Zen IoT Edge Processing Interface
Zen IoT Edge Processing Interface
4x isolated universal inputs, 2x non-isolated 4-20mA inputs, expandable IO. Store & Forward record buffer, RTC time stamp, RS485 ModBus RTU master/slave interface, TLS 1.2
Additional information
Weight | 0.694 kg |
---|---|
Dimensions | 11.8 × 16.9 × 5.9 cm |
Power Supply | HV – 85-265 V AC/DC |
Wireless comms | No wireless comms |
IO Expansion (additional to base model channels) | UI4 – 4x Universal inputs (isolated) |
What it does
Allows standalone industrial hardware to be connected to the Cloud. Can perform calculations prior to transmitting this data. Requires Bridge Key for programming. Part of the Define Instruments IoT machine monitoring solution.
Connect your standalone hardware to the Cloud with this IoT gateway with analog inputs
The Zen IoT is a gateway device for connecting standalone equipment (PLCs or other discrete control systems) to the Cloud.
Use it also for Edge Processing: when you need to collate data, perform calculations and send the results to the Cloud. The Zen IoT allows this with ease. Calculations are performed within the device and resulting data communicated via a choice of Cloud connection options.
Data visibility for better machine performance
The Zen IoT collates signals from industrial equipment for processing and publishing to the Cloud. It enables visibility for determining machine health or process efficiency.

Convert process signals direct to wireless
While most devices only convert Modbus to wireless, the Zen IoT converts process signals straight to wireless! No additional devices needed. The unit features industrial grade analog and digital I/O, with 4–20mA, RTD, TC and many more available.
Get the datasheet
Integrates with all your existing equipment
It’s now simpler than ever to connect your industrial equipment to the Cloud, as the Zen IoT supports a wide range of communication protocols.
Modbus is supported, as well as new IoT comms like MQTT. Physical connections include WiFi (801.11) or (eMTC) LTE Cat-M1 and RS485. Potential applications include AMR (Automatic Meter Reading), remote monitoring of assets, and data collation and transmission.
Available in Custom configurations
This product is available in custom configurations for OEMs and high volume orders. If you have a difficult application, please call 1-888-652-4757 so we can assist you.
Uses extra layer of IoT security
Privacy and security are big concerns but the Zen IoT gives you peace of mind. It has its own WiFi port and connects with an extra layer of security: Transport Layer Security (TLS). Additionally it has an ethernet port which uses only Modbus TCP so the port cannot be hijacked for any other communication uses.
Additionally, the Zen IoT offers a flexible logic engine which can be programmed with a powerful scripting language for custom applications.

Try Before You Buy!
Use the product simulator inside our free WorkBench software to demo how this instrument works.
Bridge Key Required!
In addition to this software a Bridge Key is required for the configuration of this product.
You must order one unless you already have one from a previous product purchase.
Uses extra layer of IoT security
- Up to 22 analog inputs
- Up to 40 digital input/outputs
- 8 isolated process outputs (4-20mA)
- Up to 7 relay outputs
- RS484 ModBus RTU master/slave interface
- Local display (RS232C) interface port
- AC mains and 24V low power operation
- Application logic and math functions
- Define Cloud Services (DCS) connection
- MQTT with Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2)
- Data record store and forward record buffer
- Easy USB programming via PC using Define WorkBench software, requires Bridge Key
Cloud Connection Options:

WiFi (801.11)
Enables LOS transmission of up to 1476ft (450m) using the supplied 3dBi wireless antenna.

(eMTC) LTE Cat-M1
4G cellular interface for Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications
The Zen IoT is preconfigured to connect to Define Cloud Services (DCS). Custom connection is available to your own or third party server. Cloud communication is secured using TLS and uses MQTT IoT service transfer protocol.
Define WorkBench configures the Zen IoT for analog and digital inputs, alarms, totalizers and counters, custom scaling for linearization and scale setup. The cloud interface module configures data transfer to a cloud server and sends JSON packets containing the industry standard SenML (Sensor markup language) data.






Specifications
Input
Input configuration ZEN6: 4x Universal inputs (isolated) plus 2x 4-20mA inputs (non-isolated) UI4: 8x Universal inputs (isolated) plus 2x 4-20mA inputs (non-isolated) UI8: 12x Universal inputs (isolated) plus 2x 4-20mA inputs (non-isolated) UI12: 16x Universal inputs (isolated) plus 2x 4-20mA inputs (non-isolated) PI16: 4x Universal inputs (isolated) plus 2x 4-20mA inputs (non-isolated) plus 16 partially isolated 4-20mA inputs UI6E4: 4x Universal inputs (isolated) plus 2x 4-20mA inputs (non-isolated)
Input isolation: 2,500V AC 1 minute between all input channels
Isolation test voltage: 1000V DC for 1min (Analog input to digital output, Analog input to analog input)
Excitation: 24V DC @200mA maximum. Total on all +24V output pins.
Resolution: 16 bits
Accuracy: <±1.0% fso (unless otherwise stated in input)
Accurate to: <±0.1% fso (unless otherwise stated in input)
Power
Power supply: 85-265V AC/DC (HV) 10–30V DC (LV)
General Specifications
Noise immunity: (CMRR) 160dB tested at 300V RMS 50Hz
RF immunity: <±1% effect fso
Permanent memory: (E²ROM) 100,000 writes per input parameter
Linearity & repeatability: <±0.1%
Channel Separation: 125db minimum
Thermocouple Input
Thermocouple types B= 32 to 3272°F (0 to 1800°C) E= -328 to 1292°F (-200 to 700°C) J= -328 to 1832°F (-200 to 1000°C) K= -328 to 2300°F (-200 to 1260°C) N= -328 to 2372°F (-200 to 1300°C) R= 32 to 3092°F (0 to 1700°C) S= 32 to 3092°F (0 to 1700°C) T= -328 to 752°F (-200 to 400°C)
Input impedance: 500KΩ
T/C lead resistance: 100Ω max
Cold junction compensation: 14 to 140°F (–10 to 60°C)
CJC drift: 0.02°c °c typical for all
Accuracy: 0.1% of FSO ±1°C typical
Sensor open: Upscale
RTD Input
RTD input type: Pt100 3 wire RTD DIN 43760: 1980 Pt1000 3 wire RTD standard
Range: -328–572°F (-200–300°C), 0.02°F (0.01°C) resolution -328–1472°F (-200–800°C), 0.1°F (0.1°C) resolution
Lead wire resistance: 10Ω/lead max recommended
Sensor current: 0.6mA continuous
Sensor fail: Upscale
Accuracy: -328–572°F (-200–300°C) = ±0.1°C; -328–1472°F (-200–800°C) = ±0.3°C
Ambient drift: 0.003°C/°C typical
Current Input
Range: 0–20mA, 4–20mA
Input impedance: 45Ω
Max over-range: Protected by PTC to 24V DC
Linearity & repeatability: 0.1% FSO max
Accuracy: 0.1% FSO max
Channel separation: 0.001% max
Ambient drift: 0.003%/°C FSO typical
RF immunity: 1% effect FSO typical
Voltage Input
Ranges: ±200mV, –200mV to 1V, 0–10V, 0–18V
Input impedance: >500KΩ on all ranges
Maximum over voltage: 24V DC
Linearity & repeatability: 0.1% FSO max
Accuracy: 0.1% FSO max
Channel separation: 0.001% max
Ambient drift: 0.003%/°C FSO typical
RF immunity: 1% effect FSO typical
Digital Pulse Input
Frequency range: 0–2500.0Hz
Fast counter range: 0–2500.0Hz
Sensors: Open collector (NPN, PNP), TTL or Clean Contact
Frequency resolution: 0.1Hz
Debounce counter range: 0–50Hz max
Counter register output: 32 bit
Accuracy: ±0.5%
AC Current Sensor Input
Sensor type: Current transformer ACCS-420, ACCS-420-L and ACCS-010
Amperage range: Header selectable ACCS-420/010= 100/150/200A ACCS-420-L= 10/20/50A
Overload (continuous): ACCS-420/010= 175/300/400A ACCS-420-L = 80/120/200A
Output: (Representing 0–100% of full scale input range) ACCS-420(-L)= 4–20mA DC loop powered ACCS-010= 0–10V DC
Power supply: ACCS-420(-L)= Loop powered, 15–36V DC ACCS-010= Self powered
Accuracy: 1% of full scale
Response time: 250ms (10–90%)
Isolation voltage: 2,000V
Frequency: 50–60Hz
Potentiometer Input
Potentiometer input: 3-wire
Excitation voltage: Variable
Potentiometer resistance: <2kω low pot,>2kΩ high pot
Field programmable zero: 0–90% of span
Field programmable span: 0.1–100%
Linearity & repeatability: <±0.05% fso
Response time: 100msec
Ambient drift: <50ppm
Attenuator Input
Attenuator type: Define Instruments HVA-1000, differential resistive attenuator
Max input voltage: 1000V DC
Attenuation factor: 1000 ±0.1%
Input impedance: 3.8MΩ
Output impedance: 3.8kΩ
Ambient drift: 50ppm/°C max
Relay Output
Number of relay outputs: 3
Relay output type: 1 x Change over Form C Relay (15A 250V AC or 15A 30V DC) 2 x Form A Relays (3A 250V AC or 3A 30V DC)
Comm Port(s)
Protocols: Modbus RTU, RS485, RS232 or Define ASCII
Default comm port: RS485 / RS232 auto-select. Selectable baud rate 2400–230000 baud. Format 8 bit, no parity, 1 stop
Isolation test voltage: 1000V DC for 1min (Comm to analog input, Comm to digital input/output) Optional additional comm
(front panel): Select WiFi, Ethernet IoT or RS485/232 (auto-detecting)
Digital Inputs
Number of digital inputs: 4
Input types: NPN, PNP, Clean Contact, Voltage 2–30V DC
Functions: Status, up counter, up/ down counter with direction, debounced counter, frequency, gated frequenc
Counter register output: 32 bit
Frequency range: 0–10,000Hz
(Reduced to 0–1,000Hz in Sleep Mode)
Threshold: 1.2V typical
Debounce counter range: 0–100Hz
Isolation: Not isolated to power supply or analog inputs
Data Logging
Real-time clock: RTC time base UTC. Local time in device with automatic daylight savings adjustment
Data logging: 31,744 samples with up to 30 parameters plus time stamp per sample. 32MB capacity.
Datalog retrieval: Simple data log retrieval and visualization, using Define WorkBench
Programming
USB programmable: Via ‘PC Setup’ port using Bridge Key USB programmer (sold separately)
Define WorkBench: Simple configuration and datalog retrieval using Define WorkBench
Construction
Casing: DIN 35 rail mounting; Material: ABS inflammability V0 (UL94); Phoenix type removable screw terminal connectors
Dimensions (H x W x D): ZEN6, ZEN6-UI4 = 3.98 x 1.73 x 4.72″ (101 x 48 x 120mm)* UI8, UI12, PI16, UI64 = 3.98 x 2.87 x 4.72″ (101 x 73 x 120mm)* *Excludes antenna and connectors Required mounting height With Antenna= 4.65″ (118mm), WiFi model only
Environmental Conditions
Operating temperature: –40 to 176°F (–40 to 80°C)
Storage temperature: –40 to 176°F (–40 to 80°C)
Operating humidity: 5–85% RH max, non-condensing
Certifications & Compliances
EN 61326-1 2006
UL listed: File listing pending
EMC: Emissions EN 61326-1 2006 Class A; Immunity EN 613265-1 2006 Industrial Locations; EN50581: 2012 RoHS; Safety EN 61010, 1:2010
Documents
Zen IoT Datasheet A4 v6, 11-Dec-2019 | (812 KB)
Zen IoT Datasheet US Letter v6, 11-Dec-2019 | (811 KB)
Zen IoT Register Supplement 16V04, 11-Oct-2016 | (2.7 MB)
Software
Define WorkBench
Simple software to program your Zen series or edge processing device Use Define WorkBench to simulate, configure and view data for all Zen series control stations and Nimbus IoT Gateways, including:
- Zen Datalogger 16 Channel Datalogger
- Zen RTU/R & Zen RTU/U Remote Terminal Units
- Zen IoT Edge Processing Interface
- Nimbus IoT Edge Processing Interface
- Legacy ZEN-16’s
With a user-friendly, uncluttered design, WorkBench offers a simple interface for setting up and scaling your unit, as well as retrieving and graphing your datalog. N.B. Version 3 features Simulation Mode and is only compatible with legacy ZEN-16 firmware 2.0.0 and later.
Order Codes
ZEN6 |
|
Base configuration: MQTT cloud service interface – TLS security layer, store and forward record buffer, RTC data time stamp, 4x isolated universal inputs (TC/RTD/V/mA/SCII) | |
Power supply | |
-HV | 85-265V AC |
-LV | 10-32V DC |
Comms Configuration | |
– | No wireless communication |
-CM1 | Cellular modem (eMTC) LTE Cat-M1 |
-WIF | WiFi (801.11) |
Optional analog IO expansion | |
– | No additional analog IO |
-UI4 | ADD 4x Universal input (isolated) |
-UI8 | ADD 8x Universal input (isolated) |
-UI12 | ADD 12x Universal input (isolated) |
-PI16 | ADD 16x process (4-20mA) input (non-isolated) |
-UI6E4 | ADD 6x Universal input (isolated), 4x process (4-20mA) output (isolated) |
-PI8E8 | ADD 8x process (4-20mA) input (non-isolated), 8x process (4-20mA) output (isolated) |
All prices are in US Dollars. For pricing in other currencies, please contact us.