contact@acuraembedded.com

Revolutionary Remote Monitoring: Acromag’s NT2140 Discrete AC Input Modules Transform Industrial Equipment Surveillance

In industrial operations where equipment failure can cost thousands per minute, Acromag has unveiled a game-changing solution: the NT2140 discrete AC input module. This latest addition to the BusWorks NT Ethernet I/O family brings unprecedented visibility to the power status of remote motors, pumps, and critical industrial equipment—transforming how facilities manage their most vital assets.

Addressing the Industrial Monitoring Challenge

Manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and utility operations face a constant challenge: How do you reliably monitor the operational status of distributed equipment across vast facilities? When a critical pump fails in a remote location or a motor loses power unexpectedly, every second of downtime translates to lost production, potential safety hazards, and mounting costs.

The NT2140 directly addresses this challenge by providing real-time AC voltage sensing capabilities that integrate seamlessly with existing industrial networks, delivering instant visibility into equipment power status across entire operations.

Engineering Excellence: The NT2140 Advantage

Comprehensive AC Voltage Monitoring: The module features six optocoupler-isolated inputs capable of sensing both 120V and 240V AC signals, providing direct monitoring of industrial equipment power status. This wide voltage range covers the majority of industrial motor and pump applications without requiring additional signal conditioning.

Versatile Signal Processing: Beyond AC monitoring, the NT2140 includes two additional DC logic I/O channels supporting TTL and 0-32V logic levels. This hybrid capability enables comprehensive equipment monitoring—from AC power status to auxiliary control signals—through a single module.

Multi-Protocol Industrial Connectivity: Supporting Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET protocols, the NT2140 ensures seamless integration with virtually any PLC, PAC, or industrial control system. This protocol flexibility eliminates compatibility concerns and protects existing automation investments.

IIoT-Ready Architecture for Modern Industry

The NT2140 isn’t just about traditional automation—it’s built for the Industrial Internet of Things era:

OPC UA Server: Native OPC UA support enables standardized data exchange across enterprise systems, breaking down information silos between operations technology and information technology.

MQTT Client: Built-in MQTT functionality facilitates cloud connectivity and real-time data streaming to enterprise dashboards, predictive maintenance platforms, and analytics systems.

RESTful API: Modern API support enables custom integrations with web-based applications, mobile monitoring solutions, and third-party software platforms.

Expansive Monitoring Applications

The NT2140’s capabilities extend across diverse industrial scenarios:

Critical Equipment Monitoring:

  • Pump status verification in water/wastewater treatment
  • Motor operation confirmation in manufacturing lines
  • Compressor monitoring in HVAC and refrigeration systems
  • Fan status in ventilation and cooling applications

Process Control Integration:

  • Proximity and limit switch monitoring
  • Float switch status for level control
  • Thermostat activation detection
  • Push button and selector switch monitoring
  • Contact closure verification

Power Infrastructure Surveillance:

  • AC power supply presence detection
  • Backup power system status
  • Circuit breaker position monitoring
  • Power distribution verification

Scalable Architecture for Growing Operations

Modular Expansion: The NT2140’s NTE Ethernet models feature dual RJ45 ports for reliable network communication. Through Acromag’s innovative DIN rail bus system, up to three NTX expansion modules can link to a single NTE communication module, supporting up to 64 I/O channels under one IP address.

Mix-and-Match Flexibility: The NT Series ecosystem allows combining different I/O types—analog inputs, temperature sensors, discrete I/O, and relay outputs—creating customized monitoring solutions tailored to specific application requirements.

Peer-to-Peer Intelligence: Acromag’s proprietary i2o technology enables direct module-to-module communication without requiring a master controller. This capability supports distributed intelligence architectures where remote modules can trigger actions based on local conditions, reducing network traffic and improving response times.

Real-World Impact Across Industries

Chemical Processing: Monitor pump status across sprawling chemical plants where reliability is critical and manual checks are dangerous or impractical.

Oil & Gas Production: Ensure continuous operation of extraction pumps, compressors, and safety systems in remote wellheads and pipeline stations.

Water/Power Utilities: Track the operational status of distribution pumps, treatment equipment, and backup systems across geographically dispersed infrastructure.

Manufacturing Operations: Maintain visibility into production line motors, conveyor systems, and auxiliary equipment to prevent unexpected downtime.

Technical Excellence in Every Detail

Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s Director of Business Development, emphasizes the module’s reliability focus: “With these discrete AC input modules, you can confidently monitor the on/off power status of remote pumps, motors and other switched devices. The NT2140 will sense the presence or absence of AC voltage levels for communication to your control system using a wide variety of industrial Ethernet protocols.”

The BusWorks NT2000 Series Ecosystem

The NT2140 joins a comprehensive family of sixteen I/O configurations available as either NTE Ethernet I/O or NTX expansion modules:

  • Analog I/O: Up to 16 inputs or 8 outputs for current/voltage monitoring
  • Discrete I/O: 16 bidirectional channels or 6 mechanical relays
  • Temperature Input: Thermocouple and RTD support for diverse sensor types
  • Motion Control: Stepper motor controllers for precision positioning

Each module in the series maintains consistent features:

  • Browser-based configuration for easy setup
  • Industrial-grade construction for harsh environments
  • CE/ATEX compliance for hazardous locations
  • Wide operating temperature ranges
  • Robust EMI/RFI immunity

Investment Protection Through Innovation

The NT2140 represents more than just another I/O module—it’s a strategic investment in operational visibility and reliability. By providing real-time power status monitoring with enterprise connectivity, facilities can:

  • Reduce unplanned downtime through early failure detection
  • Optimize maintenance schedules based on actual equipment status
  • Improve safety by monitoring critical safety equipment
  • Enable predictive maintenance through continuous monitoring
  • Support digital transformation initiatives with IIoT connectivity

Transform Your Industrial Monitoring Strategy with Acura Embedded Systems

The introduction of advanced monitoring solutions like Acromag’s NT2140 represents a critical opportunity to revolutionize your facility’s operational intelligence. At Acura Embedded Systems, we don’t just supply components—we architect comprehensive monitoring ecosystems that deliver measurable ROI through reduced downtime, optimized maintenance, and enhanced operational visibility.

Why Partner with Acura for Your Remote Monitoring Needs?

Expert Integration Services: Our engineers specialize in integrating Acromag modules with your existing infrastructure
Custom Solution Design: We develop tailored monitoring architectures specific to your operational requirements
Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation through deployment and beyond
Proven Industry Experience: Decades of experience in critical infrastructure monitoring

Take Action Today

Don’t wait for the next equipment failure to impact your operations. Contact Acura Embedded Systems now to discover how our monitoring solutions can transform your facility’s reliability and efficiency.

Ready to Innovate?

Let’s build a custom HazLoc computing solution together. We are ready to bring your idea to life.