The RCU500 (Remote Control Unit) is a high-performance processing engine designed for maritime and industrial automation environments. Engineered by Kongsberg Maritime, this unit serves as the core intelligence for distributed control systems, providing the computational power necessary for real-time monitoring and complex logic execution.
Technical Specifications
The following table outlines the primary hardware and electrical parameters for the RCU500 603108 module:
| Parameter | Specification |
| Part Number | 603108 |
| Revision | Rev.B1 |
| Processor Type | High-speed embedded RISC processor |
| Input Voltage | 24V DC (Nominal) |
| Power Consumption | Typically 15W – 25W depending on load |
| Communication Ports | Dual Ethernet (10/100 Mbps), Serial RS-232/485 |
| Operating Temperature | -15°C to +70°C |
| Storage Temperature | -25°C to +70°C |
| Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Mounting | Standard Rack or Cabinet Integrated |
Key Features and Product Description
The RCU500 is characterized by its robust build quality and its ability to handle high-bandwidth data processing. It acts as a bridge between human-machine interfaces (HMI) and field instrumentation.
- Redundancy Support: The unit is designed to operate in redundant pairs, ensuring “bumpless” transfer in the event of a hardware failure.
- Real-Time OS: Utilizes a deterministic operating system to ensure that control loops are executed with microsecond precision.
- Diagnostic LEDs: Front-panel indicators provide immediate status updates on CPU health, power supply, and network activity.
- Modular Architecture: Allows for easy integration with various I/O expansion modules via high-speed internal bus systems.
Application Fields
This controller is optimized for environments where reliability is non-negotiable. Primary applications include:
- Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems: Managing vessel placement through complex sensor fusion.
- Engine Control Systems: Monitoring and regulating marine propulsion units.
- Ballast Water Management: Automating the stability and cargo-loading processes.
- Offshore Rig Automation: Controlling safety and process systems on oil and gas platforms.
Country of Origin
- Origin: Norway
Technical Description & Usage Instructions
The RCU500 Rev.B1 is a stationary electronic component intended for installation in protected enclosures (IP20 or higher).
- Installation: The unit should be mounted vertically to allow for natural convection cooling. Ensure that the 24V DC power source is regulated and filtered to prevent surge damage.
- Wiring: Use shielded twisted-pair cables for all Ethernet and serial communications to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) in engine room environments.
- Configuration: System configuration is typically performed via the Kongsberg proprietary software suite. Users must define the IP address and network mask to integrate the RCU into the wider control network.
- Maintenance: The unit is solid-state and requires no scheduled internal maintenance. Periodic inspection of cable connections and cleaning of dust from heat sinks is recommended.



