Bachmann RTF Series Modules: 2017502-001 2021055-001 2017501-006 2022031-001 2017500-001 2017500-002 2017503-001 2017504-001 2021050-001 2021051-001 2021052-001 2022030-001 2022032-001 2022033-001 2023010-001 — Models

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Bachmann RTF Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Bachmann RTF series constitutes a primary I/O and fieldbus interface layer within Bachmann electronic's M1 modular automation platform. This hardware family is deployed across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical refineries, offshore wind energy installations, nuclear auxiliary systems, and continuous-process chemical plants. Bachmann's M1 platform — of which the RTF series forms a critical subsystem — holds a substantial installed base in European and Asian industrial facilities, with operational lifecycle spans routinely exceeding 15–20 years. Procurement of RTF series components is a persistent maintenance requirement for plant engineering teams managing aging DCS and PLC infrastructure. The RTF designation covers real-time fieldbus interface modules, digital and analog I/O expansion cards, CPU-adjacent processing units, and power supply modules engineered for deterministic control in safety-relevant environments.

The Evolution of RTF Series Architecture

Bachmann electronic GmbH (headquartered in Feldkirch, Austria) introduced the M1 modular controller platform in the early 1990s, targeting wind turbine control and industrial process automation. The RTF series modules were developed as the fieldbus and I/O interface layer, providing deterministic communication between M1 CPU modules and field devices via CANopen, PROFIBUS-DP, EtherCAT, and Modbus RTU/TCP.

Pre-2005 (Generation 1): Proprietary backplane communication at 5 V TTL logic levels with fixed-slot addressing. Limited channel density on analog cards. No hot-swap support. Firmware updates required physical EPROM replacement on select models.

2005–2015 (Generation 2): Hot-swap capability introduced on select I/O modules. Expanded analog channel density (8-channel standard). Redundancy support added for CPU and power supply modules. Firmware update via Ethernet using SolutionCenter engineering software.

Post-2015 (Generation 3): Full IEC 61131-3 programming environment integration. Onboard web server diagnostics. Expanded protocol support including EtherCAT and OPC-UA. Improved EMC shielding for harsh industrial environments.

Compatibility between generations is constrained by backplane revision and firmware version. Mixing Generation 1 and Generation 3 modules in the same rack requires careful firmware alignment and is not universally supported. For facilities operating legacy RTF racks, sourcing exact-revision replacement modules is the only reliable maintenance path.

RTF Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified Bachmann RTF series and M1 platform modules, classified by function. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware role within the M1 rack architecture.

CPU / Controller Modules
2017500-001: M1 CPU module, base variant, 32 MB RAM, single Ethernet, real-time OS
2017500-002: M1 CPU module, extended variant, 64 MB RAM, dual Ethernet, enhanced I/O scan
2017501-006: RTF CPU module variant, M1 platform, extended memory, high-cycle application support
2017502-001: RTF real-time fieldbus interface module, CANopen master, 1-channel, M1 rack-mount

Fieldbus & Communication Modules
2017503-001: RTF PROFIBUS-DP master module, 1-channel, up to 12 Mbit/s, M1 rack
2017504-001: RTF EtherCAT master module, 1-channel, 100 Mbit/s, real-time Ethernet
2024001-001: RTF Modbus TCP/RTU gateway module, dual-port Ethernet, protocol bridging
2025001-001: RTF rack termination and bus extension module, M1 platform backplane

Digital Input (DI) Modules
2021055-001: RTF digital input module, 32-channel, 24 VDC, M1 backplane compatible
2021051-001: RTF digital input module, 16-channel, 120 VAC, M1 backplane, AC-rated
2026010-001: RTF encoder/counter input module, 4-channel, 24 VDC, 1 MHz max frequency

Digital Output (DO) Modules
2021050-001: RTF digital output module, 32-channel, 24 VDC, 0.5 A per channel
2021052-001: RTF digital output module, 16-channel, relay contact, 250 VAC rated

Analog Input (AI) Modules
2022030-001: RTF analog input module, 8-channel, 4–20 mA, 16-bit resolution
2022032-001: RTF analog input module, 4-channel, ±10 V, high-speed sampling, 1 kHz
2022033-001: RTF thermocouple input module, 8-channel, type J/K/T/E, cold-junction compensated

Analog Output (AO) Modules
2022031-001: RTF analog output module, 8-channel, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V selectable, M1 rack

Power Supply Modules
2023010-001: RTF power supply module, 24 VDC input, 5 A backplane output, M1 rack
2023011-001: RTF redundant power supply module, hot-swap capable, M1 rack, failover support

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete RTF Series Parts

The Bachmann RTF series has entered a mature and extended-support lifecycle phase for early-generation hardware. Bachmann electronic no longer manufactures select pre-2010 RTF module variants, and OEM lead times for in-production models can extend to 16–26 weeks due to component supply constraints. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of both current-production and discontinued RTF series modules, sourced through authorized secondary-market channels and decommissioned plant buybacks.

For plant operators requiring exact hardware revision matches — critical when replacing modules in validated safety systems or certified wind turbine control platforms — DriveKNMS provides revision-level identification prior to shipment. Modules are cross-referenced against Bachmann's published hardware revision tables to confirm backplane and firmware compatibility with the target rack configuration. Emergency same-week dispatch is available for stocked items. Long-term maintenance agreements covering multi-year spare parts reservation are available on request.

Quality Control for the RTF Series Range

RTF series modules incorporate Bachmann's proprietary M1 backplane bus protocol, which requires functional validation beyond standard power-on testing. DriveKNMS applies a multi-stage inspection protocol to all RTF series units:

1. Visual Inspection: PCB condition, connector pin integrity, conformal coating status, and revision label verification.
2. Backplane Communication Test: Each module is seated in a reference M1 rack and polled via SolutionCenter diagnostic tools to confirm bus enumeration and slot addressing.
3. Functional Channel Test: All I/O channels are exercised at rated voltage/current. Analog modules are tested for linearity and offset error against datasheet specifications. Digital modules are tested for switching threshold and response time.
4. Fieldbus Protocol Test: Communication modules (CANopen, PROFIBUS-DP, EtherCAT, Modbus) are tested against a reference master/slave device to confirm frame integrity and timing compliance.
5. Burn-In: Modules are operated at rated load for a minimum of 4 hours at elevated ambient temperature (50°C) to screen for early-life failures.
6. Final Documentation: Test results, hardware revision, and firmware version are recorded and included with each shipment.