3500/20 Rack Interface Module (Bently Nevada)
June 02, 2026

3500/20 Rack Interface Module (Bently Nevada)

Product Description The 3500/20 Rack Interface Module (RIM) is the primary communication and control interface for the Bently Nevada 3500 machinery protection rack. It acts as the bridge between the rack’s internal modules and external systems, enabling configuration, data retrieval, and system diagnostics. Installed in Slot 1 (adjacent to the power supply), it is required for every 3500 rack and supports both standard and Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) configurations.

Description

Model Interpretation

3500/20‑AXX‑BXX‑CXX

3500/20: Base model (Rack Interface Module)

AXX: Module type

01: Standard RIM

02: TMR RIM (for triple‑modular redundant systems)

BXX: Communication interface

01: RS‑232/RS‑422

02: Modem (14.4 kbps)

CXX: Approvals

00: None

01: CSA/NRTL/C

02: ATEX/IECEx/CSA (Class 1, Zone 2)

Technical Parameters

Mechanical

Form Factor: Single‑slot, full‑height

Dimensions (H×W×D): 120.7 mm × 25.4 mm × 251.5 mm

Weight: ~0.68 kg

Installation: Slot 1 of 3500/05 rack (mandatory)

Communication

Front Panel: RS‑232, 38.4 kbps (for local configuration)

Rear I/O: RS‑232/RS‑422 or internal modem (14.4 kbps)

Protocols: Bently Nevada proprietary (for TDXnet, TDIX, DDIX)

Power & Environmental

Power Consumption: ~4.75 W (from rack backplane)

Operating Temp: −40°C to +85°C

Storage Temp: −40°C to +85°C

Humidity: Up to 95% non‑condensing

Vibration/Shock: Industrial‑grade (compliant with IEC 60068)

Status Indicators & Relays

LEDs: OK, TX/RX, TM (Trip Multiplier), CONFIG OK

Relay: I/O Module OK (configurable NO/NC for fault alarming)

Core Functions

Serve as the central interface for rack configuration, monitoring data access, and system health status.

Enable external connectivity with Bently Nevada communication processors (TDXnet, TDIX, DDIX) and System 1 software.

Support TMR voting (TMR version): continuously compare outputs of three redundant monitors and flag discrepancies.

Provide local configuration via front‑panel RS‑232 port (no external PC required for basic setup).

Monitor rack‑level health and report faults via relay contact and LEDs.

Hot‑swappable (in redundant power setups) for replacement without system shutdown.

Applications

Power Generation: Gas/steam turbines, generators, combined‑cycle plants.

Oil & Gas: Onshore/offshore rotating equipment, compressors, pumps, fans.

Petrochemical/Refining: Critical process machinery, centrifuges, motors, gearboxes.

Heavy Industry: Metallurgy, pulp & paper, mining (large rotating assets).

TMR Systems: Safety‑critical installations requiring triple‑modular redundancy.

Usage & Maintenance

Installation: Insert into Slot 1 (leftmost, next to power supply); connect rear I/O module (RS‑232/422 or modem).

Configuration: Use front‑panel RS‑232 with Bently Nevada software to set up rack parameters.

Maintenance: Inspect connectors annually; clean front‑panel LEDs/ports; no fans or consumables.

Status: Active; supported by Baker Hughes with full spare parts availability。


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