Johnson Controls Metasys NU Series Comprehensive Guide

The Metasys System

The Metasys System is an industry-leading, network-based Building Automation System (BAS) manufactured by Johnson Controls (formerly Johnson Electric Service Company). This system uses advanced technology to integrate HVAC systems, fire protection, lighting, energy management, security, and other subsystems of a commercial building into a centralized control platform, in which the subsystems communicate over a common network to provide a fully optimized building management solution.

The Metasys System operates multiple pieces of electrical and mechanical equipment found in modern building systems on a continuously connected IP network to enhance occupant security, safety, comfort, and productivity. It also provides users with real-time data analysis, customizable reporting, and predictive analytics of the connected building subsystems, allowing them to make better and smarter decisions, optimize energy efficiency, and improve how the building functions.

Metasys NU Part Series

The Metasys NU Part Series from Johnson Controls offers Network Control Modules (NCMs), Digital Control Modules (DCMs), Digital Line Controllers, Ethernet Network Interface Cards, Memory Boards, and Communication Modules for different uses in the Metasys Building Automation System.

The series features the following units:

Network Control Modules

Metasys NU Network Control Modules are microprocessor-based intelligent nodes at the heart of a Metasys System. They integrate the following streams of information over a communication network:

• Application programs.
• Database and system information.
• Data and I/O information being delivered from communication ports.

These NU NCMs are fully programmable, and as such, they coordinate and supervise the control operations of all the devices and control loops connected to them via Metasys Application Specific Controllers (ASCs) and Network Expansion Units (NEUs). For example, when connected to a Metasys Network, the NU-NCM300 unit functions as the central processing module. 

Use a Metasys NU Network Control Module where complex, high-performance building automation is required, such as the monitoring and controlling central plant heating, air-conditioning, and ventilating systems.

Some of the widely available Metasys NU Network Control Modules include:

• NU-NCM300-0, -1:  These NCM300 Series network controllers connect to the Metasys network through the N1 ARCNET LAN. The NU-NCM300-0 and NU-NCM300-1 controller models have the following technical specifications: 110…220V supply voltage and 0.55-0.30 Amperes. However, theNU-NCM300-0 model requires Metasys software Release 6.0 or later, while the NU-NCM300-1 requires Metasys software Release 8.0 or later.

• NU-NCM311-1: This network control module is the European variant of the NCM300 Series.  It has the same construction and operation as the NCM300 but includes minor modifications to comply with applicable European Emission and Safety standards.

• NU-NCM300-700: This is a Network Control Module in the NCM300 Series whose voltage and current ratings are 110/220V supply voltage and 0.55-0.30 Amperes.

• NU-NCM350-1: The technical specifications of this Metasys network controller include 1MB of memory, 0.55-0.30 Amperes, and 110/220V supply voltage. It is supported by Metasys software Release 8.0 or later.

Note: NCM350 controller models have the same functionality as the NCM300 Series, but the NCM350 models can connect to either an Ethernet or ARCNET LAN.

• NU-NCM350-701: This module features 1MB of memory, 110/220V voltage rating, and 0.55/0.30A current rating.

• NU-NCM350-70: The technical specifications of this network controller are 8MB of memory, 110…220V supply voltage, and 0.55-0.30 Amperes.

• NU-NCM350-8: This network control module is the latest version of the NCM350 Series. It replaces all the previous models of the NCM350 and NCM300 Series. It contains 8 MB of memory, and it requires Metasys software Release 9.01 or later to utilize all the 8MB of memory. Other technical specifications include 110-220V input voltage and 0.55-0.30 Amperes, and it connects to the Metasys network via either Ethernet LAN or ARCNET LAN. In addition, the NU-NCM350-8 model meets theUL 864 UUKL requirements for smoke control applications.

• NU-NCM361-1: This NCM361 network control module is the European variant of the NCM350 Series. It has the same construction and operation as the NCM350, though it includes some minor modifications to comply with applicable European Safety and Emission standards.

• NU-NCM361-8: Featuring 8 MB of memory, a 90…240V AC voltage rating at 50/60 Hertz input frequency, and a 60-volt-ampere (VA) input current, the NU-NCM361-8 is the upgraded version of the NCM361 Series. The NCM361-8 also replaces all the previous NCM361 and NCM311 Series models.

Note: In addition to the Network Control Modules outlined above, Johnson Controls also provides other Metasys NU NCM Series controllers including NCM100 (NU-NCM100-0 module), NCM101(NU-NCM101-0 module), NCM200 (NU-NCM200-0 and NU-NCM200-700 modules), NCM201(NU-NCM201-701 Network Control Module with a processor), and NCM401(NU-NCM401-0).

Digital Control Modules

Metasys Digital Control Modules perform direct digital control of BAS devices connected to a Metasys network, such as variable speed drives, actuators, and valves. In a Metasys system, the DCMs function as co-processors for the NCMs, executing PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) loop calculations to regulate modulating BAS devices. This frees the Network Control Modules to perform other control tasks such as operation sequencing, interlocks, and scheduling.

A typical Metasys NU Digital Control Module implements a “self-tuning” algorithm that automatically and continuously fine-tunes the parameters of a PID loop to maintain the correct feedback value. The DCM can be installed in a 5-slot Metasys Network Control Unit or a 2-slot Metasys Network Expansion Unit (NEU)/NCU.

Common Metasys NU Digital Control Modules include:

• NU-DCM101-0: This unit is a comprehensive panel that encompasses a variety of electronic modules, terminal blocks, and signal conditioners, including pneumatic, line voltage, and electronic types, all within one enclosure. Different control, point interface, and processor modules can be chosen and mounted into a suitable base frame to tailor it to specific needs, making the unit versatile for various applications.

• NU-DCM140-0: The DCM140 is a digital control module and point interface in a Metasys NU Network Expansion Unit (NEU) or Network Control Unit (NCU). The DCM140 can have up to 20 analog/binary (universal) inputs using dual-input function modules. Using dual-output function modules, it can be equipped with 10 to 20 analog/binary outputs, depending on the mix of the function modules.

Note: The NU-DCM140 serves as a plug-in replacement for the NU-DCM101, but when supervised by an NCM101 Network Control Module, the NU-DCM140 should be configured as an NU-DCM101 module, and when configured as such, it cannot support either the Output Analog (OAN) or Input Analog (IAN) function modules. When configured for use with either the IAN or OAN function modules, the NU-DCM140 module requires Metasys software Release 5.02 or later.

• NU-DCM140-700: This Metasys NU Digital Control Module can function as a plug-in replacement for the NU-DCM101-0 without requiring any definition changes. It requires a 24V AC/DC input voltage to operate.

• Communication Modules

The Metasys NU Part Series offers one communication module, the NU-COM101-0.

• NU-COM101-0: This add-on communication module connects various equipment controllers to the Metasys system. It operates on a 12V input voltage and 25mA maximum input current.

Point Multiplex Modules

The Metasys NU Point Multiplex Modules are interface points that are used for supervisory control or monitoring applications in building automation. They expand the binary Input and Output capability of legacy Metasys system installations, making them ideal in BAS applications where the power and complexity of a Metasys NU Digital Control Module is unnecessary.

These devices are only compatible with Metasys Network Control Module database and Network Expansion Units (NEUs); they do not exist on Network Control Engine (NCE)/Network Automation Engine (NAE)-, N30-, or SNC/SNE-based Metasys systems. A typical Metasys NU

Point Multiplex Module may be installed in a 5-slot Metasys NU Network Control Module, 1-slot Metasys NU Network Expansion Unit, or 2-slot Metasys NU NCM/NEU.

Note: Unlike the Metasys NU Digital Control Modules, which have universal (analog/binary) inputs and outputs specified by dual-input or dual-output function modules, each NU Point Multiplex Module includes a fixed I/O point configuration. All manual override (MO) controls, line-voltage relays, and similar signal conditioning circuits are contained within the electronics of the Point Multiplex Module.

Here are the available Metasys NU Point Multiplex Modules:

• NU-XBN101-0: This is a 32-Point Multiplex Binary module that interfaces a high concentration of binary input points to the Metasys System, which resides in the system’s NCM or NEU. It can monitor up to 32 binary inputs (pulse, dry contact, or voltage inputs) and then report any changes in the states of the inputs it’s monitoring to the NCM for processing.

In addition, this module includes LEDs on its front side to display the status of each corresponding binary input. It operates on 125 Volts AC and I Ampere.

• NU-XBN101-700: This is a 32-point Multiplex Binary replacement module.

Note: Typical applications of the Metasys NU XBN modules include monitoring the state of 2-position input devices connected to the Metasys system, such as security panels, pumps, or fans. You can also use them to detect pulses from Metasys-connected electric utility meters, flow meters, or similar pulse output devices with an output frequency of 10 Hertz or less.

• NU-XRE101-0: A 16-Point Multiplex Relay Electrically Maintained module that uses 2-wire control to control up to eight (8) binary inputs and eight (8) electrically maintained outputs.

• NU-XRE101-700: This is a16-Point Multiplex Relay Electrically Maintained replacement module.  

Note: The NU XRE modules are ideally designed to control large pumps, large air handling unit fans, and other 2-wire Metasys-connected devices that need a controlled start-up following an AC power outage.

• NU-XRL101-0: A 16-Point Multiplex Relay Latched module that requires 125Volts AC input voltage to provide 2-wire control to eight (8) binary inputs and eight (8) magnetically latching outputs.

• NU-XRL101-700: This binary I/O control module is used as an XRL repair part. It requires 1 Ampere and 125 VA to operate.

Note: Typical applications of NU XRL modules include control of enabling circuits for equipment being controlled from different panel controls, exhaust fans requiring less power and which would take too long to restart manually, and other 2-wire Metasys-connected devices that restart immediately after a power loss.

• NU-XLR101-700: This is a NU Multiplex Output control module with a 1A current rating and 125 VAC voltage rating.

• Battery Modules

Johnson Controls Metasys NU Part Series offers the following battery modules:

• NU-BAT101-0 is a replacement battery unit used in a Metasys system. Its rated voltage is 12V and has a capacity of 1.4 AH.
• NU-BAT300-1 NI-CAD (Nickel-Cadmium) replacement battery module for the Metasys system.

• Power Supply Modules

Available Metasys NU power supply units are:

• NU-PWR101-0: This plug-in power supply module developed by Johnson Controls under the NU part series. The module delivers reliable and stable power to electronic components of the Metasys system by converting the 100-240V AC input voltage to a steady 24V DC output voltage. This power conversion ensures that a consistent and reliable voltage is supplied to the connected electronic devices, thereby preventing voltage fluctuations and guaranteeing proper operation.

Along with operating within a broad supply voltage range of 100…240 VAC, the NU-PWR-101-0 power supply module also includes advanced protection features, such as over-current protection, short circuit protection,  and overvoltage protection, that ensure the integrity and safety of the connected electronic devices. It also features a high efficiency of 80%.

• NU-PWR101-700: A NU replacement power supply unit.

• NU-PWR3000 power supply module

• NU-PWR3508: A replacement power supply unit for NCM300 Network Control Modules.

• Network Interface Modules and Memory Boards

Generally, NU Network Interface Modules allow Metasys devices to connect to various networks like Ethernet or ARCNET for effective communications. For example, the NU Ethernet Network Interface Cards enable computers running the Metasys software to access the Internet through an Ethernet cable.

Examples of available Metasys NU Network Interface Modules include:

• NU-NET301-0: An Ethernet network interface card with a coaxial connector.

• NU-NET101-0: This is anARCNET interface card.

• NU-NET101-700: A NU Network Interface Module.
• NU-NIM102-0: Network Identity Module.
• NU-NET301-700: A NU Ethernet card for Metasys Network Control Modules.

NU memory boards provide removable and optional memory for storing and backing operating system, configuration, and operations data. Available NU memory modules include the NU-NIM1021 and the NU-NIM202 memory board.

Metasys NU Accessories

It is important that you select the right NU accessories to ensure compatibility with your Metasys^® system connections. Some of these accessories include:

• NU-CBL101-0: A 35-feet NU RS-232 cable featuring a DB25 connector.

• NU-EOL202-0: This is a NU Digital Line Controller that monitors all the functionalities of various modules of a Metasys^® Digital Line Unit.

• NU-ROM101-1: A NU Network Control Module upgrade kit.

• NU-ROM150-1: This NCM upgrade kit is used when upgrading from NU-NCM300 to NU-NCM350. It includes a ROM150 Flash SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module), installation instructions, and the new NCM350 Series label.

• NU-NDM101-0: This N2 Dialer Module (NDM) allows controllers to access the Johnson Controls N2 Communication Bus utilizing public telephone lines using the standard N2 protocol. It provides remote uploading, downloading, and commissioning of Metasys-connected application-specific controllers and other digital devices in remote buildings.

For example, you can use theNU-NDM101-0N2 Dialer Module for a local serial printer application. The N2 Dialer calls the local modem whenever a remote Metasys controller reports an alarm condition and then sends the message to the local printer to print out.