Process Control Module Type 1 (PCM-1)

With the introduction of our new product line (Chameleon+), 2023 (or while supplies last) marks the end of production for legacy Chameleon (EOL Announcement). We will continue to provide technical support on all EOL products. In addition, we will continue to repair the EOL products for as long as replacement parts can be acquired.

Features and Benefits

  • Multi-Loop High-Performance Process Control
  • Can be configured for Motor Control (PWM, Encoders, etc.)
  • Versatile I/O Suite (4-20mA, RTD, and more)
  • Fully Sealed Enclosure (NEMA 4X, 6, 13 Protection)
  • -40°C to +65°C (-40°F to +149°F) Operating Range
  • MIL-STD-901D Grade A for High Impact Shock
  • MIL-STD-167B for Vibration
  • MIL-STD-461E for Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)
  • Powerful and easy-to-use graphical programming
  • Supports Hot Swapping
  • Supports redundant input and output connections

The Chameleon Process Control Module (PCM-1) offers high-performance control for multiple process loops.  With four analog inputs, four analog outputs, two digital inputs, two digital outputs, and an on-board 24VDC auxiliary output source, a PCM-1 can regulate up to six independent loops (4 process loops and 2 digital/motor control loops).  Powered by a 33MHz ARM processor with 1MB of onboard RAM and 1MB of flash memory, it provides sufficient computational power to handle the most demanding applications.  The PCM-1 embedded firmware is stored in its flash memory and is upgradeable: you can rest assured that the hardware investment you make in Chameleon will not become obsolete.

Using Fairmount Automation’s intuitive and easy-to-use graphical programming package (Design Pad) you can develop sophisticated control schemes for the PCM-1 in a matter of hours—even without any prior programming experience.  Programming the device entails “drawing” a desired control scheme using a vast array of configurable function blocks.  These function blocks are wired together to indicate the signal flows from device inputs to device outputs.  Once complete, configuration programs are downloaded to the unit via a wireless IR interface.

The PCM-1 provides a versatile I/O suite configurable in software.  Its analog inputs can read a variety of signals, including voltage, current, resistance, and RTD.  Its analog outputs can drive voltage and current loads.  Its digital inputs can be used separately as switches, pulse counters, and frequency counters, or they can be used together for event timing and quadrature decoding.  Its digital outputs can generate on/off, variable frequency square wave, and pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals.  In addition, multiple PCM-1 units can be attached to each other and configured to provide redundant power and I/O connections (both inputs and outputs) – the redundant output capability is built-in hardware and requires no external hardware.   PCM-1 units are also hot swappable: to replace one, simply swap the front panel (with attached processing board) and the unit is back online—there is no need to shut off the power.

Each PCM-1 unit also provides a rich set of prominent displays, including four four-digit numeric displays and eight status-indication LEDs.  Each display set has an associated tag holder that you can use to label signals.

As with all Chameleon modules, the PCM-1 offers unequaled ruggedness.  It is specifically designed for sustained operation in severe environments, including those characterized by extreme shock, vibration, electro-magnetic interference, temperature, and/or humidity.  Its fully-sealed enclosure (sealing end-caps not pictured) ensures long-lasting operation in the grimiest settings.  In fact, Chameleon modules can operate fully submerged.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
Operating Ambient Temperature Range -40°C to 65°C
Storage/Transport Ambient Temperature Range -40°C to 85°C
High Impact Shock MIL-STD-901D, Grade A
Mechanical Vibration MIL-STD-167B, 0-50Hz
Electro-Magnetic Interference MIL-STD-461E
Facial/Housing Protection NEMA 1,2,4,4X,5,6,12,12K,13
   
ANALOG INPUTS
Quantity / Resolution 4 Channels / 16 Bits Minimum
Sampling Rate 1000 Hz Maximum
Current Input Ranges Supported 0-20mA, 4-20mA
Current Input Accuracy +/-40uA at 25°C, +/-100uA Over Temperature
Standard Voltage Input Ranges Supported 0-20V, 0-10V, 0-5V, 1-5V, 0-2.5V, 0-1V, 0-500mV
Standard Voltage Input Range Accuracy +/-36mV at 25°C, +/-86mV Over Temperature
Low Voltage Input Ranges Supported 0-250mV, 0-100mV, 0-50mV, 0-25mV, 0-10mV
Low Voltage Input Range Accuracy +/-2mV at 25°C, +/-5mV Over Temperature
Resistance Input Range Supported 0-2400Ω
Resistance Input Range Accuracy 2.4Ω or +/-0.4% of Reading (whichever is smaller) Over Temperature
RTD Support 3 Wire, 100Ω Platinum (European or American curve), 120Ω Nickel, or Custom
RTD Accuracy +/- 1°C Over Temperature
   
ANALOG OUTPUTS
Quantity / Resolution 4 Channels (2 with 14 bit resolution, 2 with 10-bit resolution)
Current Output Ranges Supported 0-20mA, 4-20mA
Current Output Range Accuracy +/-40uA at 25°C, +/-100uA Over Temperature
Voltage Output Ranges Supported 0-10V, 0-5V
Voltage Output Range Accuracy

+/-40mV at 25°C, +/-100mV Over Temperature

   
DIGITAL INPUTS
Quantity / Type 2 opto-isolated
Input Signal Support 5 VDC, 24VDC (at approximately 7mA)
Single-Input Operating Modes on/off (i.e. switch), pulse counter, frequency counter
Dual-Input Operating Modes event timer, quadrature decoder
Maximum Frequency 500 kHz
   
DIGITAL OUTPUTS
Quantity / Type 2 opto-isolated transistor
Output Signal Support up to 28VDC (40mA maximum)
Operating Modes on/off, variable frequency square-wave, pulse width modulation (PWM)
Maximum Frequency 50 kHz
   
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum Power Consumption 3.9W + 0.03 W/mA x (current draw from auxiliary output source including analog outputs)
Maximum Allowable Auxiliary Current 250mA at 24VDC
Real-Time Clock Battery Life(Minimum; No power applied, 25°C) 10 Years
Supported Cable Diameters Two glands 0.24”-0.47”; six glands 0.16”-0.31”
Supported Wire Gauges

16-28 AWG

   
OPERATOR INTERFACE
Digital Readouts Eight user-programmable three-color (red/yellow/green) LEDs with label holders
Analog Readouts Four user-programmable 4-digit, 7-segmentnumeric displays with label holders
Status Readout One three-color (red/yellow/green) LED Indicator
IR Wireless Interface

115 kbps SIR

   
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Weight 2.1 lbs
Front Panel Dimensions 4” W x 6” L
Enclosure Height 3″ H

The following part numbers can be used when ordering the Process Control Module Type 1 (PCM-1).

Fairmount Part Number Description
01012-000 PCM-1 with Gray Enclosure
01012-300 PCM-1 with Black Enclosure (without Stuffing Tubes)
11013-200 PCM-1 Active Board and Gray Full-Size Cover
11013-250 PCM-1 Active Board and Black Full-Size Cover
01014-000 PCM-1 Full-Size Gray Enclosure with Wiring Hub Assembly
01014-300 PCM-1 Full-Size Black Enclosure and Wiring Hub Assembly (without Stuffing Tubes)
11014-100 PCM-1 Wiring Hub Assembly