Exploring the Capabilities: Johnson Electric Metasys DX Series Selection Guide

The Metasys DX series, developed by Johnson Electric, comprises digital plant controllers and LCDs designed for diverse applications like HVAC, lighting, and security. Certain DX series controllers support LonWorks features and peer-to-peer communication, enabling centralized control and monitoring in building automation systems. They can also function locally without needing a network connection. These controllers feature a user-friendly graphical interface for easy monitoring and control, with customization options to display crucial information.

The Metasys DX series controllers from Johnson Electric provide a comprehensive and scalable solution for control operations, meeting the demands of diverse industrial applications with precision, adaptability, and advanced features. Working between 0 and 50 °C, the controllers can be used in various environmental circumstances. With LCDs featuring 240 x 180 pixels resolution and 256K bytes of flash memory, the DX series ensures clear information presentation and ample storage capacity. It is a  versatile option for building automation and control applications, with different versions catering to different needs.

DX-9200

The DX-9200 Digital Controller is ideal for digital control applications, particularly in Air Handling Units (AHU) or distributed lighting systems. This controller displays hardware and software flexibility, offering multiple models to support different room control or discharge air applications. It can easily adapt to a wide range of control requirements. Its capability to extend input and output points through communication with Input/Output (I/O) modules on an extension bus enhances monitoring and control, facilitated by its built-in Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display. The DX-9200 integrates into the Metasys Network for facility-wide control efficiency and cost-effective information availability through the Network Control Module. Also, an easy configuration is facilitated using the GX-9100 Configuration Tool Software. Including a real-time clock and time program ensures distributed control for system reliability. At the same time, the extension bus allows for additional I/O points, accommodating modular hardware for low-cost installation of various applications. A family of matching sensors, actuators, control valves, and dampers necessary for comprehensive control of cooling and heating applications complements the DX-9200 controller and its extension modules. Sensor inputs accept a range of transmitters and passive temperature sensors, including 0-10V, passive temperature sensors from Johnson Electric, and industry-standard 4-20 mA transmitters.

The DX-9200 uses 10 VA (24 VAC) @ 24 VAC ± 15% power and runs at 50–60 Hz. It operates between 0 and 40°C (32 and 100°F) with 10 to 90% relative humidity not condensing and between -20 and 70°C (0 and 160°F) with 5 to 95% relative humidity not condensing when stored.

DX-9121

The DX-9121 Digital Controller is made for several uses, such as distributed lighting control systems, air handling units, and many scenarios involving chillers or boiler plants. Its real-time clock, expandable input/output (I/O), graphic software programming, peer-to-peer connectivity, and standalone controller functionality make it a great choice for smaller system solutions. A supervisory controller is unnecessary for data sharing between DX-9121 controllers when connected on a peer-to-peer bus. The front panel’s Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display allows individual point monitoring and control. Through the LONWORKS N2E Bus, the DX-9121 connects to the Metasys Network by lining up its point and control data with the broader Metasys Network. The DX-912x controller supports a line of extension and expansion modules for enhanced flexibility, offering a broader range of I/O options. The system can accommodate up to eight extension modules connected to the controller via the XT (RS485) extension bus. Extension and expansion modules can be mounted adjacent to the controller on the same DIN rail or remotely, reaching distances up to 1200 meters (3900 feet) from the controller. The extension modules provide graphic and character-based configuration tools for additional analog and binary I/O combinations. Key features of the DX-9200 include dynamic data access capabilities within the Metasys network, LONWORKS N2E Bus communications with LONMARK certification, and a real-time clock with scheduling capabilities. It offers a built-in local status display control panel and a local user interface via DT-9100.

At 50/60 Hz, the source power is 24 VAC and 10 VA (nominal). While ambient storage conditions range from -20 to 70°C (0 to 160°F) with 5 to 95% RH, ambient working conditions span from 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) with 10 to 90% non-condensing RH. The DX-9121-8454 has dimensions that vary depending on mounting options. It weighs 1.8 kg (4 lbs) when shipped, plus extra weights for the panel mounting base and cabinet door mounting frame.

DX-9100

The DX-9100 is an ideal digital control solution widely used in HVAC operations in air handling units, distributed lighting systems, and multiple chiller or boiler plant controls. Precise PLC and DDC (Direct Digital Control) are provided by this controller. In stand-alone setups, it demonstrates hardware and software adaptability, perfectly fitting into the many control processes of its intended uses. By communicating with I/O extension modules via an extension bus, the DX-9100 Controller may independently expand its input and output points, showcasing exceptional control versatility. Its integrated LED display allows it to monitor and control all connected points. The controller can accommodate eight analog inputs; these can be configured as a passive RTD sensor, 0–10 V, or 0–20 mA. A zero offset of 4 mA can be set through software configuration for inputs ranging from 0 to 20 mA. Customizing output ranges between low and high input values is made possible by the analog output modules, which act as an interface between programmable function modules and hardware analog outputs.

With the XT-Bus, the DX-9100’s input/output capacity can be increased by attaching up to eight extension modules. One or more XP expansion modules that provide additional input/output capabilities are combined with an XT-9100 or XTM-905 module to form an extension module. Eight analog constants (ACO) and 32 digital constants (DCO) are included in the controller, which can be used in a configuration similar to that of analog and numeric variables, digital inputs, and logic variables. The supervisory system, front panel, or service module sets the values stored in the controller. Program logic variables, partial logic results, or final logic results in programmable logic control (PLC) modules are all made possible by the 64 logic result status (LRS) variables included in the DX-9100. These variables are easily incorporated into the configuration as other logic variables and are readable by the supervisory system or service module. The DX-9100 offers a comprehensive and adaptable solution for precise control in complex industrial processes.

DX-9100-8454

The DX-9100-8454 is a Digital Controller Module from Johnson Electric that has been carefully designed and developed for industrial automation applications. This controller is known for its resilient and sophisticated control system tailored to meet the rigorous demands of industrial automation. The DX-9100-8454 stands out for its proficient analog and digital input signal processing. It also produces necessary outputs and carries out programmed logic with ease. It offers a comprehensive solution for complex control tasks with twelve flexible programmable function modules, schedule modules, and optimal start/stop modules. Users can effortlessly configure this unit using external tools, facilitating an intuitive and user-friendly customization of controller settings. A standout feature of the DX-9100-8454 is its expanded analog output capability. With six additional analog output modules, the total count reaches eight. These outputs can be configured for 0-10V or 0-20mA operation, adapting to diverse application requirements.

The controller supports a 4mA zero offset, ensuring precision in controlling output signals. Compact in design, the DX-9100-8454 measures 184mm x 185mm x 200mm, rendering it easily integrated into various industrial environments. Communication within the system requires a connection to an RS-485/N2 Bus. This controller offers a rich array of features, advanced control capabilities, and easy configurability, establishing itself as a reliable solution for achieving precise control and operational efficiency in industrial processes.

DX-9100-8154

The DX-9100-8154 controller is a versatile, fully configurable solution tailored to diverse applications. It has two analog outputs and six digital outputs (trials) and can accommodate up to eight output modules. Six on/off or pulse outputs, three duration adjust outputs, three positions adjust (incremental) outputs, three start/stop outputs, or any combination of up to six trials can be configured individually to provide a variety of functions. Using the GX-9100 Graphic Configuration Software speeds up the configuration process. The controller has eight high-resolution (13-bit) analog inputs, a socket for connecting a service module (SX-9120), and a communication bus (RS-485 port for N2 Bus) for connecting to a supervisory system. It accepts eight digital inputs with transition counters from potential-free contacts.

The twelve programmable function modules in the DX-9200 are drawn from a library that includes modules for sequencers, totalization for analog or digital inputs, P, PI, PID, or on/off control, dual PID, and dual on/off control. Combining AND, ANDNOT, OR, ORNOT, COS (Change-of-State), OUT, OUTNOT, SET, RESET, AND LOGIC BLOCK, and OR LOGIC BLOCK are just a few of the logic functions available on the programmable logic control module. In addition to two optimal start/stop modules, the controller has eight-time schedule modules. It can also support up to eight extension I/O modules, each of which can accommodate up to eight inputs or outputs. Sensor readings are refreshed every second with inputs from as many as four extension modules featuring analog inputs and outputs. The presence of a built-in isolating transformer ensures reliable operation.

The controller is user-friendly, with an integral display panel featuring keypads. It is housed in a self-extinguishing ABS/polycarbonate enclosure and can be mounted on the surface or DIN rail. Overall, the DX-9100-8154 controller offers a comprehensive suite of features, combining advanced functionality with ease of use for diverse industrial applications.

DX-912x-8454

The DX-912x-8454 controller operates independently in sending and receiving data across the network, eliminating the need for a supervisory system. Each controller has an embedded LonWorks network processor that allows up to 30 controllers to coexist within a network. By connecting to other controllers on the same network, this processor can establish automatic configuration by analyzing each one to determine when data transmission is required. Controllers are capable of exchanging digital and analog data. While transmitted data is classified as “Network Analogue Outputs” and “Network Digital Outputs,” data received in a controller is classified as “Network Analogue Inputs” and “Network Digital Inputs.” The sources of the output values within the controller and the network destinations are the main parameters that must be defined. Supervision can be accomplished by connecting the Metasys NCM300 or NCM350 to the network. However, it only serves as a supervisory controller and does not participate in direct data exchange between controllers.

The DX-912x-8454 controller accommodates up to 16 network analog inputs, each receiving numerical data from a network analog output in another controller. These inputs are utilized in configurations similar to physical analog inputs. Additionally, it takes eight network digital inputs from another controller, each containing sixteen digital input logic values. There is flexibility in using these digital values in different configurations. With the ability to send a numerical value to a network analog input in another controller, the controller has up to 16 network analog outputs. These outputs can communicate with up to 16 additional controllers and receive values from multiple sources inside the controller. Similarly, block transmission of digital values is possible thanks to up to eight network digital outputs; each set up to send 16 digital values to a network digital input in a different controller.

The network capabilities of the DX-912x-8454 controller facilitate scenarios such as receiving outdoor temperature data from another controller, exchanging operational status data between primary and secondary units, and transmitting occupancy status information within an area to multiple controllers. A maximum of 30 controllers can be supported by the overall architecture on a single LonWorks network, demonstrating its robust and configurable data exchange and communication capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Johnson Electric Metasys DX series is a versatile and sophisticated solution for digital plant control, offering a range of controllers designed for diverse HVAC, lighting, and security applications. The DX series combines advanced technology with user-friendly interfaces, providing precise control through Direct Digital Control and Programmed Logic Control. The series, including the DX-9200, DX-9121, DX-9100, DX-9100-8454, DX-9100-8154, and DX-912x-8454, showcase the breadth of capabilities within this series. The DX-9200, tailored for the Air Handling Unit and distributed lighting control, integrates seamlessly into the Metasys Network, offering real-time clock functionality and an extension bus for additional I/O points.

The DX-9121, designed for various applications, boasts standalone capabilities with a real-time clock, extendable I/O, and peer-to-peer communication. Its integration into the Metasys Network and support for extension and expansion modules enhance its flexibility. Extending its input and output points with extension modules, the DX-9100 is an ideal digital control solution with exceptional flexibility in standalone configurations. It is suitable for various industrial processes and provides accurate control over analog and digital inputs.

The DX-9100-8454, with its expanded analog output capability, compact design, and robust communication features, establishes itself as a reliable solution for industrial automation applications. The DX-9100-8154, fully configurable and user-friendly, offers a comprehensive suite of features, combining advanced functionality with ease of use for diverse industrial applications. The DX-912x-8454, operating independently within a network, excels in data transmission across controllers, showcasing robust data exchange and communication capabilities.