There is a difference between having a BCM module (P/N 48384) and between using the IFM module (P/N TRV00210). The BCM is mandatory for any communication with an ACB. It allows Modbus communication, so user won't need to add an IFM. However, the IFM module is more advantageous than the BCM module, as illustrated below.
With BCM-ULP only,
1. The breaker is seen as 4 Modbus devices (BCM at @xx, CCM at @xx+50, Protection at @xx+100, metering at @xx+200). This may be difficult to manage in the scada or BMS.
2. You can add only one client ULP device (FDM121, IFE or IFM)
3. The set of registers is legacy and if you need future extension by adding an IFE or other ULP device, you may have to modify the BMS software
With IFM:
1. The Modbus mapping is compatible with the IFE and you can replace the IFM with an IFE without any heavy modification
2. You can benefit of the existing or future ULP devices
3. You can stack your IFMs behind an IFE (in this case no Modbus wiring at all).
4. You will be in better position for any future retrofit.
So to summarize, for a new installation, we would recommend to add the IFM for Modbus communication or even an IFE if the budget and the space allows it. Also, if the user uses a gateway to access the breaker, it could be better to use a direct Ethernet interface with IFE.
With BCM-ULP only,
1. The breaker is seen as 4 Modbus devices (BCM at @xx, CCM at @xx+50, Protection at @xx+100, metering at @xx+200). This may be difficult to manage in the scada or BMS.
2. You can add only one client ULP device (FDM121, IFE or IFM)
3. The set of registers is legacy and if you need future extension by adding an IFE or other ULP device, you may have to modify the BMS software
With IFM:
1. The Modbus mapping is compatible with the IFE and you can replace the IFM with an IFE without any heavy modification
2. You can benefit of the existing or future ULP devices
3. You can stack your IFMs behind an IFE (in this case no Modbus wiring at all).
4. You will be in better position for any future retrofit.
So to summarize, for a new installation, we would recommend to add the IFM for Modbus communication or even an IFE if the budget and the space allows it. Also, if the user uses a gateway to access the breaker, it could be better to use a direct Ethernet interface with IFE.
Released for:Schneider Electric South Africa
