Description
KONGSBERG RSER200-4
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kongsberg Maritime |
| Model | RSER200-4 |
| Product Number | 603444 |
| Product Family | RIO200 |
| Product Type | Serial Line Interface Module |
| Field Channels | 4 |
| Field Interface Modes | RS232 / RS422 / RS485 / NMEA 0183 |
| Field Channel Isolation | Galvanically isolated |
| Controller Links | Up to 3 RCU controllers |
| Link Connectors | P1, P2, P3 |
| Power Source | RBUS |
| Supply | 24 VDC |
| Current Consumption | Approx. 160 mA |
| RBUS Communication | 2 Mbps RS485-based architecture |
| Mounting | Horizontal dual-rail |
| Replacement | Hot-swappable |
| Standards | IEC 60945, IACS E10 |
| Environmental Classification | Marine / Ex Zone 2 applications where certified |
The RSER200-4’s four field channels can each be configured as RS232, RS422, RS485, or NMEA 0183. The module communicates upstream with one, two, or three RCU controllers through three link-channel connectors, making it suitable for single or redundant controller arrangements.
Kongsberg documentation specifies that the module is powered through the RBUS connectors and incorporates front-panel status and transmit/receive indication. The documented replacement procedure also confirms that the module is mechanically snap-mounted to the RIO200 dual-rail system and supports hot-swap replacement.
RSER200-4
Product Introduction
The KONGSBERG RSER200-4 is a four-channel serial communication interface used in Kongsberg RIO200-based marine automation and control systems. Unlike a conventional PLC serial card, each field channel can be configured for different serial standards, allowing equipment such as navigation sensors, instrumentation, and third-party serial devices to communicate with Kongsberg RCU controllers.
The module is particularly relevant in Kongsberg K-Pos and related control architectures. Kongsberg’s DP documentation describes the RSER200-4 as the serial-line interface within the DP controller arrangement, alongside RCU601/RCU602 controllers and RHUB200-5/RIO200 infrastructure.
Engineering Pain Point
The critical issue with an RSER200-4 replacement is the channel configuration, not simply the connector fit. A field device may require RS232, RS422, RS485, or NMEA 0183, and the corresponding wiring and electrical behavior are different. Before removing the existing module, record every channel’s interface mode, terminal allocation, controller link, and connected field device.
Typical Applications
- Kongsberg K-Pos dynamic positioning systems
- Kongsberg marine automation and control systems
- Navigation and position-reference equipment interfaces
- Serial communication between field equipment and RCU controllers
- NMEA 0183 sensor interfaces
- Redundant RCU communication architectures
Kongsberg certification documents specifically list the -4 within K-Pos DP control systems and identify it as the serial-line interface used alongside the RCU controller and RIO200 I/O architecture.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not treat all four channels as the same interface. Each channel is individually configurable as RS232, RS422, RS485, or NMEA 0183. The replacement must reproduce the installed configuration.
- Check the upstream controller connections. P1, P2, and P3 are link-channel interfaces that allow connection to up to three RCUs. Removing or reconnecting the wrong link can affect redundant-controller communication.
- Verify field wiring before power-up. RS232 is not electrically interchangeable with RS422 or RS485. Pay particular attention to differential-pair polarity and termination on RS422/ installations.
- Do not c with an RMP201-8. The RMP201-8 is a multipurpose I/O module, is dedicated to serial communications. Kongsberg lists them as separate RIO200 modules with different product numbers.
- Confirm the product number. The correct Kongsberg product numb is 603444. A previous component such as RMP201-8 uses a different number, 324400. The distinction matters during procurement.
- Check the complete bus arrangement. receives power through RBUS, so an apparent serial-module failure can originate from the RBUS supply, bus connection, controller link, or module address/configuration rather than the serial channel itself.
Related Products
- Kongsberg RCU601 — Remote Controller Unit that can act as the host controller for serial interfaces.
- Kongsberg RCU602 — Remote Controller Unit supporting serial lines through modules; Kongsberg specifies RS232, , , and NMEA 0183 throu interface.
- Kongsberg RHUB200-5 — RBUS hub/repeater used to distribute the remote I/O bus between controllers and downstream modules.
- Kongsberg RMP201-8 — Eight-channel multipurpose I/O module; handles configurable analog and digital signals rather than serial communication.
- Kongsberg RMP200-8 — Earlier/related multipurpose I/O module for mixed field signals.
- Kongsberg RDIOR420 — Remote digital I/O module used in Kongsberg marine automation architectures; not a substitute f serial interface.
Procurement note: For , specify Kongsberg Product No. 603444. Before approving a replacement, verify the four channel modes, terminal wiring, P1/P2/P3 controller connections, RBUS A/B arrangement, module revision, and the connected serial equipment. Kongsberg’s documented hardware architecture should be checked against the installed cabinet drawings before commissioning.
