MOTOROLA FLN4234A

¥999.00

The MOTOROLA FLN4234A, detailed further here, is a specialized radio frequency (RF) modem module and is not a traditional PLC spare part. However, it plays a critical role in industrial automation by providing robust, licensed-band wireless data communication for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and telemetry systems. This module functions as the core RF component within Motorola (now part of Honeywell) fixed network data radios, such as the MOSCAD RTU platform or as a stand-alone modem for serial data transmission. The primary purpose of the MOTOROLA FLN4234A is to enable reliable, long-range communication between a central master station and multiple remote terminal units (RTUs), PLCs, or other field devices across vast geographical areas. Its design prioritizes data integrity in harsh RF environments, making it a key component for building private, mission-critical wireless networks where standard cellular or Wi-Fi is unsuitable. For engineers maintaining wide-area industrial networks, the FLN4234A modem is a vital link for operational visibility and control.

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Description

Product Description

The MOTOROLA FLN4234A, detailed further here, is a specialized radio frequency (RF) modem module and is not a traditional PLC spare part. However, it plays a critical role in industrial automation by providing robust, licensed-band wireless data communication for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and telemetry systems. This module functions as the core RF component within Motorola (now part of Honeywell) fixed network data radios, such as the MOSCAD RTU platform or as a stand-alone modem for serial data transmission. The primary purpose of the MOTOROLA FLN4234A is to enable reliable, long-range communication between a central master station and multiple remote terminal units (RTUs), PLCs, or other field devices across vast geographical areas. Its design prioritizes data integrity in harsh RF environments, making it a key component for building private, mission-critical wireless networks where standard cellular or Wi-Fi is unsuitable. For engineers maintaining wide-area industrial networks, the FLN4234A modem is a vital link for operational visibility and control.

Product Parameters

  • Manufacturer: Motorola (now part of Honeywell Process Solutions).

  • Product Family: MOSCAD / Fixed Network Data Radio Components.

  • Model: FLN4234A

  • Frequency Band: Operates in a licensed VHF, UHF, or 900 MHz band (specific frequency is a factory-set variant of the FLN4234A model).

  • Output Power: Typically in the range of 1-5 Watts, configurable for compliance with licensed power limits.

  • Data Interface: Provides an EIA-232 (RS-232) serial data port for connection to RTUs, PLC serial ports, or other SCADA equipment.

  • Modulation: Uses spectrally efficient, robust modulation schemes like FFSK (Fast Frequency Shift Keying) for reliable performance in noisy channels.

  • Protocol Support: Transparent to user protocols; commonly used with standard SCADA protocols like Modbus RTU, DNP3, or proprietary control protocols.

  • Power Supply: Typically operates from a wide-range DC input (e.g., 10-30V DC), suitable for solar/battery-powered field installations.

  • Environmental Rating: Designed for industrial temperatures (e.g., -30°C to +60°C) and often housed in a rugged enclosure for outdoor use.

Advantages and Features

  • Licensed Band Reliability: Operation in a licensed radio frequency band provides exclusive use and protection from interference, offering superior reliability compared to unlicensed ISM bands.

  • Long-Range Capability: Capable of communications over distances of 20 miles or more line-of-sight, making it ideal for pipeline, utility, and mining applications.

  • Low Latency & Deterministic Performance: Provides direct, point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication with predictable latency, which is crucial for certain control and alarm applications.

  • High Noise Immunity: The combination of licensed spectrum and robust modulation techniques provides excellent performance in electrically noisy industrial and utility environments.

  • Ruggedized for Harsh Environments: Built to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and power transients common in remote, unattended locations.

Application Cases in Application Fields

  • Oil & Gas Pipeline SCADA: Forms the communication backbone for monitoring and controlling remote pipeline valves, pump stations, and tank farms across hundreds of miles, where the MOTOROLA FLN4234A reliably transmits pressure, flow, and leak detection data.

  • Water/Wastewater Distribution: Used by municipal utilities to connect remote well pumps, lift stations, and reservoir monitors back to a central control room, enabling efficient management of water resources.

  • Electrical Power Distribution: Deployed by electric utilities for telecontrol of remote reclosers, capacitor banks, and substation RTUs, facilitating grid automation and fault management.

  • Mining Operations: Provides reliable data links for monitoring and controlling equipment like conveyor belts, water pumps, and ventilation fans across large, open-pit or underground mine sites.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Compared to other wireless solutions like modern cellular routers (Sierra Wireless, Cradlepoint) or spread-spectrum radios (FreeWave, GE MDS), the MOTOROLA FLN4234A represents a specific technological approach:

  • Licensed vs. Unlicensed/Cellular: The FLN4234A requires purchasing a frequency license from the national regulator (e.g., FCC). This offers superior reliability but with higher upfront cost and administrative overhead compared to unlicensed radios or operational-expense-based cellular data plans.

  • Technology Generation: It represents a mature, narrowband RF technology optimized for low-to-medium data rate SCADA. Competing modern cellular (4G/5G) or IP-based radios offer higher bandwidth for video/IT data but may have higher latency and recurring costs.

  • Ecosystem & Integration: As a core Motorola component, it integrates seamlessly with Motorola MOSCAD RTUs and systems. Competing radios from brands like GE (MDS) offer similar licensed-band solutions but with different configuration software and accessory ecosystems.

  • Data Throughput: It is designed for efficient transmission of small, periodic data packets typical of SCADA. It is not suitable for high-bandwidth applications like large file transfers or video streaming.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

  1. Secure a Frequency License First: You must have an appropriate, active FCC (or local regulatory body) license for the specific frequency your MOTOROLA FLN4234A module is configured to use. Operating without a license is illegal and can cause harmful interference.

  2. Confirm Exact Frequency & Configuration: The model FLN4234A is a platform. The critical parameter is its factory-programmed frequency. You must obtain the exact frequency variant (e.g., FLN4234A-xxxx) that matches your license and network plan.

  3. Perform a Professional RF Path Survey: Before deployment, conduct or review an RF path analysis between sites to ensure there is sufficient signal margin (fade margin) for reliable communication, considering terrain and obstacles.

  4. Plan for Ancillary Equipment: This module requires proper antenna systems (lightning arrestors, grounding, correct gain antenna), power supplies, and cabling. Performance is highly dependent on correct RF engineering practices.

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