Bachmann EM203 Ethernet Master Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Bachmann EM200 Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of EM200 Architecture

Bachmann electronic introduced the M1 controller platform in the mid-1990s as a response to demand for modular, rack-based automation in safety-critical industries. The EM200 communication module series was developed to extend the M1 backplane's connectivity beyond proprietary bus structures into open industrial Ethernet standards. Early iterations of the series focused on Modbus TCP and proprietary Bachmann protocols. Subsequent hardware revisions introduced PROFINET IO controller/device capability, EtherNet/IP adapter support, and IEC 61850 compliance for substation automation applications.

The EM203 specifically functions as an Ethernet master module, providing the M1 rack with a managed 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet interface capable of handling real-time process data exchange. Later series members such as the EM213 and EM216 introduced dual-port configurations and enhanced diagnostic capabilities aligned with IEC 62443 cybersecurity requirements. Compatibility between EM200 series modules and M1 CPU generations (MPC240, MPC265, MPC270) has been maintained across hardware revisions, though firmware alignment between CPU and communication modules must be verified during system upgrades. Modules from early production runs (pre-2010) may require firmware bridging when integrated into racks running current MPC firmware stacks.

EM200 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified members of the Bachmann EM200 series and associated M1 platform modules. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware function within the M1 rack architecture.

EM203: Ethernet master module, 10/100 Mbit/s, Modbus TCP, real-time process data interface
EM206: Ethernet module with 6-port managed switch, PROFINET IO controller support
EM213: Dual-port Ethernet master, redundant network path management, IEC 61850 GOOSE
EM216: Ethernet module, 16-port configuration, high-density network segmentation
DI232: Digital input module, 32-channel, 24 VDC, M1 backplane compatible
DO232: Digital output module, 32-channel, 24 VDC transistor outputs
DIO248: Combined digital I/O module, 24 DI / 8 DO, configurable channel grouping
AI208: Analog input module, 8-channel, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 16-bit resolution
AO208: Analog output module, 8-channel, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, galvanically isolated
AIO288: Mixed analog I/O module, 8 AI + 8 AO, single-slot form factor
CNT204: Counter/encoder module, 4-channel, incremental encoder input, 32-bit counter
ISI222: Serial interface module, 2-channel RS-232/RS-485, Modbus RTU master/slave
GMP232: Grid measurement and protection module, power quality analysis, IEC 61000
MPC240: CPU module, 400 MHz processor, M1 real-time OS, IEC 61131-3 runtime
MPC265: CPU module, enhanced processing, dual Ethernet onboard, extended memory
NT255: Power supply module, 24 VDC input, M1 rack bus power distribution
MX213: Multiplexer module, 13-slot expansion, remote I/O rack extension
MX220: Multiplexer module, 20-slot, high-density rack expansion for large I/O counts