Description
Core Product Summary
The Rolls-Royce RRAIO16 is an integrated analog input/output (I/O) and alarm interface module designed for marine automation, propulsion control, and vessel alarm monitoring systems. Developed for shipboard environments, the unit acquires, conditions, and transmits critical process variables—such as fluid pressures, temperatures, flow rates, and tank levels—to central vessel management systems.
Engineered with dual CAN bus communication interfaces, the RRAIO16 provides reliable bus communication across distributed vessel control panels. It operates on standard 24 VDC control power, offering a multi-channel layout capable of handling analog current/voltage loops, frequency pulse signals, and discrete control channels in a compact, panel-mounted circuit card profile.
Key Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Specification Detail |
| Brand / Manufacturer | Rolls-Royce Marine AS (co-developed with Weidmüller) |
| Model Number | RRAIO16 |
| Module Type | Analog Input/Output & Alarm Interface Card |
| Input Channel Capacity | Up to 16 channels total (supporting 20 mA, 0–30 V, or Digital Input modes) |
| Output Channels | Up to 8 configurable channels (±20 mA / 0–30 V range) |
| Specialized Inputs | 4 dedicated frequency/pulse channels |
| Digital Outputs | 2 dedicated Digital Output (DO) channels |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 24 VDC nominal marine power |
| Communication Interface | Dual CAN Bus interfaces (TERM CAN1 / TERM CAN2) |
| Processing Frequency | On-board oscillator operating at 2.6 MHz |
| Unit Weight | Approximately 200 grams |
Engineering Selection Highlights
- High-Density Channel Layout: Combines analog inputs, analog outputs, frequency pulse counters, and digital outputs within a single circuit card footprint.
- Redundant CAN Bus Connectivity: Features dual CAN bus physical interfaces to maintain communication redundancy across marine automation control loops.
- Versatile Signal Conversion: Configurable input circuits accept standard 20 mA current loops, 0–30 V voltage levels, and discrete digital contact states.
- Marine Power Standardization: Operates directly on standard 24 VDC shipboard control power circuits.
- Compact Form Factor: Weighs approximately 200 g, facilitating high-density mounting inside marine enclosure racks and machinery control desks.
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item / Dependency | Verified Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
| Marine Automation Platform | Rolls-Royce Marine vessel management, propulsion control, and alarm monitoring platforms | Direct integration with Rolls-Royce alarm system sub-rack frameworks. |
| Network Topology | Dual CAN Bus network lines | Requires proper CAN bus termination resistor settings at end nodes. |
| Operating Voltage | 24 VDC regulated marine supply | Ensure low-ripple power input within standard marine distribution tolerances. |
| Field Signal Wiring | Shielded twisted-pair cables for analog inputs/outputs | Shielding should be grounded at designated cabinet single-point grounds to prevent signal noise. |
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
- Installation Profile: Designed as a plug-in circuit card / module that snaps into shared marine sub-rack base frames or control cabinet slots.
- Terminal Connections: Incorporates multi-pin header terminals for field sensor wiring and dual CAN bus line connections (TERM CAN1 and TERM CAN2).
- Grounding Requirements: Requires single-point shield termination across field wiring runs to protect sensitive 20 mA and frequency input channels from high-frequency noise.
Detailed Product Overview
The Rolls-Royce RRAIO16 is an analog input/output and alarm processing module engineered for marine automation and engine monitoring networks. Developed in collaboration with Weidmüller, it provides signal acquisition for critical marine machinery systems.
The card features a flexible channel architecture accommodating 16 total input points configured for 20 mA current loops, 0–30 V inputs, or digital contact signals, alongside 4 dedicated frequency pulse channels. For control actuation, it provides 8 configurable analog outputs and 2 digital output channels. Network communication is handled via redundant dual CAN bus interfaces, allowing real-time data transmission to central vessel management computers. Operating on a 24 VDC power supply, the RRAIO16 offers a compact solution for engine room control, auxiliary power monitoring, and marine alarm handling platforms.
Applications & System Role
The Rolls-Royce RRAIO16 functions as a field-level signal conditioning and acquisition device within shipboard control architectures. Situated inside engine room consoles, auxiliary machinery panels, and propulsion monitoring racks, it collects continuous analog measurements (such as temperatures, pressures, and tank levels) and engine pulse frequencies.
The module digitizes and conditions these inputs before broadcasting the data over the dual CAN bus network to main vessel management displays, alarm monitoring arrays, and central controllers.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the Rolls-Royce RRAIO16?
The RRAIO16 is a marine analog input/output and alarm module designed to acquire sensor data and transmit signals across vessel control and monitoring networks.
What communication interfaces are available on the module?
The module features dual CAN bus interfaces (TERM CAN1 and TERM CAN2) for network connectivity.
What type of signals can the RRAIO16 process?
It processes 20 mA current inputs, 0–30 V voltage inputs, digital inputs, frequency pulse inputs, ±20 mA / 0–30 V analog outputs, and digital outputs.
What is the power supply requirement for the RRAIO16?
It operates on a standard nominal 24 VDC marine power supply.
Who is the manufacturer of the RRAIO16 module?
The module was developed by Rolls-Royce Marine AS in collaboration with Weidmüller for marine automation applications.






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