sensorProbeX+ BEB unit

sensorProbeX+ BEB Units - Flexible Expansion for Your Monitoring System

The sensorProbeX+ BEB (Basic Expansion Bus) Units from AKCP provide a cost-effective and flexible solution for expanding your existing monitoring infrastructure. These innovative expansion modules are specifically designed to extend the capacity of your SPX+ master system while maintaining the proven reliability and performance of AKCP technology.

Basic Concept of BEB Technology

The Basic Expansion Bus system allows users to expand their monitoring systems gradually and as needed. The BEB technology is based on a daisy-chain architecture, where up to two BEB units can be connected to a single SPX+ master. This configuration allows for a maximum distance of 18 meters between the master and the last unit in the chain, with a total cable length of 18 meters for one BEB unit or 9 meters per unit when two are used.

The BEB solution is especially designed for use within the same rack or in close proximity and offers a cost-effective alternative to more complex expansion options. Unlike RS485-based EXP units, which support distances of up to 300 meters, BEB technology focuses on compact, local expansions.

Available Configurations of BEB Units

The sensorProbeX+ BEB Units are available in several standard configurations, covering different requirements for sensor and contact monitoring:

BEB Unit with 4 Sensor Ports

This basic configuration adds four additional intelligent sensor ports to your system, compatible with the full range of AKCP sensors.

BEB Unit with 20 I/O Dry Contacts

This variant is ideal for applications primarily focused on monitoring dry contacts, offering 20 configurable inputs/outputs.

BEB Unit with 8 Sensor Ports and 20 I/O Dry Contacts

This combination includes eight sensor ports and 20 dry contacts, providing a balanced solution for mixed monitoring needs.

BEB Unit with 40 I/O Dry Contacts

The most extensive dry contact configuration with 40 configurable inputs/outputs for complex monitoring scenarios.

BEB Unit with 16 Sensor Ports

This configuration maximizes the number of available sensor ports, allowing connection of up to 16 intelligent AKCP sensors.

Technical Specifications and Features

The BEB Units share the robust technical characteristics of the SPX+ family and are designed for use in demanding environments. With an operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C and humidity of 20% to 80% (non-condensing), they are suitable for industrial applications. The units use highly integrated surface-mount technology with low power consumption, offering exceptional reliability and an MTBF of 10,950,000 hours.

The compact design with dimensions of 474.9mm x 427.4mm x 44mm allows flexible installation in various environments. The BEB Units are designed for 19-inch rack mounting and can be installed in both 1U and 0U configurations.

Sensor Compatibility and SmartRack Integration

The BEB Units are fully compatible with the entire range of AKCP sensors, including the latest SmartRack sensors and intelligent devices. These include Cabinet Thermal Maps for detailed temperature mapping, programmable LCD displays for local information display, RFID swing handle locks for access control, and battery monitoring sensors for UPS systems.

The sensor ports support intelligent sensor detection and configuration, ensuring plug-and-play functionality for most AKCP sensors. Each sensor is automatically detected and can be configured via the web-based interface.

Dry Contact Functionality

The dry contact inputs of the BEB Units can be configured in various modes to handle different signal types. Available configurations include configurable inputs/outputs with 0VDC/5VDC levels, pure inputs with 5V optocoupler isolation, isolated inputs for voltage signals from 5V to 30V, and AC detection inputs for 5-30VAC at 44mA.

This flexibility allows integration of various alarm sources and third-party monitoring devices. From simple door contacts to complex alarm systems, nearly all signal sources can be monitored.

Power Supply and Redundancy

The BEB Units are powered via the Basic Expansion Bus from the master system. The SPX+ master system can be equipped with various power supply options, including Power over Ethernet (PoE), external power supplies, and redundant power inputs. Redundant power with dual 12-24VDC or 48-60VDC inputs ensures maximum availability in critical applications.

For applications requiring uninterrupted power, the master system can be equipped with an internal mini-UPS module using four AA batteries, providing several hours of runtime during a power outage.

Network Integration and Protocol Support

The BEB Units seamlessly extend the network functionality of the SPX+ master system. All connected sensors and contacts are available through the same network protocols, including SNMP V1/2/3, MQTT/MQTTS, HTTPS, and Rsyslog. The devices also support advanced features such as IPv6, RADIUS authentication, and VPN connectivity.

The web-based user interface offers intuitive configuration and monitoring of all connected devices. Graphical dashboards, alarm management, and reporting features are available for all sensors and contacts, whether connected to the master system or to the BEB Units.

Application Scenarios and Best Practices

BEB Units are especially suited for data centers, server rooms, telecommunications facilities, and industrial monitoring applications. In data centers, they can be used to expand monitoring to additional racks or integrate specific sensors for HVAC, UPS systems, or security installations.

When planning a BEB installation, cable lengths and the number of required ports should be carefully evaluated. The maximum distance of 18 meters between master and the last BEB unit should be observed to ensure reliable communication.

Maintenance and Durability

The BEB Units benefit from the same robust construction as the SPX+ master systems. With an MTBF of over 10 million hours and a failure rate of less than four units per year across a 5,000-unit installed base, they offer exceptional reliability.

The devices are low-maintenance and require no special cooling or ventilation measures. The use of aluminum enclosures instead of plastic and the design for ambient temperatures up to 70°C make them especially rugged for industrial use.

Optional Modules and Expansions

The BEB Units can be expanded with various optional modules:

• 4x sensor port modules for additional intelligent sensors
• 10x or 20x dry contacts modules in three configurations (I/O, input-only 5V, isolated input)
• 4x mini relays for control applications
• 4x 0-5VDC/4-20mA analog inputs for third-party sensors
• 2x 0-5VDC/4-20mA inputs with 2x mini relay combination
• Valve control modules for HVAC applications

Please Note:

There are many different configuration options for this device. If you require a special configuration, please contact us in writing.

The sensorProbeX+ BEB Units offer a well-thought-out and cost-efficient solution for expanding monitoring systems. With their flexibility, reliability, and ease of integration, they provide an ideal platform for scalable monitoring applications in a wide range of environments.