Didactum Expansion Unit 32xDI (CAN)

Dry Contact Expansion Unit for Didactum Monitoring Systems

This CAN-Bus (Control Area Network) expansion unit was specifically developed for Didactum’s high-end monitoring systems. In line with the general trend of “convergence of building technology and IT,” this unit enables you to monitor up to 64 potential-free contacts (dry contacts) around the clock via network or Internet. Malfunctions can be reported directly by the Didactum Monitoring System to the responsible technicians or to the control center.

Typical applications include:

TCP/IP integration of systems and equipment equipped with alarm or switching contacts

IP integration of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems

Integration of emergency power and fire alarm technology into network monitoring

Integration of building technology into SNMP-compatible management software

32 ports for IP integration of alarm contacts, optionally expandable

This dry contact expansion unit offers users 32 inputs for IP integration of potential-free/digital contacts.

Customers who require a higher total number of alarm collection contacts can equip the Didactum dry contact expansion unit with an additional board, increasing the total number of potential-free/digital input contacts to 64 ports. Installation of the dry contact board can be performed at the factory upon request—please order the installation service if needed.

Easy installation of the expansion unit

Installation of the dry contact expansion unit is straightforward. Thanks to CAN support in Didactum IP alarm systems, you can connect this unit to one of the two CAN-Bus ports. A 2-meter RJ12 patch cable is included. Up to 8 of these units can be daisy-chained to each of the two CAN-Bus ports.

The total length of each CAN-Bus branch can reach up to 225 meters, allowing monitoring of even large infrastructures.

Once you have connected the Didactum dry contact unit, the individual potential-free/digital contacts can be wired. For wiring the switching contact/dry contact module, please use a two-wire signal cable. Then simply log in to your Didactum Monitoring System via browser.

In the integrated web server of the Didactum monitoring system, you can individually name each potential-free/digital input contact (e.g., UPS system 1, emergency diesel 2, air conditioner 3, door switch 3, etc.) and define the normal state of the alarm contact (NO = normally open / NC = normally closed). You can set up individual alarms or actions for each potential-free/digital contact. For example, if a critical air conditioning system fails, an SNMP Trap can be sent to the network management system and the technician can be alerted by SMS (GSM modem required). If desired, the Didactum Monitoring System can also switch relays.

All events are stored in the syslog of the Didactum monitoring and alarm system.