Tool specification sheet.

To improve engineering efficiency and standardize engineering practices, fully designed and tested controller applications are available at bms-applications.schneider-electric.com for use with the RP controllers. This library contains applications for different RP controller models and application types, such as fan coil units, ceiling solutions, lights and blinds. These preconfigured controller applications are packages that include all software programs, and for example graphics, alarms, and documentation such as functional specifications and I/O wiring schedules, that are needed for your projects. The online repository can be accessed using common web browsers on Windows PCs as well as mobile devices running Apple iOS 11.3 (or later) and Android 6.0 Marshmallow (or later).

 

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Download page for preconfigured BMS applications

The Zoning option for WorkStation and WebStation provides access to an interactive zoning tool that enables easy reconfiguration of Connected Room Solutions and flexibility when switching between zones. The WebStation zoning tool provides a graphical interface that enables quick editing of zones from any web browser device.

The RP-C-12A, -12B, -12C, and -16A models support up to four segments, which can be used to support rezoning in a building.

Web services

The RP controller uses the RESTful API, which allows IT web services to easily interact with software applications. The flexibility of the RESTful API allows the RP controller to handle multiple types of input and return different data formats. With Web services, clients can read/write data (BACnet values) directly from/to the controller. Web services use resource methods GET, PUT, POST, and DELETE to access and use the data. HTTPS is used for communication between the client and the controller.

The Web services function is disabled by default. When enabled, it requires approximately 200 kB of RP controller memory.

Terminals

For more information on wiring, see Hardware Reference Guide.

 

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RP-C-12A model (24 VAC/DC)

 

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RP-C-12B model (24 VAC/DC)

 

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RP-C-12C model (24 VAC/DC)

 

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RP-C-16A model (230 VAC)

Table: Part Numbers for SpaceLogic Sensor Devices, Sensor Bases

Table: Part Numbers for SpaceLogic Sensor Devices, Covers

Table: Part Numbers for SpaceLogic Sensor Devices, Combination Models

1. The SpaceLogic resistive temperature sensor (SLA...) is designed to be connected to I/O points/terminals on RP or MP controllers, or I/O modules. The sensor requires an analog input (temperature input).