PCA Series controllers are programmable controllers that can communicate through BACnet® Secure Connect (BACnet/SC), BACnet/IP, MS/TP, or N2 communications protocols, depending on the model. The PCA4911 Series controller communicates through BACnet/IP or BACnet/SC communications protocols. All other PCA Series controllers, except the PCA4911, can switch between MS/TP and N2 communications protocols. PCA series controllers in BACnet/IP, BACnet/SC, or BACnet MS/TP communication mode are BACnet network-compliant devices.
PCA Series controllers feature an integral real-time clock and support time-based tasks, which means these field controllers can monitor and control schedules, calendars, alarms, and trends. PCAs can continue time-based control and monitoring when offline for extended periods of time from a system network. The PCAs include RS-485 field bus networking with BACnet MS/TP protocols.
You can combine PCA controllers with PCX Expansion I/O modules to gain more I/O interfaces. You can use PCAs and their advanced features to monitor and control a wider range of more complex equipment, such as airhandlers and central plants.
PCA Series controllers can also operate as stand-alone controllers in applications that do not require a networked supervisory device or for network applications where you perform scheduling, alarming, or trending performed locally in the field controllers.
The PCA4911 controllers operate on BACnet/SC or BACnet/IP networks and integrate into Facility Explorer and third-party systems.
The PCA3613 model includes a fast persistence feature that allows data values to be held at a configurable value, up to once per second. Persistence refers to how often samples of data are stored locally. In the event of a problem, such as a loss of power, data can be retrieved up to the rate that the data is persisted, which minimizes the potential loss of data. When power is restored, previously persisted data, up to the rate of persistence, remains available and accessible. For example, if persistence is configured for once per second, you only risk losing one second of data. Persisting data may be essential for situations that require greater data accuracy, which includes certain methods of utility data collection and billing.
PCA2612 controller models feature line-voltage relay outputs, which make these controllers well suited for use in terminal units. The PCA2612-2 model uses a line-voltage power supply, which eliminates the need for a 24 VAC transformer in line-voltage applications.
The PCA2611, PCA2612, and PCA3613 controllers use the MS/TP protocol. When used with the ZFR or ZFR Pro Series accessories, or the WRZ-7860 One-to-One Receiver, these controllers support wireless communications.