Notifier NFS-640 Intelligent Addressable Fire Alarm System

General

The NFS-640 intelligent Fire Alarm Control Panel is part of the ONYX® Series of Fire Alarm Controls from NOTIFIER. As a stand-alone small-to-large system, or as a large network, the ONYX® Series of products meets virtually every application requirement. Designed with modularity and for ease of system planning, the NFS-640 can be configured with just a few devices for small building applications, or for a large campus or high-rise application. Simply add additional peripheral equipment to suit the application.

Features

• One, expandable to two, isolated intelligent Signaling Line Circuit (SLC) Style 4, 6 or 7.
• Up to 159 detectors (any mix of ion, photo, thermal, or multi-sensor) and 159 modules (N.O. manual stations, two-wire smoke, notification, or relay) per SLC. 318 devices per loop/ 636 per FACP or network node.
• Standard 80-character display, 640-character large display, or display-less (a node on a network).
• Network option – 103 nodes supported (NFS-640, NCA Network Annunciator, or NCS Network Control Station) using wire or fiber-optic connections.
• 6.0 amp switch mode power supply with four Class A/B built-in Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC). Selectable System Sensor strobe synchronization.
• Built-in Alarm, Trouble, and Supervisory relays.
• Up to 64 output circuits per FACP or network node; circuits configurable online.
• VeriFire® Tools offline program option. Sort Maintenance Reports by compensation value (dirty detector), peak alarm value, or address.
• Autoprogramming and Walk Test reports.
• Optional universal 636-point DACT.
• 80-character remote annunciators (up to 32).
• EIA-485 annunciators, including custom graphics.
• Printer interface (80-column and 40-column printers).
• History file with 800-event capacity in nonvolatile memory, plus separate 200-event alarm-only file.
• Alarm Verification selection per point, with tally.
• Autoprogramming and Walk Test reports.
• Positive Alarm Sequence (PAS) Presignal.
• Silence inhibit and Auto Silence timer options.
• March time / temporal / California two-stage coding / strobe synchronization.
• Field-programmable on panel or on PC, with VeriFire® Tools program check, compare, simulate.
• Full QWERTY keypad.
• Charger for up to 90 hours of standby power.
• Non-alarm points for lower priority functions.
• Remote ACK/Signal Silence/System Reset/Drill via monitor modules.
• Automatic time control functions, with holiday exceptions.
• Surface Mount Technology (SMT) electronics.
• Extensive, built-in transient protection.

NCA 640-Character Display Features

• Powerful Boolean logic equations.
• Backlit, 640-character display.
• Supports SCS Series smoke control system in both HVAC or FSCS modes (not UL-Listed for FSCS).
• Printer and CRT EIA-232 ports.
• EIA-485 annunciator and terminal mode ports.
• Alarm, Trouble, Supervisory, and Security relays.

FlashScan® Intelligent Features

• Poll 318 devices in less than two seconds.
• Activate up to 159 outputs in less than five seconds.
• Multicolor LEDs blink device address during Walk Test.
• Fully digital, high-precision protocol (U.S. Patent 5,539,389).
• Manual sensitivity adjustment – nine levels.
• Pre-alarm intelligent sensing – nine levels.
• Day/Night automatic sensitivity adjustment.
• Sensitivity windows:
  • Ion – 0.5 to 2.5%/foot obscuration.
  • Photo – 0.5 to 2.35%/foot obscuration.
  • Laser (VIEW®) – 0.02 to 2.0%/foot obscuration.
  • Acclimate Plus™ – 0.5 to 4.0%/foot obscuration.
  • HARSH™ – 0.5 to 2.35%/foot obscuration.
• Drift compensation (U.S. Patent 5,764,142).
• Degraded mode – in the unlikely event that the CPU-640 microprocessor fails, FlashScan® detectors revert to degraded operation and can activate the CPU-640 NAC circuits and alarm relay. Each of the four built-in panel circuits includes a Disable/Enable switch for this feature.

Intelligent Sensing

Intelligent sensing is a set of software algorithms that provide the NFS-640 with industry-leading smoke detection capability. These complex algorithms require many calculations on each reading of each detector, and are made possible by the very-high-speed microcomputer used by the NFS-640.

Drift Compensation and Smoothing

Drift compensation allows the detector to retain its original ability to detect actual smoke, and resist false alarms, even as dirt accumulates. It reduces maintenance requirements by allowing the system to automatically perform the periodic sensitivity measurements required by NFPA 72. Smoothing filters are also provided by software to remove transient noise signals, such as those caused by electrical interference.

Maintenance Warnings

When the drift compensation performed for a detector reaches a certain level, the performance of the detector may be compromised, and special warnings are given. There are three warning levels: (1) Low Chamber value, usually indicative of a hardware problem in the detector; (2) Maintenance Alert, indicative of dust accumulation that is near but below the allowed limit; (3) Maintenance Urgent, indicative of dust accumulation above the allowed limit.

Sensitivity Adjust

Nine sensitivity levels are provided for alarm detection. These levels can be set manually, or can change automatically between day and night. Nine levels of pre-alarm sensitivity can also be selected, based on predetermined levels of alarm. Pre-alarm operation can be latching or self-restoring, and can be used to activate special control functions.

Self-Optimizing Pre-Alarm

Each detector may be set for "Self-Optimizing" pre-alarm. In this special mode, the detector "learns" its normal environment, measuring the peak analog readings over a long period of time, and setting the pre-alarm level just above these normal peaks.

Cooperating Multi-Detector Sensing

A patented feature of this intelligent sensing is the ability of a smoke sensor to consider readings from nearby sensors in making alarm or pre-alarm decisions. Without statistical sacrifice in the ability to resist false alarms, it allows a sensor to increase its sensitivity to actual smoke by a factor of almost two to one.

VIEW® (Very Intelligent Early Warning) Smoke Detection Technology

• Revolutionary spot laser design.
• Advanced intelligent sensing algorithms differentiate between smoke and non-smoke signals (U.S. Patent 5,831,524).
• Addressable operation pinpoints the fire location.
• No moving parts to fail or filters to change.
• Early warning performance comparable to the best aspiration systems at a fraction of the lifetime cost.

Acclimate Plus™ Low-Profile Intelligent Multi-Sensor

• Detector automatically adjusts sensitivity levels without operator intervention or programming. Sensitivity increases with heat.
• Microprocessor-based technology; combination photo and thermal technology.
• FlashScan® or classic mode compatible with NFS-640.
• Low-temperature warning signal at 40°F ± 5°F (4.44°C ± 2.77°C).

HARSH™ Hostile-Area Smoke Head

• Provides early warning of smoke detection in environments where traditional smoke detectors are not practical.
• The detector's filters remove particulates down to 30 microns in size.
• Intake fan draws air into photo chamber, while airborne particles and water mist are removed.
• Requires auxiliary 24 VDC from system or remote power supply.

Releasing Features

• Ten independent hazards.
• Sophisticated cross-zone (three options).
• Delay timer and Discharge timers (adjustable).
• Abort (four options).
• Low-pressure CO2 listed.

Voice and Telephone Features

• Solid state message generation.
• Hard-wired voice control module options.
• Firefighter telephone option.
• 30- to 120-watt high-efficiency amplifiers (AA Series).
• Backup tone generator and amplifier option.
• Multichannel voice transponder (XPIQ).

High-Efficiency Offline Switching 3.0 Amp Power Supply (6.0 A IN ALARM)

• 120 or 220/240 VAC.
• Displays battery current/voltage on panel (with display).

FlashScan® Exclusive World-Leading Detector Protocol

At the heart of the NFS-640 is a set of detection devices and device protocol – FlashScan® (U.S. Patent 5,539,389). FlashScan® is an all-digital protocol that gives superior precision and high noise immunity. In addition to providing quick identification of an active input device, this protocol can also activate many output devices in a fraction of the time required by competitive protocols. This high speed also allows the NFS-640 to have the largest device per loop capacity in the industry – 318 points – yet every input and output device is sampled in less than two seconds. The microprocessor-based FlashScan® detectors have bicolor LEDs that can be coded to provide diagnostic information, such as device address during Walk Test.

Field Programming Options

Autoprogram

Autoprogram is a timesaving feature of the NFS-640. It is a special software routine that allows the NFS-640 to "learn" what devices are physically connected and automatically load them in the program with default values for all parameters. Requiring less than one minute to run, this routine allows the user to have almost immediate fire protection in a new installation, even if only a portion of the detectors are installed.

Keypad Program Edit (with KDM-2)

The NFS-640, like all NOTIFIER intelligent panels, has the exclusive feature of program creation and editing capability from the front panel keypad, while continuing to provide fire protection. The architecture of the NFS-640 software is such that each point entry carries its own program, including control-by-event links to other points. This allows the program to be entered with independent per-point segments, while the NFS-640 simultaneously monitors other (already installed) points for alarm conditions.

VeriFire® Tools

VeriFire® Tools is an offline programming and test utility that can greatly reduce installation programming time, and increase confidence in the site-specific software. It is Windows® based and provides technologically advanced capabilities to aid the installer. The installer may create the entire program for the NFS-640 in the comfort of the office, test it, store a backup file, then bring it to the site and download from a laptop into the panel.

Hardware Configuration Example

CPU-640 with KDM-2 Display: The image shows the CPU-640 unit, typically housed within a chassis. The KDM-2 display unit is depicted mounted at the front, flush with the door, indicating its role as a user interface.

Network Diagram Overview

The diagram illustrates a typical network configuration for the NFS-640 system. It shows the central NFS-640 panel connected to various components such as NCS (Network Control Station), NCA (Network Control Annunciator), and other devices via network connections (indicated by lines, potentially representing wire or fiber-optic links). It also shows connections to annunciators (ACS, LCD) and other system modules like XPIQ (Voice Transponder).

Placement of Equipment in Chassis and Cabinet

The NFS-640 system offers flexible design through its chassis and cabinet configurations. Equipment is mounted in chassis like CHS-M2 and CHS-4MB, with considerations for wiring separation (power-limited vs. non-power-limited). Chassis provide multiple positions for modules, and it's critical that all mounting holes are secured for Earth Ground continuity. The CPU-640 occupies specific positions within the chassis layers, with space for integral power supply and optional displays. Expansion is achieved using modules like LEM-320 for additional SLC loops, and NCM modules for networking.

KDM-2 Controls and Indicators

Program Keypad

QWERTY type (keyboard layout).

LED Indicators

• Power
• Fire Alarm
• Pre-Alarm
• Security
• Supervisory
• System Trouble
• Signals Silenced
• Points Disabled

Membrane Switch Controls

• Acknowledge/Scroll Display
• Signal Silence
• Drill
• System Reset
• Lamp Test

LCD Display

80 characters (2 x 40) with long-life LED backlight.

Configuration Guidelines

Stand-alone and network systems require a main display. For single-CPU systems (CPU-640/-640E), display options include the KDM-2 or the NCA. For network systems (two or more CPU-640/-640Es), at least one NCA or NCS annunciation device is required.

KDM-2

An 80-character backlit LCD display with QWERTY programming and control keypad. Requires specific mounting plates and is essential for stand-alone 80-character display systems. Can also display "local" node information on network nodes.

NCA (Network Control Annunciator)

Features a 640-character display. Connects directly to the CPU-640/-640E in single-CPU systems. In network systems, it requires an NCM network communications module and is one of the network displays needed for every system. Mounting options include DP-DISP, ADP-4B, or annunciator boxes.

CPU-640

The central processing unit with an integral 3.0 amp power supply for an NFS-640 system. Includes CPU, one Signaling Line Circuit (expandable to two), and necessary manuals. One CPU-640 is required per system or as needed for network nodes (up to 103).

CPU-640E

Similar to CPU-640 but requires 220 VAC, 1.5 amp power.

System Modules

The NFS-640 supports communication with up to eight conventional modules, each with up to eight circuits. Modules can be a mix of notification, relay, speaker, or telephone types. Panel modules mount in specific chassis positions or on CHS-4N chassis.

Key Modules:

• CHS-M2: Mounting chassis for CPU-640.
• DP-DISP: Dress panel for top row in cabinet.
• BMP-1: Blank module for unused positions.
• ICM-4RK: Notification Appliance Circuit Module (4 Style Y/Z circuits).
• ICE-4: Notification Appliance Circuit Expander (adds 4 circuits to ICM-4).
• CRM-4RK: Control Relay Module (4 Form-C relay contacts).
• CRE-4: Control Relay Expander (adds 4 Form-C contacts to CRM-4).
• VCM-4RK: Voice Control Module (4 Style Y/Z speaker circuits).
• VCE-4: Voice Control Expander (adds 4 circuits to VCM-4).
• DCM-4RK: Dual Channel Module (4 Class B/A speaker circuits).
• ARM-4: Auxiliary Relay Module (4 Form-C relays).

Other Option Modules:

Includes Voice Control Centers (VCC-1B, VTCC-1B), Telephone Control Centers (TCC-1B), Remote Microphone Assemblies (RM-1/RM-1SA), Audio Message Generators (AMG-E), Fire Fighters Telephone controls (FFT-7/FFT-7S), Firephone Control Modules (FTM-1), Audio Amplifiers (AA-30, AA-120/AA-100), Message Storage (VROM, VRAM), Auxiliary Power Supplies (APS-6R, ACPS-2406), Repeater/Power Supplies (FCPS-24, FCPS-24S6/-24S8), Zone Coders (UZC-256), and various LCD displays (LCD-80, FDU-80) and Annunciator Control Modules (ACS Series).

Compatible Devices

EIA-232 Ports

• Printers (PRN-5, PRN-6, VS4095/S2)
• Video Display Terminal (CRT-2)

EIA-485 Ports

• Remote Annunciator/Control Systems (ACS Series)
• Remote LCD Displays (FDU-80, LCD-80, LCD-80TM)
• Remote Custom Graphic Driver Modules (LDM Series)
• Remote Relay Modules (ACM-8R)
• Repeaters/Isolators/Fiber-Optic Modems (RPT-485 Series)
• Universal Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (UDACT)
• Zone Coders (UZC-256)

Compatible Intelligent Devices

Includes various intelligent detectors such as Beam Smoke Detectors (FSB-200/FSB-200S), Ionization Detectors (FSI-851/FSI-751), Photoelectric Detectors (FSP-851/FSP-751), Thermal Detectors (FST-851/FST-751), Multi-Sensor Detectors (FAPT-851/FAPT-751), Hostile Area Smoke Heads (FSH-751), Laser Photo Detectors (FSL-751/LPX-751), and various monitor/control modules (FMM-1, FDM-1, FZM-1, FCM-1, FRM-1, FSM-101, NBG-12LX, ISO-X, XP Series Transponders, XPIQ Voice Transponder, etc.).

System Specifications

System Capacity

• Intelligent Signaling Line Circuits: 1 expandable to 2
• Intelligent detectors: 159 per loop
• Addressable monitor/control modules: 159 per loop
• Programmable internal hardware and output circuits (4 standard): 68
• Programmable software zones: 99
• Special programming zones: 14
• LCD annunciators per CPU-640/-640E and NCA: 32
• ACS annunciators per CPU-640/-640E: 32 address x 64 points
• ACS annunciators per NCA: 32 address x 64 or 96 points (NCA supports up to 96 annunciator address points per ACM-24/48).

Specifications

• Primary input power, CPU-640 board: 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 3.0 amps. CPU-640E board: 220/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1.5 Amps.
• Total output 24 V power: 6.0 A in alarm. (Shared by all internal modules).
• Standard notification circuits (4): 2.5 A each.
• Four-wire detector power: 1.25 A.
• Non-resettable regulated power outputs: 1.25 A each.
• Battery charger range: 12 AH – 55 AH (use separate cabinet for batteries over 25 AH).
• Optional high-capacity (25 – 120 AH) battery charger: CHG-120.
• Float rate: 27.6 V.

Temperature and Humidity Ranges

Meets NFPA requirements for operation at 0–49°C (32–120°F) and 93% ± 2% RH (noncondensing) at 32°C ± 2°C (90°F ± 3°F). Recommended normal room temperature: 15–27°C (60–80°F) for optimal system life.

Agency Listings and Approvals

The following apply to the basic NFS-640 control panel. Consult factory for latest listing status on specific modules.

• UL: S635
• ULC: CS118
• FM APPROVED Exceptions – CPU-640E, PRN-5, Proprietary service
• CSFM: 7165-0028:214, 7170-0028:216
• MEA: 317-01-E
• City of Chicago
• City of Denver
• Lloyd's Register: 02/60007
• U.S. Coast Guard: 161.002/42/1
• China Classification Society (CCS): #NL05T00001 (NFS-640E)
• CCCF: Certif. # 2003081801600815

Standards

The NFS-640 complies with the following UL Standards and NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Systems requirements:

• UL 864 (Fire)
• UL 1076 (Burglary)
• LOCAL (Automatic, Manual, Waterflow and Sprinkler Supervisory)
• AUXILIARY (Automatic, Manual and Waterflow) (requires 4XTMF)
• REMOTE STATION (Automatic, Manual and Waterflow) (requires 4XTMF)
• PROPRIETARY (Automatic, Manual and Waterflow)
• EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM