1. Product Overview

Product Name: MAQ20-BKPL24
Model Number: MAQ20-BKPL24
Series: MAQ20 Data Acquisition and Control System
Article Number: MAQ20-BKPL24
Manufacturer: Dataforth Corporation

The MAQ20-BKPL24 is a DIN rail backbone designed for the MAQ20 modular data acquisition and control system. It serves as the structural and electrical foundation for connecting one communications (COM) module and up to 24 I/O modules within a single integrated system. Manufactured by Dataforth Corporation, a company known for high-reliability industrial signal conditioning and data acquisition products, the MAQ20-BKPL24 represents the largest backbone configuration in the MAQ20 series, optimized for installation in a standard 19-inch rack.

This backbone provides both power distribution and data communication pathways between the system’s communication module and its I/O modules. It is engineered for industrial environments, offering rugged mechanical design, vibration-resistant contacts, and wide operating temperature tolerance. The MAQ20-BKPL24 is part of a scalable backbone family that includes 4-, 8-, 16-, and 24-position variants, allowing flexible system expansion and distributed installation.

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2. Key Features

- Comprehensive System Integration: Supports one communication module and up to 24 I/O modules, enabling large-scale data acquisition and control configurations.
- Power and Communication Distribution: Provides both electrical power and RS-485 communication links between modules through an integrated passive circuitry backbone.
- Modular Scalability: Available in multiple backbone lengths (4, 8, 16, and 24 positions) that can be interconnected using pluggable connectors for flexible system expansion.
- DIN Rail Mounting: Designed for installation on industry-standard 35 x 7.5 mm gull-wing DIN rails, ensuring compatibility with common industrial enclosures and racks.
- Hot-Swappable Modules: I/O modules can be inserted or removed while the system is powered, with automatic recognition and configuration by the communication module.
- Plug-and-Run Operation: Simplifies setup—modules are automatically registered in the system configuration and made available in the host software upon installation.
- Reverse Installation Protection: Mechanical design prevents incorrect module insertion, protecting both modules and backbone from damage.
- Durable and Reliable Construction: Long-life, vibration-resistant contacts ensure stable operation in demanding industrial environments.
- Distributed Installation Capability: Male/female pluggable terminal blocks at each end allow direct interconnection or remote installation using an expansion cable (up to 100 ft / 30 m).
- Compact and Efficient Design: The 24-position backbone fits within a 19-inch rack width, optimizing space utilization in control cabinets.

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3. Technical Specifications

Model Variants:
- MAQ20-BKPL4 – 1 COM + 4 I/O modules
- MAQ20-BKPL8 – 1 COM + 8 I/O modules
- MAQ20-BKPL16 – 1 COM + 16 I/O modules
- MAQ20-BKPL24 – 1 COM + 24 I/O modules

Dimensions (H × W):
- MAQ20-BKPL4: 5.05" × 0.94" (127.1 mm × 3.9 mm)
- MAQ20-BKPL8: 7.53" × 0.94" (191.1 mm × 3.9 mm)
- MAQ20-BKPL16: 12.63" × 0.94" (320.9 mm × 3.9 mm)
- MAQ20-BKPL24: 17.41" × 0.94" (442.1 mm × 3.9 mm)

Weight: Not specified (lightweight aluminum or composite structure typical for DIN rail components).

Materials: Industrial-grade materials with vibration-resistant electrical contacts and spring-clip mounting hardware.

Electrical Characteristics:
- Circuitry: Passive (no active electronic components)
- Inter-Module Communication: RS-485 serial bus
- Power Distribution: Integrated through backbone bus

Environmental Ratings:
- Operating Temperature: –40°C to +85°C
- Storage Temperature: –40°C to +85°C
- Relative Humidity: 0–95% non-condensing

Expansion Distance: Up to 100 ft (30 m) using accessory expansion cable.

Certifications:
- CE (Heavy Industrial)
- ATEX (Pending)
- UL Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D (Pending)

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4. Functionality

The MAQ20-BKPL24 serves as the electrical and mechanical backbone of a MAQ20 data acquisition system. It provides the physical mounting platform and the internal bus structure that distributes both power and communication signals between the system’s modules.

When installed on a 35 mm DIN rail, the backbone secures the communication module at one end and allows up to 24 I/O modules to be attached sequentially. Each module connects through a standardized mechanical interface that ensures proper alignment and electrical contact.

The backbone’s RS-485 communication bus enables high-speed, noise-resistant data exchange between modules. The communication module (such as the MAQ20-COMx series) manages system configuration and data flow, automatically detecting when I/O modules are added or removed.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Test and measurement systems
- Distributed data acquisition networks
- Factory automation and machine control
- Environmental and energy monitoring systems
- Laboratory instrumentation setups

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with all MAQ20 I/O modules and MAQ20 communication modules.
- Designed for integration with Dataforth’s MAQ20 software tools and host systems via Ethernet, USB, or serial interfaces (depending on the communication module).

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- MAQ20-BKPL24 backbone assembly
- Integrated spring clips for DIN rail mounting
- Male and female pluggable terminal connectors at each end

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion Cable: For remote installation or interconnection between multiple backbones (maximum 100 ft / 30 m).
- DIN Rail Mounting Hardware: Standard 35 × 7.5 mm DIN rail (not included).
- MAQ20 Communication Module: Required for system operation (sold separately).
- MAQ20 I/O Modules: Analog input/output, digital input/output, and specialty modules (sold separately).

Connectors:
- Pluggable male/female connectors for power and communication bus continuity.
- RS-485 communication interface integrated into the backbone bus.

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6. Installation & Setup

Mounting Requirements:
- Mounts on standard 35 × 7.5 mm DIN rail (gull-wing type).
- Spring clips hold the backbone securely in place; when modules are installed, the assembly is further stabilized.
- The 24-position backbone fits within a 19-inch rack width, suitable for panel or rack-mounted enclosures.

Installation Steps:
1. Secure the backbone onto the DIN rail using the integrated spring clips.
2. Attach the communication module to the designated COM position on the backbone.
3. Install I/O modules sequentially along the backbone slots.
4. Connect power and communication lines as specified in the MAQ20 system manual.
5. Apply system power; the communication module will automatically detect and configure all connected I/O modules.

Configuration:
- No manual addressing or configuration required for module recognition.
- Modules are hot-swappable—they can be added or removed while the system is powered.
- The communication module automatically updates the system configuration record and host software interface.

Expansion and Distributed Installation:
- Multiple backbones can be interconnected using the pluggable connectors or via an expansion cable.
- Remote backbones can be located up to 100 ft (30 m) away from the main system.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

System Capacity:
- Supports one communication module and up to 24 I/O modules.
- Scalable architecture allows expansion to additional backbones for larger systems.

Communication Performance:
- RS-485 inter-module communication ensures robust, noise-immune data transfer suitable for industrial environments.
- Passive circuitry minimizes signal degradation and power loss across the backbone.

Power Distribution:
- The backbone distributes system power from the communication module to all connected I/O modules.
- Designed for efficient power delivery with minimal voltage drop.

Efficiency and Reliability:
- Passive design eliminates active components that could fail, enhancing long-term reliability.
- Mechanical design ensures consistent contact pressure and vibration resistance.
- Reverse installation protection prevents damage from incorrect module insertion.

Limitations:
- Maximum expansion distance limited to 100 ft (30 m).
- Requires a compatible MAQ20 communication module for operation.
- Environmental conditions must remain within specified temperature and humidity ranges.

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8. Standards & Compliance

Certifications and Approvals:
- CE (Heavy Industrial): Complies with European standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety in industrial environments.
- ATEX (Pending): Intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (certification pending).
- UL Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D (Pending): Suitable for hazardous locations where flammable gases or vapors may be present (certification pending).

Quality Management:
- Manufactured under ISO 9001:2008-registered Quality Management System, ensuring consistent production quality and traceability.

Industry Standards:
- DIN rail mounting conforms to EN 50022 standard (35 mm rail).
- RS-485 communication conforms to TIA/EIA-485-A standard.
- Designed for compliance with industrial EMC and safety requirements.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard Dataforth limited warranty (details available from manufacturer).

Support and Documentation:
- Comprehensive hardware and software documentation available at www.dataforth.com/maq20_download.aspx.
- Reference manual: MA1040 – MAQ20 Communications Module Hardware User Manual provides detailed connection and operation instructions.
- Technical support available via Dataforth’s customer service and engineering support teams.

Maintenance:
- Minimal maintenance required due to passive circuitry and robust mechanical design.
- Periodic inspection recommended to ensure secure DIN rail mounting and clean electrical contacts.

Software and Updates:
- Compatible with Dataforth’s MAQ20 configuration and monitoring software.
- Firmware updates for communication modules available through Dataforth’s website.

Ordering Information:
- Model: MAQ20-BKPL24
- Description: DIN Rail Backbone; 1 COM Module plus 24 I/O Modules
- Manufacturer: Dataforth Corporation

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Summary

The Dataforth MAQ20-BKPL24 is a high-capacity DIN rail backbone designed to integrate up to 24 I/O modules and one communication module within the MAQ20 data acquisition and control system. It provides a robust, passive infrastructure for distributing both power and RS-485 communication signals across all modules. Engineered for industrial reliability, it features vibration-resistant contacts, reverse installation protection, and wide environmental tolerance.

Its modular design allows flexible system scaling and distributed installation, supporting up to 100 ft (30 m) expansion between backbones. The MAQ20-BKPL24’s plug-and-run functionality simplifies setup and maintenance, while compliance with CE and pending ATEX/UL certifications ensures suitability for demanding industrial applications.

Ideal for large-scale data acquisition, process control, and test systems, the MAQ20-BKPL24 forms the backbone—literally and functionally—of Dataforth’s modular MAQ20 platform, delivering dependable performance, scalability, and ease of integration in a compact DIN rail form factor.