KONGSBERG RMP201-8 Marine-Grade Analog Input Module

RMP201-8 Product Overview

KONGSBERG RMP201-8 belongs to the Kongsberg Maritime MKII series remote multi-purpose processor module, serving as the front-end signal acquisition and remote control unit for the K-Chief 500/600 distributed control system (DCS). It is purpose-built to solve signal access challenges in scattered locations such as ship engine rooms and offshore platforms, integrating 8 independent configurable universal input channels that support thermocouple (TC), resistance temperature detector (RTD), 4–20mA current, 0–10V voltage, and millivolt signals, covering all common industrial sensor types.KONGSBERG RMP201-8 adopts a modular design with 16-bit high-precision A/D conversion, ensuring millisecond-level response and accurate data collection. It communicates with upper-level DCU units via dual redundant CAN bus, enabling signal upload, command distribution, and status feedback without complex wiring, greatly reducing on-site construction and maintenance costs. With a built-in microcontroller (MCU), RMP201-8 supports local logic operations and fault self-diagnosis, maintaining basic control even during communication interruptions, making it an indispensable front-end component for marine automation systems.

RMP201-8 Technical Specifications

Key Features and Advantages

KONGSBERG RMP201-8 stands out with its universal compatibility and marine-grade reliability, engineered specifically for extreme marine conditions—high vibration, salt spray, and strong electromagnetic interference (EMI). Its 8 universal input channels eliminate the need for additional adapter modules, simplifying system configuration and spare parts management, delivering tangible cost savings for marine applications.The module integrates a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with hardware filtering, ensuring stable sampling and anti-interference performance even in engine rooms with dense motors and variable-frequency drives (VFDs). 500V AC galvanic isolation prevents signal crosstalk and surge damage to upper controllers, meeting strict marine protection standards. Dual redundant CAN bus (CAN Bus) communication ensures zero data loss during link failure, perfectly matching the continuous operation requirements of ship control systems.KONGSBERG RMP201-8 supports local microcontroller (MCU) logic processing and built-in test (BIT) self-diagnosis, with configurable alarm thresholds, wire-break detection, and real-time channel status feedback—allowing maintenance teams to locate faults from the control room without site visits. Certified by DNV-GL, ABS, and LR, it operates reliably from -25°C to 70°C in high-humidity, salt-spray environments with minimal failure rates. Its plug-and-play modular design enables quick replacement without rewiring, drastically improving efficiency during dry-docking and offshore maintenance.

The KONGSBERG RMP201-8 Remote Multi-Purpose I/O Module is a high-reliability marine-grade signal acquisition and processing unit engineered for harsh offshore and industrial environments. As a core component of the K-Chief 500/600 Distributed Control System (DCS), it provides 8 configurable universal input channels supporting thermocouple (TC), RTD, 4–20mA, 0–10V, and millivolt signals with 16-bit high-precision A/D conversion, delivering accurate and stable data capture under extreme electromagnetic interference and vibration.Featuring dual redundant CAN Bus communication, 500V AC galvanic isolation between channels, and a wide operating temperature range of -25°C to +70°C, this module guarantees uninterrupted data transmission and system integrity in engine rooms, offshore platforms, and other demanding marine applications. Its built-in microcontroller enables local logic processing, fault diagnostics, and alarm configuration, reducing reliance on main controllers and enhancing system resilience. Certified by DNV-GL, ABS, and LR, the RMP201-8 combines compact DIN-rail mounting, plug-and-play modularity, and long-term durability, making it the ideal choice for scalable, low-maintenance marine and industrial automation solutions.

Application Areas

KONGSBERG RMP201-8 is a versatile workhorse in marine automation, primarily deployed in commercial vessels, offshore engineering equipment, and industrial distributed control systems, fully compatible with Kongsberg K-Chief series DCS. In large commercial ships—container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, and LNG carriers—RMP201-8 collects critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, level, and speed from main engines, auxiliary engines, boilers, oil separators, and pump sets, while outputting control commands for remote start/stop, alarm interlocking, and status monitoring, forming the core front-end unit of engine room centralized control systems.On offshore platforms, FPSOs, and drilling vessels, RMP201-8 is installed in scattered locations on decks, engine rooms, and pump rooms to solve long-distance signal acquisition challenges. It supports distributed control for oil and gas processing, dynamic positioning (DP), ballast water management, and fire-fighting systems, with salt-spray resistance, vibration resistance, and wide-temperature performance perfectly adapting to harsh marine environments. It is also widely used in land-based industrial scenarios such as petrochemical, power, and water treatment for distributed data acquisition and remote control, replacing traditional centralized I/O cabinets to reduce long-distance wiring, lower interference, and improve system flexibility—ideal for automation retrofits in large, dispersed plants.Whether for ship navigation monitoring, power system control, offshore oil and gas production, or industrial process monitoring, RMP201-8 delivers high reliability, compatibility, and maintainability, ensuring continuous and stable system operation as a benchmark hardware for remote signal processing in marine and industrial automation.

Related Products

RMP201-4: Same-series 4-channel remote multi-purpose module, half the channels for small vessels and compact systems

RMP202-8: Enhanced 8-channel module with analog output, integrating acquisition and control

K-Chief 600 DCU: Upper-level distributed control unit, forming a complete DCS control link with RMP201-8

CAN-RPT: CAN bus repeater, extending RMP201-8 communication distance for large vessels

RDI32: 32-channel digital input module, expanding digital acquisition capacity with RMP201-8

RDO16: 16-channel digital output module, enabling large-scale switching control with RMP201-8

AI8: 8-channel dedicated analog input module, complementary to RMP201-8 for high-precision analog acquisition

RMP201-8-R: Redundant version of RMP201-8, dual power + dual communication for ultra-high reliability scenarios

Installation and Maintenance

Installation Preparation: Before installing RMP201-8, verify the model, channel configuration, and classification society certificates; confirm 24V DC (10–36V DC) power supply and CAN bus protocol match the upper K-Chief system. Select DIN rail or panel mounting positions away from strong vibration, high temperature, and direct salt spray, leaving space for heat dissipation and wiring. Power off before wiring, separate signal, power, and communication cables, shield and ground analog and power lines separately, configure channels correctly by sensor type (TC/RTD/mA) to avoid reverse connection or short circuits. Power on for self-test after wiring, confirm channel status and communication links are normal before commissioning.Maintenance Suggestions: RMP201-8 features a fanless, non-wearing design; daily maintenance focuses on status monitoring. Regularly check module diagnostic information, channel alarms, and communication quality via the upper system to identify wire breaks, short circuits, and over-limit anomalies. Every 6 months, inspect terminal tightness and shielding grounding reliability, clean salt spray and dust from the module surface to prevent corrosion and poor contact. Never hot-plug the module; mark channels before replacement, re-calibrate parameters after replacement. Firmware upgrades are done remotely via the upper system without disassembly, ensuring stable power and communication during upgrades to maintain continuous system operation.