WIRELESS MADE SIMPLE ®
4-POSITION RELAY FUNCTION MODULE 2 DATA GUIDE
DESCRIPTION
The Relay Function Module 2 is a member of
3.100"
the Linx pre-certified OEM product line. The
modules have been tested for FCC, Industry
Canada, and European CE (433MHz only)
compliance and can be quickly customized
to meet a specific OEM’s labeling
3.200"
requirements. This greatly reduces the time
and expense of bringing an RF-based
product to market. The Relay Function 1.770"
Modules provide four latched or momentary
relay outputs that are capable of switching
4.700"
external AC or DC powered loads of up to 7
5.775"
amps. The Relay Modules incorporate a Linx
LR Series receiver. Selectable addressing Figure 1: Package Dimensions
provides security and allows the creation of
256 distinct transmitter / receiver relationships to avoid unwanted interaction when
multiple systems are in use. When paired with a compatible Holtek based Linx OEM
Handheld transmitter or transmitter module, the Relay Function Module 2 serves as
a reliable wireless switching device at distances of up to 750 feet.
FEATURES
n FCC, Canada, and CE pre-tested
n Wide operational voltage
(7 to 30VDC)
n Dual power inputs
n 4 long-life relays, switch AC or DC
n Flange-mount case
n Quick-attach heavy-duty device
connectors
n 256 unique addresses
n Can be cosmetically customized
for OEM applications
APPLICATIONS INCLUDE
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
General Remote Control
Motor Control
Garage / Gate Openers
Lighting Control
Call Systems
Home / Industrial Automation
Wire Elimination
ORDERING INFORMATION
PART #
FCTN-RLY4-315-2
FCTN-RLY4-418-2
FCTN-RLY4-433-2
DESCRIPTION
Relay Function Module 2 - 315MHz
Relay Function Module 2 - 418MHz
Relay Function Module 2 - 433MHz
Revised 1/14/11
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter
THEORY OF OPERATION
Designation
Min.
Typical
Max.
Units
Notes
Operating Voltage
VCC
7.0
–
30.0
VDC
–
Supply Current
ICC
POWER SUPPLY
RX Only
4.0
7.0
15.0
mA
1
RX and 1 Relay
16.0
36.0
65.0
mA
1
RX and 2 Relays
26.0
65.0
120.0
mA
1
RX and 3 Relays
35.0
95.0
175.0
mA
1
RX and 4 Relays
45.0
125.0
225.0
mA
1
FCTN-RLY4-315
–
315
–
MHz
–
FCTN-RLY4-418
–
418
–
MHz
–
FCTN-RLY4-433
–
433.92
–
MHz
–
RECEIVER SECTION
Receive Frequency Range
FC
Center Frequency Accuracy
–
-50
–
+50
kHz
–
Receiver Sensitivity
–
-106
-112
-118
dBm
3
–
RELAY CHARACTERISTICS
Arrangement
–
Switched Power
–
–
–
480
watts
–
–
–
4000
VA
–
–
0.0
–
30.0
VDC
–
–
0.0
–
300.0
VAC
–
Switched Device Current
–
0.6
–
7.0
A
–
Operate Time
–
–
10.0
–
mS
–
Release Time
–
–
5.0
–
mS
–
Operations
2
°C
°C
2
Relay Switching Voltage
SPST
Life Expectancy
Mechanical
–
1x107
Electrical
–
1x105 @ 10A, 277VA
Contact Dielectric Strength
(at sea level for 1 minute)
–
1000Vrms across contacts
–
1750Vrms contact-to-coil
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature Range
–
Storage Temperature Range
-40
–
+70
-45
–
+70
2
Notes
1. Typical values at 12V and 25°C; Max and Min values are over the full voltage and temperature range.
2. Characterized, but not tested.
3. For BER of 10-5 at 1,200bps.
1
2. DC Power Connector (7 to 30VDC)
3. “Quick-Connect” Alternate DC Input
4. Switched Device Connectors
5. Address Selector DIP Switches
4
3
2
5
Figure 2: Relay Module Features
Page 2
POWER SUPPLY CONSIDERATIONS
The module should be powered from a DC source that is free of noise and high
ripple. The best results are normally obtained using a battery or high quality AC
wall adapter capable of providing the supply currents indicated in the Electrical
Specifications section. Two supply connection options are provided: black
(ground) and red (+) quick-connect terminals or a barrel jack (for a 5.5mm shell,
2.1mm tip plug, tip +7 to 30VDC, shell ground). Only one connection should be
used at a time and proper supply polarity should be observed.
SETTING THE MODULE ADDRESS
The Relay Function Module provides
a total of 256 unique addreses to
avoid contention with other units or
to create unique relationships.
Address selection is made via eight
externally accessible DIP switches
as shown in the adjacent figure.
OFF ON
1. Antenna
Figure 3: Latched / Momentary DIP Switch
A0 = 8
A1 = 7
A2 = 6
A3 = 5
A4 = 4
A5 = 3
A6 = 2
A7 = 1
RELAY FUNCTION MODULE FEATURES
The FCTN-RLY4-***-2 module
combines the popular Linx LR
Series receiver with a decoder IC
and four relays that are capable of
switching a variety of AC or DC
loads. The Relay Function Module
is designed to receive a wireless
signal
transmitted
from
a
compatible Linx RF module or precertified OEM transmitter. When
transmitted data is received, the
data is presented to the decoder.
The decoder detects the logic states
of the DIP switch address lines, and
if they match the address settings of
the encoder, the decoder’s outputs
are set to replicate the state of the
encoder’s data lines. Figure 3
shows the inside of the module. The
four position DIP switch, S2, allows
each relay to be set to latched (LAT)
or momentary (MOM) operation.
If the switch is on, the address line is
connected to ground, otherwise it is
floating. The transmitter’s address
must match exactly in order for the Figure 4: Address DIP Switches
units to communicate. Application
Note AN-00300 describes in detail how to set the address to match any of the
Holtek-based transmitters offered by Linx. This application note can be found in
the Support section of the Linx website, www.linxtechnologies.com.
Page 3
RELAY LATCHING
ANTENNA ORIENTATION
The relays can be set to either latching or momentary operation. When latched,
the relays close when an activation command is
Data Line Relay Operation
received and stay closed until a deactivation
D0
Relay 4 ON
command is received. When momentary, the
D1
Relay 4 OFF
relays close for as long as an activation
D2
Relay 3 ON
command is received. When the activation
D3
Relay 3 OFF
command ceases, the relays open. The fourD4
Relay 2 ON
position DIP switch, S2, sets the individual
D5
Relay 2 OFF
relays to either latching or momentary
D6
Relay 1 ON
operation. The table to the right identifies the
D7
Relay
1 OFF
data line activations that affect relay operation.
Since the control signals for the Relay Function Module are sent through the air,
the physical orientation of the transmitter and receiver plays a critical role in
determining the overall range of the system. The antenna may be tilted and
swiveled to adjust for maximum range in your environment. In most cases,
orienting the antenna in a vertical position will result in optimum system
performance and the greatest range.
SWITCHED DEVICE ATTACHMENT
The Relay Function Module features heavy-duty quick-connect block terminals
for attaching the devices to be switched. To use the terminals, press and hold
the button over the entry channel to release the contact. Insert the wire and then
release the button to allow the internal contact to clamp down on the wire.
The terminals accept wire gages from 16 to 26 AWG. Funnel-shaped entry
channels help prevent fraying when using untinned wire. The terminal block is
arranged as shown in the figure below. There is no polarity on the relay terminals
and they may be used in any order (or left unterminated) without internal
damage. Do not attempt to switch loads in excess of the limits listed in the
Electrical Specifications section. The module does not provide internal protection
for shorted loads. Therefore, the designer must provide external protection, such
as fusing, if the possibility of shorting exists.
RELAYS GND
1
2
3
4
7-30VDC
Figure 5: Relay Connection Block
INTERFERENCE CONSIDERATIONS
It is important to remember that the range performance of the modules is heavily
dependent on the environment in which they are operated. The effects of
interference, multipath, and physical attenuation will vary significantly from
location to location.
The Relay Function Module is based on the Linx LR Series RF receiver. These are
simple low-cost receivers intended for short-range transmissions. They utilize OOK
AM-based modulation. AM devices can be affected by external noise, such as that
from motors or other sources of broadband RF emissions. Interference can also
come from sources such as paging towers or amateur radio activity. The designer
should carefully test the Relay Function Module in the environment in which it will
be used to ensure that its performance is appropriate for the chosen application.
Page 4
Poor
Optimum
Acceptable
Figure 6: FCTN-RLY4-***-2 Antenna Orientation
The placement of the module in the final product will also affect the range and
performance of the system. If the module is to be placed inside an enclosure,
then the enclosure must be plastic or another non-conductive material.
Otherwise, a hole must be cut into the enclosure to allow the antenna to stick out
as the metal or conductive enclosure will shield the module and it will not be able
to receive a valid transmission. In this case, the antenna should stick straight out
of the enclosure and should not be bent to rest parallel to the metal. This will
detune the antenna and significantly reduce its performance.
The module should be placed in a position to have the widest line-of-sight field
so that the range may be maximized. Typically, the module will be placed on top
of the product to accommodate this, especially when used with machinery.
Remote location of the module’s antenna is not possible as it will invalidate the
FCC testing, so the positioning of the module and its antenna is an important
consideration in the design of the system.
CONTENTION CONSIDERATIONS
An unlimited number of Relay Function Modules may be operated in proximity
without interference, but only one transmitter at a time can be activated within a
reception area. While the transmitted signal consists of encoded digital data,
only one carrier of any particular frequency can occupy airspace without
contention at any given time. If two transmitters are activated in the same area
at the same time, the signals will interfere with each other, so the Relay Module
will not see a valid transmission and will not take any action.
Page 5
LABELING REQUIREMENTS
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
In cases where the FCTN-RLY4-***-2 module is incorporated inside a product
and its standard labeling is not visible, the end product must be labeled as shown
below.
• The following label shall be affixed in a conspicuous location to any device
self-certified under the FCC’s Declaration of Conformity process:
Trade Name
Model Number
• When the device is constructed in two or more sections connected by wires
and marketed together, the label is required to be affixed only to the main
control unit.
• The label shall not be a stick-on paper label. The label shall be “permanently
affixed” to the device (meaning the label is etched, engraved, stamped, silkscreened, indelibly printed on a permanently attached part of the device, or
on a nameplate fastened to the equipment by welding, riveting, or a
permanent adhesive). The label must be designed to last the expected
lifetime of the equipment in the environment in which the equipment may be
operated and may not be readily detachable.
The FCTN-RLY4-***-2 has been tested by an FCC-approved facility and been
found to comply with all applicable FCC and Industry Canada requirements as of
the date of this document. A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is on file. It is the
user’s responsibility to consult the FCC or other testing body to determine if any
additional testing may be required on the user’s completed product. In products
where no additional testing is required, further labeling of the unit is not needed
unless the module will be placed inside another housing. It is, however,
necessary to include the following statement in the end product’s instruction
manual or insert card.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables must be
used with this equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or
unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.
The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment
without the approval of manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.
Place the above statement in the instruction manual or insert card.
Page 6
Page 7
TRANSMITTERS
ONLINE RESOURCES
The Relay Function Module incorporates a Linx LR Series receiver paired with a
Holtek-based decoder IC. This means that there are several options available for
controlling the module.
The first option is to use one of the
pre-certified OEM transmitters offered
by Linx. These transmitters come in
several packages and can be
customized to bear the logo or other
artwork required by the customer. The
only setup required by the customer is
to set the address of the transmitter
and the Relay Module.
www.linxtechnologies.com
There are four OEM transmitters that
can be used with the Relay Function
Figure 7: Pre-Certified Transmitters
Module: the Full Size Handheld, the
Compact Handheld, the Long-Range Handheld, and the Keyfob. The Full Size
Handheld uses the same eight address lines used by the Relay Function
Module, so they only need to be set the same for proper function.
The other three transmitters use all ten address lines offered by the Holtek ICs
while the Relay Function Module uses eight. This means that the last two
address lines on the transmitters (A8 and A9) must be left floating (turn off the
DIP switches on the handhelds, cut traces 8 and 9 on the Keyfob). The other
address lines can be set to whatever the user desires, as long as the transmitter
and the Relay Function Module match.
A custom transmitter can also be created with a KH2 Series transmitter or an LC
or LR Series transmitter paired with a Holtek HT640 encoder or microprocessor.
Because the Holtek ICs have 10 address lines, the last two lines (A8 and A9)
must be left open. The Holtek address lines are tri-state, meaning that they have
three valid input conditions: high, low, or floating. The Relay Function Module
uses only the low and floating states, so the custom transmitter can only use
these states as well. The lines that are floating should be left open and have no
electrical connection.
It should be noted that the Keyfob
transmitter does not allow full
functionality of the Relay Function
Module. Each of the four relays in
the module uses two data lines for a
total of eight. The Keyfob transmitter
offers a maximum of five buttons, so
at most, it can control two relays in
latched operation and three in
momentary operation.
•
•
•
•
•
Latest News
Data Guides
Application Notes
Knowledgebase
Software Updates
If you have questions regarding any Linx product and have Internet access,
make www.linxtechnologies.com your first stop. Our website is organized in an
intuitive format to immediately give you the answers you need. Day or night, the
Linx website gives you instant access to the latest information regarding the
products and services of Linx. It’s all here: manual and software updates,
application notes, a comprehensive knowledgebase, FCC information, and much
more. Be sure to visit often!
™
www.antennafactor.com
The Antenna Factor division of Linx offers
a diverse array of antenna styles, many of
which are optimized for use with our RF
modules. From innovative embeddable
antennas to low-cost whips, domes to
Yagis, and even GPS, Antenna Factor
likely has an antenna for you, or can
design one to meet your requirements.
TM
RE3
OFF
RE4
ON
RE2
ON
RE3
ON
RE4
OFF
Application
Note
AN-00300
describes in detail how to set the
Relay Function Module address to Figure 8: Keyfob Button / Relay Relationships
match any of the Holtek-based transmitters offered by Linx. This note can be
found in the Support section of the Linx web site, www.linxtechnologies.com.
Page 8
®
www.connectorcity.com
Through its Connector City division, Linx offers a wide
selection of high-quality RF connectors, including FCCcompliant types such as RP-SMAs that are an ideal
match for our modules and antennas. Connector City
focuses on high-volume OEM requirements, which
allows standard and custom RF connectors to be offered
at a remarkably low cost.
Page 9
JP1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
VCC12
GND
ANT1
ANT-xxx-PW-RA
RX1
1
2
3
VCC3
GND
4
5
D6
6
7
GND
8
NC
ANT
NC
GND
NC
NC
GND
NC
VCC
NC
PDN
NC
RSSI
NC
DATA
NC
16
15
USL-5HB2-10P
GND
13
12
VCC
11
RE4
9
U1
S2
8
7
6
5
SW-DIP-4
GND
VCC3
LM1
LM2
LM3
LM4
R2
100k
R1
100k
R3
100k
VCC
VCC
RE2
RE3
2
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
GND
VCC
RA5/OSC1
RA0/AN0/DAT
RA4/AN3/OSC2 RA1/AN1/CLK
RA3/MCLR
RA2/AN2
RC5
RC0/AN4
RC1/AN5
RC4
RC3/AN7
RC2/AN6
RC6/AN8
RB4/AN10
RC7/AN9
RB5/AN11/RX
RB7/TX
RB6
CHP-PIC-FCTN-RLY
3
RE2
GND
A7
A6
A5
RE4
RE3
RE2
A4
A3
A2
4
RE1
5
6
7
8
GND
1I
1O
2I
2O
3I
3O
4I
4O
5I
5O
6I
6O
7I
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
7O
9
COM
GND
VCC
MC1413BDR2G
VCC
1
BOOT
NC
NC
GND
VCC12
D5
8
7
6
5
GND
J1
GND
VPWRJACK
1N4002
+ C1
22uF
GND
EN
BYP
VCC3
+ C3
4.7uF
C4
0.01uF
4
GND
C8
0.01uF
GND
C5
NS
L1
100uH
D1
V+
SW V-
2
SW
SW-DIP-8
GND
U2
MIC5205-3.3YM5
1
5
IN
OUT
3
VIN
9
GND
2
4
U3
LM22674
GND
NS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
FB
1
2
3
4
5
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
EN
J2
A7
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
A0
3
S1
VCC3
GND
A6
A7
VPP
RE1
U4
1
RE3
1
2
3
4
VCC
10
RE4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
VCC12
GND
14
RXM-xxx-LR
VCC3
A0
A1
VPP
RE1
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
GND
C7
10uF
C6
1uF
GND
Figure 9: FCTN-RLY4-***-2 Schematic Diagram
Page 10
Page 11
WIRELESS MADE SIMPLE ®
U.S. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
LINX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
159 ORT LANE
MERLIN, OR 97532
PHONE: (541) 471-6256
FAX: (541) 471-6251
www.linxtechnologies.com
Disclaimer
Linx Technologies is continually striving to improve the quality and function of its products. For this reason,
we reserve the right to make changes to our products without notice. The information contained in this Data
Guide is believed to be accurate as of the time of publication. Specifications are based on representative lot
samples. Values may vary from lot-to-lot and are not guaranteed. "Typical" parameters can and do vary over
lots and application. Linx Technologies makes no guarantee, warranty, or representation regarding the
suitability of any product for use in any specific application. It is the customer's responsibility to verify the
suitability of the part for the intended application. NO LINX PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN ANY
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© 2011 by Linx Technologies, Inc. The stylized Linx logo,
Linx, “Wireless Made Simple”, CipherLinx, and the stylized
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Printed in U.S.A.