AutomationDirect BRX 36/36E MPUs
The BRX platform offers a versatile solution for industrial automation, featuring compact, high-performance Micro PLC Units (MPUs) with robust features and expandability.
BX-DM1-36ER-D MPU Overview
The BX-DM1-36ER-D is a BRX MPU with Do-more! DM1 technology, requiring 24VDC power. It includes a serial port and a microSD slot. This model offers 20 discrete inputs (sink/source) and 16 discrete outputs (relay).
CPU Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Program Memory Type | FLASH memory |
| User Data Memory Type | Battery-backed RAM, user configurable |
| Serial Port | RS-232/485 3-Pin, Software selectable |
| Pluggable Option Module | RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet 10/100 BASE-T, USB 2.0 Type B |
| Data Logging/File Management | microSD card slot (32GB max) |
| Expansion Modules | Up to 8, subject to MPU power budget |
| Real Time Clock Accuracy | ±2.6 s/day typical at 25°C, +8s/day max at 60°C |
| Programming Software | Do-more! Designer – Ver. 2.0 or higher |
| Programming Cable Options | BX-PGM-CBL |
| Custom Label Window Size | 0.75" x 2.25" [19mm x 57.2 mm] |
| MPU Weight | 458g [16.2 oz] |
Discrete Input Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input Type | Sink/Source |
| Total Inputs per Module | 20 Total - 10 High Speed (X0-X9), 10 Standard (X10-X19) |
| Commons | 5 (4 points/common) Isolated |
| Nominal Voltage Rating | 12-24 VAC/DC |
| Input Voltage Range | 9-30 VAC/DC |
| Maximum Voltage | 30 VAC/DC |
| DC Frequency | 0-250kHz - High Speed |
| Minimum Pulse Width | 0.5 µs - High Speed |
| AC Frequency | 47-63 Hz (60-240Hz filter must be set in software for AC operation) |
| Input Impedance | 3kΩ @ 24VDC |
| Input Current (typical) | 6mA @ 24 VAC/DC |
| Maximum Input Current | 12mA @ 30 VAC/DC |
| Maximum OFF Current | 2.0 mA |
| ON Voltage Level | > 9.0 VAC/VDC |
| OFF Voltage Level | < 2.0 VAC/VDC |
| Status Indicators | Logic Side, Green |
Discrete Output Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Output Type | Relay Form A (SPST) |
| Total Outputs per Module | 16 Relay |
| Commons | 4 (4 points/common) Isolated |
| Maximum current per common | 8A |
| Nominal Voltage Ratings | 12-48 VDC, 24-240 VAC |
| Operating Voltage Range | 5-60 VDC, 5-264 VAC |
| Maximum Voltage | 60VDC, 264VAC |
| Minimum Output Current | 0.1 mA @ 24VAC/DC |
| Maximum Output Current | 2A |
| Maximum Leakage Current | 1µA (DC), 300µA (AC) due to RC Snubber Circuit |
| Maximum Switching Frequency | 10Hz |
| Status Indicators | Logic Side, Green |
BRX Micro PLC Overview
The BRX platform is designed for versatility and high performance. It supports various communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, ASCII, and K-sequence. The hardware is engineered and assembled in America, offering a compact modular architecture with high performance at a low cost. Features include built-in high-speed I/O, motion control, and on-board analog I/O on select models.
BRX Platform Features
General Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | 0° to 60°C [32° to 140°F] |
| Storage Temperature | -20° to 85°C [-4° to 185°F] |
| Humidity | 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Environmental Air | No corrosive gases permitted |
| Vibration | IEC60068-2-6 (Test Fc) |
| Shock | IEC60068-2-27 (Test Ea) |
| Enclosure Type | Open Equipment |
| Agency Approvals | UL61010-2- UL File # E185989 Canada and USA, CE Compliant EN61131-2* |
| Noise Immunity | NEMA ICS3-304 |
| EU Directive | See the "EU Directive" topic in the Help File |
2 Year Warranty: All BRX PLCs are covered under a 2-year warranty.
Built-in RS-232/485 Port Specifications
The BRX MPUs feature a non-isolated serial port supporting RS-232 or RS-485 communication, selectable via software. It includes ESD protection and built-in surge protection.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Port Name | RS-232/RS-485 Serial Port |
| Description | Non-isolated serial port for communication via RS-232 or RS-485 (software selectable). Includes ESD protection and built-in surge protection. |
| Supported Protocols | Do-more Protocol (Default), Modbus RTU (Master & Slave), K-Sequence (Slave), ASCII (In & Out) |
| Data Rates | 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 |
| Default Settings | RS-232, 115200 bps, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, Station #1 |
| Port Type | 3-pin terminal strip 3.5 mm pitch |
| Port Status LED | Green LED is illuminated when active for TXD and RXD |
| RS-485 Station Addresses | 1-247 |
| Cable Recommendations | RS-232: L19772-XXX from AutomationDirect.com, RS-485: L19827-XXX from AutomationDirect.com |
| Replacement Connector | ADC Part # BX-RTB03S |
RS-232/RS-485 Port Pinout
CPU Status Indicators
| Indicator | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PWR | OFF | Base Power OFF |
| PWR | Green | Base Power ON |
| PWR | Yellow | Low Battery |
| RUN | OFF | CPU is in STOP Mode |
| RUN | Green | CPU is in RUN Mode |
| RUN | Yellow | Forces are Active |
| MEM | OFF | No ROM Activity, No SD Card |
| MEM | Yellow | ROM Activity (Flash or SD Card) |
| MEM | Green | SD Card Installed and Mounted |
| MEM | Red | SD Card Installed and Not Mounted |
| ERR | OFF | CPU is functioning normally |
| ERR | Red | CPU Fatal Hardware Error or Software Watchdog Error |
CPU Mode Switch
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| RUN | RUN, PROGRAM and DEBUG modes are available. In this position, the mode of operation can be changed through the Do-more! Designer Software. |
| TERM | CPU is forced into RUN Mode if no errors are encountered. |
| STOP | CPU is forced into STOP Mode. |
microSD Specifications
The microSD card slot supports data logging and file read/write operations.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Port Name | microSD Card Slot |
| Description | Standard microSD socket for data logging or file read/write |
| Maximum Card Capacity | 32GB |
| Transfer Rate (ADATA microSDHC Class 4 memory card) | Typical: 14.4 Mbps, Maximum: 14.6 Mbps (Read); Typical: 4.9 Mbps, Maximum: 5.1 Mbps (Write) |
| Port Status LED | Green LED is illuminated when card is inserted/detected |
| Optional microSD Card | ADC Part # MICSD-16G |
microSD Card Pinout
AC Power Supply Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage Rating | 120-240 VAC |
| Input Voltage Range (Tolerance) | 85-264 VAC |
| Rated Operating Frequency | 47-63 Hz |
| Maximum Input Power | 30W |
| Cold Start Inrush Current | 40VA |
| Maximum Inrush Current (Hot Start) | 1.5A, 2ms |
| Internal Input Fuse Protection | Micro fuse 250V, 2A Non-replaceable |
| Isolated User 24VDC Output | 24VDC @ 0.3A max, <1V P-P Ripple, Integrated self-resetting short circuit protection |
| Voltage Withstand (dielectric) | 1500VAC Power Inputs to Ground applied for 1 minute |
DC Power Supply Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage Rating | 12-24 VDC |
| Input Voltage Range (Tolerance) | 10-36 VDC |
| Maximum Input Voltage Ripple | <±10% |
| Maximum Input Power | 30W (14W for BX10/10E MPUs) |
| Cold Start Inrush Current | 5A, 2ms |
| Maximum Inrush Current (Hot Start) | 5A, 2ms |
| Internal Input Protection | Reverse Polarity Protection and Undervoltage |
| Voltage Withstand (dielectric) | 1500VAC Power Inputs to Ground applied for 1 minute |
BX 36 MPUs - Models and Features
The BX 36 MPUs offer 36 discrete I/O points (20 Inputs, 16 Outputs) and various configurations for external power and I/O types.
Features
- Models with DC inputs: 10 high-speed inputs up to 250kHz, accept 12-24V nominal voltages (AC or DC), can be wired as sinking or sourcing.
- Models with AC inputs accept 120-240V nominal voltages.
- Output types include DC sinking, DC sourcing, and relay.
- Models with DC outputs have 8 high-speed outputs rated up to 250kHz.
- Support for up to 8 additional Expansion Modules, provided the MPU power budget is not exceeded.
- Onboard RS-232/485 port with removable 3-Pin connector.
- microSD card slot.
BX 36 MPUs Table
| Part Number | Price | External Power | Discrete Input | Discrete Output | Expansion Modules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BX-DM1-36ED1 | $0129,: | 120-240 VAC | 8 High-speed, 8 Standard DC Sinking | 8 High-speed, 8 Standard DC Sourcing | Up to 8, as long as the MPU power budget is not exceeded |
| BX-DM1-36ED1-D | $012a3: | 12-24 VDC | 8 High-speed, 8 Standard DC Sinking | 8 High-speed, 8 Standard DC Sourcing | |
| BX-DM1-36ED2 | $012a0: | 120-240 VAC | 10 High-speed, 10 Standard DC Sinking or Sourcing | 8 High-speed, 8 Standard DC Sourcing | |
| BX-DM1-36ED2-D | $012a4: | 12-24 VDC | 10 High-speed, 10 Standard DC Sinking or Sourcing | 8 High-speed, 8 Standard DC Sourcing | |
| BX-DM1-36ER | $012a1: | 120-240 VAC | 20 AC | 16 Form A Relay | |
| BX-DM1-36ER-D | $012a5: | 12-24 VDC | 20 AC | 16 Form A Relay | 16 Form A Relay |
| BX-DM1-36AR | $012a2: | 120-240 VAC | 20 AC | 16 Form A Relay | 16 Form A Relay |
Dimensions, inches[mm]
Dimensional Drawings
Clearances and Mounting Restrictions
Proper clearances are required around the MPU for adequate airflow and heat dissipation.
Mounting Clearance Diagram
BX 36/36E Accessories
Wiring Termination Selection
The BX 36/36E MPUs ship without wiring terminals, allowing users to select the termination type that best suits their application. Options include screw terminals, spring clamp terminals, and pre-wired ZIPLink solutions.
Terminal Block Connectors
Terminal block connectors are available in kits, with each kit containing 12 (5-pin 5mm) terminal blocks. The BX 36/36E MPUs terminals are grouped into sets of 4 inputs and 4 outputs, each with an isolated common. This grouping allows for individual terminal block removal without affecting other I/O or external power.
Removable Terminal Block Specifications
| Part Number | BX-RTB36 | BX-RTB36-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1291: | $1298: |
| Connector Type | Screw Type-90-degree | Spring Clamp Type-180-degree |
| Wire Exit | 180-degree | 180-degree |
| Pitch | 5.0 mm | 5.0 mm |
| Screw Size | M2.5 | N/A |
| Screw Torque | < 3.98 lb-in [0.45 N·m] | 4.4 lb-in [0.5 N·m] |
| Screwdriver Blade Width | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Wire Gauge (Single Wire) | 28-12 AWG | 28-14 AWG |
| Wire Gauge (Dual Wire) | 28-16 AWG | 28-16 AWG (Dual wire ferrule required) |
| Wire Strip Length | 0.3 in [7.5 mm] | 0.37 in [9.5 mm] |
| Equiv. Dinkle P/N | 5ESDV-05P-BK | 5ESDSR-05P-BK |
BX-RTB36 Screw Terminal Block Kit
BX-RTB36-1 Spring Terminal Block Kit
ZIPLink Wiring Solutions
ZIPLink Pre-Wired Cable Solutions
ZIPLinks offer a streamlined wiring process using pre-wired cables and DIN-rail mount connector modules. They simplify connections between the MPU and third-party devices, reducing wiring time and cost. Cables are available in 0.5m, 1m, and 2m lengths. Pigtail cables are also available for direct connection to third-party devices.
BX 36/36E ZIPLink Selector
This table helps select the appropriate ZIPLink components for various BRX MPUs.
| MPU Part Number | Component Type | Module Part Number | Max Quantity Needed | Cable Part Number* | Max Quantity Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BX-DM1-36ED1 | Feedthrough | ZL-RTB20 (Standard) OR ZL-RTB20-1 (Compact) | 4 | ZL-BX-CBL15 | 4 |
| BX-DM1-36ED1-D | ZL-BX-CBL15-1 | ||||
| BX-DM1-36ED2 | ZL-BX-CBL15-2 | ||||
| BX-DM1-36ED2-D | ZL-RTB20-1 | ||||
| BX-DM1-36ER** | |||||
| BX-DM1-36ER-D** | |||||
| BX-DM1-36AR** | |||||
| BX-DM1E-36ED13 | |||||
| BX-DM1E-36ED13-D | |||||
| BX-DM1E-36ED23 | Feedthrough | ZL-RTB20 (Standard) OR ZL-RTB20-1 (Compact) | 4 | ZL-BX-CBL15 | 4 |
| BX-DM1E-36ED23-D | ZL-BX-CBL15-1 | ||||
| BX-DM1E-36ER3** | ZL-BX-CBL15-2 | ||||
| BX-DM1E-36ER3-D** | Feedthrough | ZL-RTB20 (Standard) OR ZL-RTB20-1 (Compact) | 4 | ZL-BX-CBL15 | 4 |
| BX-DM1E-36AR3** | ZL-BX-CBL15-1 |
*Select the cable length: Blank = 0.5 m, -1 = 1.0 m, -2 = 2.0 m. Available pigtail cables: ZL-BX-CBL15-1P = 1.0 m, ZL-BX-CBL15-2P = 2.0 m. **The relay outputs are derated not to exceed 2A per common when used with the ZIPLink wiring system.
ZIPLink Feedthrough Modules
Feedthrough modules offer low-cost and compact field wiring screw termination solutions. Two modules are available: ZL-RTB20 (standard 2-row, 20-pin) and ZL-RTB20-1 (compact 3-row, 24-pin).
ZIPLink Module Specifications
| Part Number | ZL-RTB20 | ZL-RTB20-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of positions | 20 screw terminals, 2 rows (Maximum of 4 needed) | 24 screw terminals, 3 rows (Maximum of 4 needed) |
| Screwdriver Width | 1/8 in [3.8 mm] maximum | 1/8 in [3.8 mm] maximum |
| Screw Torque | 4.4 lb-in [0.5 N·m] | 4.4 lb-in [0.5 N·m] |
ZIPLink System Examples
BRX Pluggable Option Modules (POM)
Overview
All BRX MPUs have an available slot for Pluggable Option Modules (POMs), allowing for flexible communication options. POMs are hot-swappable, enabling changes without system downtime.
Available POM Configurations
- RS-232 3-pin serial port
- RS-232 5-pin serial port
- RS-232 RJ12 port
- RS-422 5-pin serial port
- RS-485 serial port
- Ethernet port (RJ45)
- USB Type B Port
POM Examples
BRX Programmable Option Modules
| Expansion Module Part No. | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BX-P-SER2-TERM | $12ag: | Non-isolated Serial port for communication via RS-232. Includes ESD protection and built-in surge protection. |
| BX-P-SER2-TERMFC | $-4gi3: | Non-isolated Serial port for communication via RS-232, with flow control. Includes ESD protection and built-in surge protection. |
| BX-P-SER4-TERM | $12ah: | Non-isolated Serial port for communication via RS-485. Includes ESD protection and built-in surge protection. |
| BX-P-SER422-TERM | $-4gi4: | Non-isolated Serial port that can communicate via RS-422. Includes ESD protection and built-in surge protection. |
| BX-P-SER2-RJ12 | $;12af: | Non-isolated Serial port for communication via RS-232. Includes ESD protection and built-in surge protection. |
| BX-P-ECOMLT | $-012aj: | Standard transformer isolated Ethernet port (1 Mbps throughput max) with built-in surge protection. |
| BX-P-ECOMEX | $;04t?z: | General-purpose standard transformer isolated Ethernet port (10/100 Mbps) with built-in surge protection. |
| BX-P-USB-B | $-12ai: | USB Type B Port for programming. |
BRX POM Capabilities
| Feature | BX-P-SER2-TERM | BX-P-SER2-TERMFC | BX-P-SER4-TERM | BX-P-SER2-RJ12 | BX-P-SER422-TERM | BX-P-ECOMLT* | BX-P-ECOMEX | BX-P-USB-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitoring & Programming | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Do-more! Protocol | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Modbus RTU Master | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Modbus RTU Slave | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Modbus TCP (Server) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| HTTP | X | X | ||||||
| MQTT Client | X | X | ||||||
| FTP | X | X | ||||||
| EtherNet/IP | X | X | ||||||
| Embedded Web Server: HTTP (Unsecure) | X | X | ||||||
| K-Sequence (Slave) | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| ASCII (In & Out) | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Custom Protocols | X | X | X | X | X |
*Limited to 1 Mbps throughput max
BRX Programming Software & Cable Assembly
Do-more! Designer Programming Software
Do-more! Designer is a free, full-featured programming software for BRX Series, Do-more! H2 Series, and Do-more! T1H Series PLCs. It can be downloaded from Automationdirect.com or purchased on CD-ROM or USB.
BX-PGM-CBL Programming Cable Assembly
The BX-PGM-CBL connects a PC to any BRX MPU for programming and configuration. It includes a BX-P-USB-B USB POM module and a standard USB Type A to USB Type B connector cable.
Programming Software and Cable Diagram
BRX Accessories
Replacement Battery
D0-MC-BAT: A 3.0V Lithium coin cell battery (CR2032) is included with BRX MPUs to retain time and data, including retentive tagnames. Replacement is recommended every five years or after one year of cumulative OFF time.
BRX Blank Custom Slot Labels
BX-LBL-1: A package of 10 blank custom slot labels for 18-point and 36-point BRX PLCs, including 10 labels and 1 custom label slot cover.
BRX Access Cover Kit
BX-ACC-1: A replacement access cover kit for all BRX PLCs. Includes a battery cover, expansion slot cover, blank POM slot insert, and a custom label slot.
