Schneider Electric Modicon M340 Ethernet Modules: BMXXBE1000

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Schneider Electric Modicon M340 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Modicon M340 platform is a mid-range programmable automation controller (PAC) developed by Schneider Electric. It is deployed across heavy industrial sectors including petrochemical refining, nuclear auxiliary systems, water treatment infrastructure, and continuous-process manufacturing. The M340 rack-based architecture supports hot-standby redundancy configurations and integrates natively with Schneider's Unity Pro / EcoStruxure Control Expert engineering environment. Its modular backplane accepts up to 12 I/O or function modules per rack, with multi-rack expansion via X-bus or Ethernet I/O drops. Installed base spans hundreds of thousands of units globally, making long-term spare parts availability a critical operational requirement for asset-intensive industries.

The Evolution of Modicon M340 Architecture

The M340 platform was introduced in the mid-2000s as a successor to the Modicon Momentum and TSX Micro families, targeting applications requiring more processing power and open-protocol connectivity than entry-level PLCs. Early hardware revisions used BMX-prefix modules with Unity Pro v2.x compatibility. Subsequent generations introduced dual-port Ethernet on CPU modules (BMXP342020H), expanded memory addressing, and IEC 61131-3 structured text optimization. The platform reached mainstream maturity with EcoStruxure Machine Expert integration and remains in active production as of 2026, though several first-generation I/O modules have transitioned to the end-of-commercialization phase. Compatibility between early and late M340 hardware generations is maintained at the backplane level, but firmware alignment between CPU and communication modules must be verified during replacement. The M340 coexists with the newer Modicon M580 (ePAC) platform; M580 is the designated migration path for new projects, while M340 continues to receive maintenance firmware updates for installed-base support.

Modicon M340 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Ethernet & Communication Modules

• BMXXBE1000: X80 Ethernet backplane extension module, enables distributed I/O rack communication over 100BASE-TX.
• BMXNOE0100: Ethernet TCP/IP network module, supports Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and web server diagnostics.
• BMXNOE0110: Enhanced Ethernet module with RSTP, SNMP, and dual-port switch for ring topology.
• BMXNRP0200: Fiber optic repeater module for extended X-bus rack-to-rack distances.
• BMXNRP0201: Multimode fiber optic repeater, 50/125 µm, for noisy electromagnetic environments.

CPU / Controller Modules

• BMXP341000: M340 CPU, 256 KB application memory, USB + serial programming port.
• BMXP342000: M340 CPU, 512 KB memory, Modbus serial + USB, standard processing.
• BMXP342010: M340 CPU with integrated Ethernet port, 512 KB, Modbus TCP native.
• BMXP342020: M340 CPU, 1 MB memory, dual Ethernet ports, CANopen master.
• BMXP342020H: Hot-standby redundancy CPU, 1 MB, dual Ethernet, for SIL-rated applications.
• BMXP3420302: M340 CPU, 4 MB memory, extended I/O capacity, high-speed task execution.

Digital I/O Modules

• BMXDDI1602: 16-channel 24 VDC digital input module, sink/source compatible.
• BMXDDO1602: 16-channel 24 VDC digital output module, transistor source type.
• BMXDDO1612: 16-channel relay output module, 2 A per channel, for high-load switching.
• BMXDAI1602: 16-channel 100–120 VAC digital input module for legacy AC field devices.

Analog I/O Modules

• BMXAMI0410: 4-channel analog input, ±10 V / 0–20 mA, 12-bit resolution.
• BMXAMI0800: 8-channel analog input, configurable voltage/current, isolated channels.
• BMXAMO0210: 2-channel analog output, ±10 V / 0–20 mA, 12-bit DAC.
• BMXART0414: 4-channel RTD/thermocouple input, supports PT100, PT1000, J, K, T types.

Power Supply Modules

• BMXCPS2000: 100–240 VAC power supply, 20 W, for standard M340 racks.
• BMXCPS3500: 100–240 VAC power supply, 35 W, for fully populated 12-slot racks.
• BMXCPS3540T: 24 VDC input power supply, 35 W, conformal coated for harsh environments.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete Modicon M340 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for Modicon M340 modules across their full lifecycle. First-generation modules such as the BMXP341000 and early BMXDDI/DDO series have entered end-of-commercialization status with Schneider Electric, meaning OEM lead times are extended or unavailable. DriveKNMS sources these components through certified secondary-market channels, including decommissioned plant equipment and authorized distributor overstock. All units are catalogued by hardware revision and firmware version to ensure compatibility with the target system's Unity Pro / EcoStruxure project file. For customers operating M340 systems in long-term maintenance mode — particularly in nuclear auxiliary, water infrastructure, or chemical processing — DriveKNMS provides multi-year reservation agreements to guarantee parts availability against planned maintenance windows.

Quality Control for the Modicon M340 Range

M340 modules present specific test requirements due to their X-bus backplane communication protocol and dual-port Ethernet switching architecture. DriveKNMS applies the following verification procedures to all M340 units prior to dispatch: (1) Backplane continuity test using a reference BMXRMS008MPF rack to verify all X-bus connector pins against Schneider's published pinout specification. (2) CPU modules are powered in an isolated test rack running EcoStruxure Control Expert v15, firmware is read and compared against the module's hardware revision compatibility matrix. (3) Ethernet modules including the BMXXBE1000 are tested for 100BASE-TX link negotiation, Modbus TCP response, and RSTP convergence time under simulated ring topology. (4) Analog I/O modules undergo calibration verification at 0%, 50%, and 100% of rated input range using traceable reference instruments. (5) All modules are inspected for capacitor condition, relay contact wear, and conformal coating integrity before packaging.