Description
KONGSBERG RMP201-8
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kongsberg Maritime |
| Model | RMP201-8 |
| Part Number | 324400 |
| Product Family | RIO200 |
| Product Type | Remote Multi Purpose I/O Module |
| Total Channels | 8 |
| Channels 1–5, 7 | DI / DO / AI / AO / Potentiometer |
| Channels 6, 8 | DI / AI / AO, individually isolated |
| Analog Voltage Span | ±10 V |
| Analog Resolution | 16-bit |
| Digital Output Loop Supply | Regulated 24 VDC |
| Digital Output Current | 0.1 A per channel |
| Supply Voltage | 24 VDC |
| Power Architecture | Single or redundant RBUS A/B supply |
| RBUS Communication | Dual RS-485, 2 Mbps |
| RBUS Addressing | 1–99 |
| RBUS Isolation | 500 V galvanic isolation |
| Inrush Current Limit | Maximum 1.2 A |
| Installation | Snap-on horizontal dual-rail |
| Replacement Method | Hot-swappable |
| Environmental Standards | IEC 60945 / IACS E10 |
The RMP201-8 uses two RBUS interfaces for communication and power. Each RBUS uses multidrop RS-485 with Manchester encoding at 2 Mbps, while the module supports redundant communication with host remote controller units.
Product Introduction
The KONGSBERG RMP201-8 is a remote multipurpose I/O module in the Kongsberg RIO200 family. It sits between field instrumentation or control devices and the host controller, allowing different signal types to be handled within the same eight-channel module. Kongsberg documentation describes six configurable multipurpose channels and two individually isolated channels, giving the module a mixed-signal role rather than limiting it to conventional digital I/O.
Power and communications are carried through the RBUS architecture. The module accepts single or dual 24 VDC supplies and provides dual RBUS communication paths, while its built-in diagnostics, redundant interfaces, and hot-swap capability support maintenance of distributed control installations. Kongsberg documentation also identifies the RMP201-8 in certified marine and dynamic-positioning system architectures.
RMP201-8
Engineering Pain Point
The biggest replacement mistake is treating the RMP201-8 as a generic eight-channel PLC I/O card. Its channel behavior is determined by the Kongsberg RIO200 architecture and configuration, while RBUS handles both communication and power distribution. A generic 24 VDC I/O module cannot replace it simply because the field signals appear electrically similar.
Typical Applications
- Kongsberg marine automation and control systems
- Engine-room remote I/O installations
- Dynamic positioning control systems
- Distributed monitoring and control of marine machinery
- Kongsberg RIO200 installations requiring mixed analog and digital field interfaces
Kongsberg’s DP documentation specifically lists as an I/O unit used with RCU601/RCU602 controllers and RHUB200-5 communication hubs.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Verify the exact channel assignment. Channels 1–5 and 7 support DI/DO/AI/AO/potentiometer functions, while channels 6 and 8 are individually isolated and support DI/AI/AO. The eight channels are therefore not identical.
- Check the RBUS architecture before replacement. The module uses dual RBUS A/B interfaces for communication and power. The RBUS link is a 2 Mbps multidrop RS-485 system, not a conventional Ethernet or CAN interface.
- Confirm the 24 VDC power arrangement. Single or dual 24 VDC supplies can be used through the two RBUS power paths. The module also incorporates input surge protection and an inrush-current limit of 1.2 A.
- Do not ignore the module address. uses two decimal switches to establish its RBUS address, with addresses from 1 through 99. A replacement with an incorrect address can create a communication or configuration fault even when the hardware is otherwise correct.
- Use the installed configuration, not a generic channel map. Before removing the old unit, record channel assignments, address, wiring, RBUS A/B connections, and controller configuration. This is especially important when the module is part of a marine control or DP system.
- Check the part number and revision. Kongsberg identifies the module as , Part# 324400 and recommends using the module name, part number, revision, and serial number when identifying the hardware.
Related Products
- — Eight-channel remote multipurpose I/O module with mixed analog/digital functionality.
- Kongsberg RMP200-8 — Related RIO200-family remote I/O hardware; exact channel functionality should be verified against the installed system configuration before substitution.
- Kongsberg RCU602 — Remote Controller Unit used as a host controller in Kongsberg distributed control architectures; Kongsberg documentation shows connected within this architecture.
- Kongsberg RCU601 — Remote Controller Unit used in Kongsberg control architectures with RIO200 I/O.
- Kongsberg RHUB200-5 — Communication hub/repeater used with remote I/O networks.
- Kongsberg RSER200-4 — Serial line interface module used within the same broader /remote-controller architecture.
- Kongsberg RDIOR420 — Remote digital I/O module; functionally different from the mixed-signal . Kongsberg’s marine certification documentation lists both as separate remote I/O products.
Procurement note: For , specify Part# 324400 together with the hardware revision and serial number where available. Before approving a replacement, verify the RBUS address, A/B bus connections, channel configuration, field wiring, controller type, and system configuration. The module’s eight channels are deliberately not identical, so a channel-by-channel comparison is necessary before commissioning.
