i-MO i3N Series User manual

Think inside the box
User Manual
For i3N Series Controllers

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PREFACE
This manual explains how to use the I3N Controller.
Copyright© IMO Precision Controls Ltd all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer
language, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or
otherwise, without the prior agreement and written permission of IMO Precision Controls Ltd.
All software described in this document or media is also copyrighted material subject to the terms and
conditions of the IMO Software License Agreement.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment
on the part of IMO.
Ethernet™ is a trademark of Xerox Corporation.
microSD™ and CompactFlash are registered trademarks of SanDisk Corporation.
For user manual updates, contact Technical Support:
UNITED KINGDOM:
The Interchange Frobisher Way, Hatfield
Hertfordshire
AL10 9TG
t: [phone]
f: [phone]
e: automatio[email protected]

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LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IMO, warrants to the original purchaser that the I3N controller module manufactured by IMO is free from
defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The obligation of IMO under this
warranty shall be limited to the repair or exchange of any part or parts which may prove defective under
normal use and service within two (2) years from the date of manufacture or eighteen (18) months from
the date of installation by the original purchaser whichever occurs first, such defect to be disclosed to the
satisfaction of IMO after examination by IMO of the allegedly defective part or parts. THIS WARRANTY IS
EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR USE AND OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES AND IMO
NEITHER ASSUMES, NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IMO, ANY OTHER LIABILITY
IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF THIS I3N module. THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY TO THIS I3N
module OR ANY PART THEREOF WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO ACCIDENT, NEGLIGENCE, ALTERATION,
ABUSE, OR MISUSE. IMO MAKES NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER IN RESPECT TO ACCESSORIES OR PARTS
NOT SUPPLIED BY IMO. THE TERM "ORIGINAL PURCHASER", AS USED IN THIS WARRANTY, SHALL BE
DEEMED TO MEAN THAT PERSON FOR WHOM THE I3N module IS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. THIS
WARRANTY SHALL APPLY ONLY WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES.
In no event, whether as a result of breach of contract, warranty, tort (including negligence) or otherwise,
shall IMO or its suppliers be liable of any special, consequential, incidental or penal damages including,
but not limited to, loss of profit or revenues, loss of use of the products or any associated equipment,
damage to associated equipment, cost of capital, cost of substitute products, facilities, services or
replacement power, down time costs, or claims of original purchaser's customers for such damages.
To obtain warranty service, return the product to your distributor with a description of the problem,
proof of purchase, postpaid, insured and in a suitable package.
ABOUT PROGRAMMING EXAMPLES
Any example programs and program segments in this manual or provided on accompanying diskettes are
included solely for illustrative purposes. Due to the many variables and requirements associated with any
installation, IMO cannot assume responsibility or liability for actual use based on the examples and
diagrams. It is the sole responsibility of the system designer utilizing the I3N controller module to
appropriately design the end system, to appropriately integrate the I3N controller module and to make
safety provisions for the end equipment as is usual and customary in industrial applications as defined in
any codes or standards which apply.
NOTE: The programming examples shown in this manual are for illustrative purposes only.
Proper machine operation is the sole responsibility of the system integrator.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................2
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY ...........................................................................3
ABOUT PROGRAMMING EXAMPLES ...................................................................................................3
TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................................................................................................4
1.1 Safety Warnings and Guidelines ................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Grounding ................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Compliance ................................................................................................................................. 8
CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 General Overview of a I3N100/14004-SEHF & I3N100/08D12-SEHF I3N................................... 9
2.3 Connectivity to the I3N.............................................................................................................11
2.4 Features of I3N..........................................................................................................................12
2.5 Useful Documents and References........................................................................................... 13
2.6 Opening I3 configurator Help File.............................................................................................13
CHAPTER 3: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION .........................................................................................14
3.1 Overview...................................................................................................................................14
3.2 I3N Dimensions .........................................................................................................................14
3.2 I3N Installation..........................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER 4: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ............................................................................................ 17
4.1 Grounding Definition ................................................................................................................ 17
4.2 Ground Specifications............................................................................................................... 17
4.3 How to Test for Good Ground ..................................................................................................18
4.4 I3N100/14004-SEHF Power Wiring...........................................................................................19
4.5 I3N100/08D12-SEHF Power Wiring .......................................................................................... 19
5.1 Register Definitions................................................................................................................... 20
5.2 Useful %S and %SR registers..................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Resource Limits.........................................................................................................................29
5.4 Register Map for I3N Series ......................................................................................................30
CHAPTER 6: i3 CONFIGURATOR CONFIGURATION ............................................................................31
6.1 Overview...................................................................................................................................31
6.2 I3 configurator Status Bar.........................................................................................................31
6.3 Establishing Communications...................................................................................................32
6.4 Hardware Configuration ........................................................................................................... 41
6.5 Scaling Analog Inputs................................................................................................................ 44
CHAPTER 7: GENERAL I/O ..................................................................................................................46
7.1 Overview...................................................................................................................................46
7.2 Solid-State Digital Outputs........................................................................................................46
7.3 Digital Inputs............................................................................................................................. 47
7.4 Analog Inputs ............................................................................................................................ 48
7.5 Analog Outputs .........................................................................................................................48
Chapter 8: BACK-UP BATTERY .................................................................................................................49
8.1 Overview...................................................................................................................................49
8.2 Storing Register Contents .........................................................................................................49

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8.3 Battery Life................................................................................................................................49
8.4 Lithium Battery Safety ..............................................................................................................49
8.6 Battery Charging Status ............................................................................................................50
8.7 Battery Charging State..............................................................................................................50
8.8 Battery Status in System Registers ...........................................................................................50
9.1 Overview...................................................................................................................................51
9.2 MJ1 Serial Port Pinout ..............................................................................................................51
9.3 i3 configurator Programming via Serial Port ............................................................................ 53
9.4 Ladder-Controlled Serial Communication ................................................................................ 53
CHAPTER 10: CAN COMMUNICATIONS ...............................................................................................54
10.1 Overview ...............................................................................................................................54
10.2 Port Description .................................................................................................................... 54
10.3 CAN Port Wiring ....................................................................................................................55
10.4 i3 configurator Programming via CAN .................................................................................. 57
10.5 Ladder-Controlled CAN Communication...............................................................................57
10.6 Using CAN for I/O Expansion (Network I/O) .........................................................................57
CHAPTER 11: ETHERNET COMMUNICATION .......................................................................................58
11.1 Ethernet Overview ................................................................................................................58
11.2 MAC Address .........................................................................................................................58
11.3 Ethernet Module Protocols and Features............................................................................. 59
11.4 Ethernet System Requirements ............................................................................................59
11.5 Ethernet Module Specifications............................................................................................59
11.6 Ethernet Module Configuration ............................................................................................ 60
11.7 Ethernet Configuration – IP Parameters...............................................................................63
11.8 Ethernet Module Protocol Configuration .............................................................................63
CHAPTER 12: DOWNLOADABLE COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS .......................................................64
12.1 Overview ...............................................................................................................................64
12.2 Protocol Config...................................................................................................................... 66
11.3 Network Configuration.......................................................................................................... 67
12.4 Device List and Device Configuration.................................................................................... 69
12.5 Scan List.................................................................................................................................71
12.6 Data Mapping Configuration (Scan List Entry) ......................................................................72
CHAPTER 13: REMOVABLE MEDIA....................................................................................................... 74
13.1 Overview ...............................................................................................................................74
13.2 microSD Cards .......................................................................................................................74
13.3 microSD File System ..............................................................................................................74
13.4 Using Removable Media to Log Data .................................................................................... 75
13.5 Using Removable Media to Load and Save Applications ......................................................75
13.6 Removable Media (RM) Function Blocks in I3 configurator ................................................. 75
13.7 Filenames used with the Removable Media (RM) Function Blocks...................................... 76
13.8 System Registers used with RM ............................................................................................77
CHAPTER 14: FAIL-SAFE SYSTEM..........................................................................................................78
14.1 Overview ...............................................................................................................................78
14.2 Settings..................................................................................................................................78
14.3 Backup / Restore Data...........................................................................................................79
14.4 Autoload................................................................................................................................ 81
14.5 Autorun ................................................................................................................................. 82
CHAPTER 15: MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................83

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15.1 Firmware Updates.................................................................................................................83
15.2 Backup Battery ......................................................................................................................83
CHAPTER 16: MODBUS COMMUNICATIONS ....................................................................................... 84
16.1 Modbus Overview .................................................................................................................84
16.2 Modbus Slave Overview........................................................................................................ 84
16.3 Modbus Master Overview..................................................................................................... 85
16.4 Modbus Addressing Table for I3N Units ...............................................................................86
CHAPTER 17: TROUBLESHOOTING / TECHNICAL SUPPORT .................................................................87
17.1 LED - Normal Functionality.................................................................................................... 87
17.2 LED Load Program/Firmware Functionality ..........................................................................87
17.3 Switch - Normal Functionality............................................................................................... 88
17.4 LED – Diagnostic Functionality ..............................................................................................88
17.5 Connecting to the I3N ...........................................................................................................89
17.7 iCAN Network........................................................................................................................ 91
17.8 Removable Media - Basic Troubleshooting........................................................................... 92
17.9 Technical Support Contacts................................................................................................... 93

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CHAPTER 1: SAFETY / COMPLIANCE
1.1 Safety Warnings and Guidelines
When found on the product, the following symbols specify:
a. All applicable codes and standards need to be followed in the installation of this product.
b. For I/O wiring (discrete), use the following wire type or equivalent: Belden 9918, 18 AWG or larger.
Warning – Consult user documentation.
Warning – Electrical Shock Hazard.
WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD – Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or
the area is known to be non
-hazardous.
WARNING
– To avoid the risk of electric shock or burns, always connect the safety (or earth) ground
before making any other connections.
WARNING
– To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or physical injury, it is strongly recommended to
fuse the vo
ltage measurement inputs. Be sure to locate fuses as close to the source as possible.
WARNING
– Replace fuse with the same type and rating to provide protection against risk of fire and
shock hazards.
WARNING
– In the event of repeated failure, do not replace the fuse again as a repeated failure
indicates a defective condition that will
not clear by replacing the fuse.
WARNING
– EXPLOSION HAZARD – Substitution of components may impair suitability for Class I,
Division 2.
WARNING
- The USB parts are for operational maintenance only. Do not leave permanently connected
unless area is known to be non
-hazardous.
WARNING
– EXPLOSION HAZARD - BATTERIES MUST NOT BE CHANGED.
WARNING
– BATTERY MAY EXPLODE IF MISTREATED. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISSASSEMBLE, OR DISPOSE
IN FIRE.
WARNING: Only qualified electrical personnel familiar with the construction and operation of this
equipment and the hazards involved should install, adjust, operate, or service this equipment. Read and
understand
this manual and other applicable manual in their entirety before proceeding. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in severe bodily injury or loss of life.

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Adhere to the following safety precautions whenever any type of connection is made to the module.
a. Connect the green safety (earth) ground first before making any other connections.
b. When connecting to electric circuits or pulse-initiating equipment, open their related breakers.
Do not make connections to live power lines.
c. Make connections to the module first; then connect to the circuit to be monitored.
d. Route power wires in a safe manner in accordance with good practice and local codes.
e. Wear proper personal protective equipment including safety glasses and insulated gloves when
making connections to power circuits.
f. Ensure hands, shoes, and floors are dry before making any connection to a power line.
g. Make sure the unit is turned OFF before making connection to terminals. Make sure all circuits
are de-energized before making connections.
h. Before each use, inspect all cables for breaks or cracks in the insulation. Replace immediately if
defective.
1.2 Grounding
Grounding is covered in various chapters within this manual.
1.3 Compliance
To check for compliance and updates, visit the IMO website.
IMO: https://imopc.com

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CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCTION
2.1 General Overview of a I3N100/14004-SEHF & I3N100/08D12-SEHF I3N
I/O Connectors
Recessed
Buttons
-Run/Stop
-Load
RJ-45 Ports
LED Lights
-Run
-OK
-PWR
I/O Connectors
Figure 02.1 – Overview of the I3N

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2.2.1 Where to Find Information about the I3N
a) Datasheet - The datasheet is the first document to refer to for key information related to
specific I3N models. The datasheets are available on the IMO website and contain pin-outs
and other model specific information.
b) User Manual -This manual provides general information that is common to I3N models and can
be downloaded from our website to obtain user documentation and updates.
IMO: https://imopc.com
2.2.2 Four main types of information are covered in this manual
a) Safety and installation guidelines / instructions (Mechanical and Electrical)
b) Descriptions of hardware features (Serial ports, Removable Media, Communication Options,
etc.)
c) Configuration and use of the I3N
d) Maintenance and support

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2.3 Connectivity to the I3N
The I3N has excellent capabilities for connecting to a variety of devices. The diagram below shows some
examples of devices that can be used with the I3N.
Figure 02.2—Visual Overview of Connectivity of the I3N controller
CAN Serial
I/O
I3N
Other Control
Devices
Drives
PLCs
Bar Code Readers
Printers
SCADA
OPC Servers
Serial I/O
Sensors
Indicators
Alarms
Encoders
Pumps
Relays
Solenoids
Other i3 Devices
Smart I/O
Ethernet
I3 configurator
OPC Server
Modbus TCP
Devices
PLCs
SCADA
Portal
I/O Devices

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2.4 Features of I3N
The I3N are industrial control devices with built in I/O. They combine control, I/O, and networking into a
single, integrated package.
Unique features of the I3N include:
- Advanced control capabilities including floating point, multiple auto tuning PID loops, and string
handling capabilities
- Removable media for storage of programs, data logging, and on-site updating
- iCAN networking for communication with remote I/O, other controllers, or PCs
- Configurable serial protocols for communication to drives, PLCs, or other serial peripherals
- Advanced high speed I/O capabilities
- I3 configurator programming software that allows all aspects of the I3N to be programmed and
configured from one integrated application
- On board Ethernet port (10/100Mbps) for i3 configurator programming and application defined
communication, with Auto MDI/MDI-X
- I3RMI and Push capabilities for access from the Internet
- Small, compact, din-rail mountable logic controller with flexible built in I/O

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2.5 Useful Documents and References
Visit our website to obtain user documentation, supplemental documents, certificates, and other
documentation.
IMO: https://imopc.com
2.6 Opening I3 configurator Help File
After opening the i3 configurator Help file, either use the Contest, Index or Search tabs to located
information. The i3 configurator Help file has more information than the scope of this user manual.
Select “Index” tab.

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CHAPTER 3: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
NOTE: The datasheet is the first document to refer to for information related to I3N models such as pin-
outs, I/O and general specification, and other key installation information. Visit the IMO websites to
obtain datasheets, user documentation, and updates.
3.1 Overview
The mechanical installation greatly affects the operation, safety, and appearance of the system.
Information is provided to mechanically install the unit such as cutout sizes, mounting procedures and
other recommendations for the proper mechanical installation of the unit.
3.2 I3N Dimensions
Figure 3.1 – I3N Dimensions

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3.2 I3N Installation
These I3N modules are suitable for use in the Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D Hazardous Locations
only. The operating temperature range is -10˚C to +60˚C.
WARNING - EXPLOSION HAZARD - DO NOT DISCONNECT EQUIPMENT UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN
SWITCHED OFF OR THE AREA IS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZRDOUS.
ATTENTION - RISQUE D’EXPLOSION - NE DÉBRANCHEZ PAS L’ÉQUIPEMENT SAUF SI L’ALIMENTATION A
ÉTÉ COUPÉE OU SI LA ZONE N’EST PAS DANGEREUSE.
Devices shall be installed into an enclosure suitable for the environment that is only accessible with the
use of a tool.
1. The I3N modules conveniently mount on a DIN rail.
2. Be sure the DIN rail is in a horizontal position before installing the unit.
3. The orientation shown to the right is necessary to prevent the unit from
slipping off the DIN rail.
4. Align the unit on the DIN rail then push the DIN rail clip until it clicks into
place. Check to ensure that the unit is secure on the DIN rail.
5. Do NOT mount the unit on its side as this may cause the unit from slipping
off the DIN rail.
NOTE: The spade connector for grounding and the DIN rail clip add to the overall measurements. The
CAN/PWR and LAN connectors also add to the measurements.
NOTE: Screw holes and a spade connector are available for a mounting option.

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3.3.1 Temperature / Ventilation
Ensure that the DIN Rail layout design allows for adequate ventilation and maintains the specified ambient
temperature range. Consider the impact on the design if operating at the extreme ends of the ambient
temperature range. For example, if it is determined that a cooling device is required, allow adequate space
and clearances for the device in the panel box or on the panel door if DIN rail is mounted inside.
3.3.2 Orientation
I3N should be mounted with locking DIN tab facing down.
3.3.3 Noise
Consider the impact on the panel layout design and clearance requirements if noise suppression devices
are needed. Be sure to maintain an adequate distance between the I3N and noisy devices such as relays,
motor starters, etc.
3.3.4 Shock and Vibration
The I3N has been designed to operate in typical industrial environments that may inflict some shock and
vibration on the unit. For applications that may inflict excessive shock and vibration please use proper
dampening techniques or relocate the I3N to a location that minimizes shock and/or vibration.

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CHAPTER 4: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
NOTE: The datasheet is the first document to refer to for model-specific information related to I3N models
for key installation information. Visit the IMO websites to obtain datasheets, user documentation, and
updates.
4.1 Grounding Definition
Ground: The term ground is defined as a conductive connection between a circuit or piece of equipment
and the earth. Grounds are fundamentally used to protect an application from harmful interference
causing either physical damage such as by lightning or voltage transients or from circuit disruption often
caused by radio frequency interference (RFI). Grounding is also for the safety of the user.
4.2 Ground Specifications
Ideally, a ground resistance measurement from equipment to earth ground is 0Ω. In reality, it typically is
higher. The U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) states the resistance to ground shall not exceed 25Ω. IMO
recommends less than 15Ωresistance from our equipment to ground. Resistance greater than 25Ωcan
cause undesirable or harmful interference to the device.

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4.3 How to Test for Good Ground
In order to test ground resistance, a Ground Resistance Tester must be used. A typical Ground Resistance
Meter Kit contains a meter, two or three wire leads, and two ground rods. Instructions are supplied for
either a two-point or three-point ground test.
Figure 04.1 – Two-Point Ground Connection Test
To power the I3N unit, V+ and V- wires are directly wired to one of the terminal strips.
Earth Ground is the auxiliary spade at the bottom.
METAL WATER PIPE OR
OTHER GOOD GROUND
GROUND ROD
GROUND
DISCONNECTED
FROM SERVICE
GROUND RESISTANCE METER

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4.4 I3N100/14004-SEHF Power Wiring
To power up the I3N100/14004-SEHF, supply 10-30VDC to the V1+ and V- connections on the Power &
Input connector. See image below.
OPTION: Attach ferrite core with a minimum of two turns of the DC+ and DC- signals from the DC supply
that is powering the controllers.
4.5 I3N100/08D12-SEHF Power Wiring
To power up the I3N100/08D12-SEHF, supply 10-32VDC to the V1+ and V- connections on the Power CAN,
and Analog Connector.
OPTION: Attach ferrite core with a minimum of two turns of the DC+ and DC- signals from the DC supply
that is powering the controllers.

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CHAPTER 5: REGISTERS
5.1 Register Definitions
When programming the I3N, data is stored in memory that is segmented into different types. This memory
in the controller is referred to as registers. Different groups of registers are defined as either bits or words
(16 bits). Multiple registers can usually be used to handle larger storage requirements. For example, 16
single-bit registers can be used to store a word, or two 16-bit registers can be used to store a 32-bit value.
Below is a table of the type of registers found in the I3N unit.
Table 5.1—Types of Registers
Register
Description
%AI Analog Input
16-bit input registers used to gather analog input data such as
voltages, temperatures, and speed settings coming from an attached
device.
%AQ Analog Output
16-bit output registers used to send analog information such
voltages, levels, or speed settings to an attached device.
%AIG Global Analog Input
Specially defined 16-bit input registers that come from the network.
%AQG Global Analog Output
Specially defined 16-bit output registers that go to the network.
%D Display Bit*
These are digital flags used to control the displaying of screens on a
unit which can
display a screen. If the bit is SET, the screen is
displayed.
%I Digital Input
Single-bit input registers. Typically, an external switch is connected
to the registers.
%IG Global Digital Input
Specially defined single-bit inputs that come from the network.
%K Key Bit
Single-bit flags used to give the programmer direct access to any
front panel keys appearing on a unit.
%M Retentive Bit
Retentive single-bit registers.
%Q Digital Output
Single-bit output registers. Typically, these bits are connected to an
actuator, indicator light or other physical outputs.
%QG Global Digital Output
Specially defined single-bit outputs that go to the network.
%R General Purpose Register
Retentive 16-bit registers.
%S System Bit
Single-bit coils predefined for system use.
%SR System Register
16-bit registers predefined for system use.
%T Temporary Bit
Non-retentive single-bit registers.
* Not supported by I3N Units.