The 3500/20 Rack Interface Module (RIM) is an essential component of the Bently Nevada 3500 Machinery Monitoring System, providing the primary interface to the 3500 rack. It serves a critical role in system configuration, machinery data retrieval, and communication management. Below are the key details:

Description & Functionality:

• Primary Role:
  • The RIM enables configuration of the rack and retrieval of machinery data through a proprietary communication protocol.
  • It provides a communication link between the Bently Nevada 3500 rack and external communication processors, such as TDXnet, TDIX, and DDIX.
• Rack Position:
  • The RIM must be installed in Slot 1 of the 3500 rack, which is adjacent to the power supplies.
• Functions:
  • Rack Management: It supports the configuration of the rack and the retrieval of real-time machinery data from all installed monitoring modules.
  • External Communication: Facilitates communication with external processors for data transfer or remote monitoring.
• Critical Monitoring:
  • The RIM is not part of the critical monitoring path of the 3500 system. Its failure will not affect the continuous monitoring and operation of the machinery system itself.
• Redundancy (TMR):
  • For Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) applications, a TMR version of the RIM is required.
  • In addition to standard RIM functions, the TMR RIM performs monitor channel comparison. This involves the monitor voting mechanism:
    • The TMR RIM compares the outputs of three redundant monitors.
    • If the output of one monitor diverges from the others by more than a configured threshold, the RIM flags the faulty monitor and generates an event in the System Event List, indicating an error.

Key Features:

1. Primary Interface to the 3500 rack.
2. Slot 1 location requirement (next to power supplies).
3. Supports external communication processors like TDXnet, TDIX, and DDIX.
4. Provides common functions for the entire rack without affecting critical monitoring operations.
5. TMR RIM configuration enables monitor voting and detection of discrepancies in redundant monitoring systems.
6. A single RIM is required for each 3500 rack.

Ordering Information & Configuration:

The 3500/20 Rack Interface Module typically comes as part of a complete 3500 Machinery Monitoring System. If you’re ordering or configuring a system with TMR, be sure to specify the TMR version of the RIM for redundancy.