In the context of increasing global demands for environmental sustainability (ESG), factories and plants are faced with the need to implement energy-saving solutions and reduce their carbon footprint. Energy monitoring plays a key role in solving these problems. In turn, ICP DAS has developed a new model of an advanced data concentrator for energy monitoring systems within the IIoT - PMC-2841M . The new model allows for the creation of efficient energy consumption control and management systems, for example, to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
PMC-2841M comes with new advanced functionality, but at the same time retaining all the key features from previous versions. The new model has the ability to monitor energy consumption via a WEB browser, control based on the "IF-THEN-ELSE" principle, support for various types of meters and the ability to send instant notifications. In addition, PMC-2841M has a significantly improved data storage protection and enhanced network security, allowing this model to be used in mission-critical enterprises.
Network security
PMC-2841M supports four VPN protocols: PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN and SoftEther. This allows you to create secure tunnels for data transfer between the device and the server. Such tunnels ensure secure data transfer, protecting the system from external threats and hacking attempts. This is especially important when integrating the device into industrial networks, where security plays a key role.
System security
The device uses HTTPS encryption to protect the communication channel between the user's WEB browser and PMC-2841M , which prevents data leakage and confidential information. In addition, SNMP v3 is supported – a protocol for secure management and monitoring of devices in a communication network, which includes encryption and authentication. This ensures that data on energy consumption and device configuration will be protected from unauthorized access.
Data protection
The measurement data of the PMC-2841M is stored in a microSD memory card (up to 2TB). All data logs received from the meters can be automatically sent via FTPS protocol, ensuring their secure transmission. Users can also manually download data using SFTP or FTPS, which makes working with data safe. The TLS protocol is used to encrypt the transmitted data, preventing its spoofing or interception.
Authentication security
PMC-2841M supports the ability to configure "black" and "white" lists to filter and restrict access to the device by IP addresses or domains. The dynamic "black" list function automatically blocks IP addresses after several unsuccessful login attempts, which protects the device from password brute-force attacks.
Supported functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Remote control interface | web |
| Energy consumption data collection | Collection and display of real-time and historical energy consumption data; Recording of energy consumption data and generation of statistical report on previously received data; Provision and display of PUE information. |
| Energy management | Built-in IF-THEN-ELSE logic module for advanced control functions; System control based on data from Modbus I/O modules and other third-party Modbus devices; Third-party equipment control functions (via Modbus TCP/RTU protocol); Sending notification/message via email, real-time and Telegram. |
| Integration with SCADA and IT/IoT systems | Supports Modbus TCP/RTU, MQTT, SNMP (v2c and v3) and CGI protocols for transmitting real-time energy consumption data; Logging energy consumption data and automatically sending files back via FTP with recovery after reconnecting to the network; Supports DDNS (Dynamic DNS) system; Compatible with Microsoft Azure, IBM Bluemix and Amazon Web Service; Supports ICP DAS Hotstar cloud software. |
| Ensuring information security | HTTPS encryption protocol for secure operation via the web interface; VPN client support (PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN and SoftEther protocols) SNMP v3 encryption protocol for secure connections to IT systems; SFTP and FTPS mechanisms to ensure encrypted file transfer via the TLS protocol. Configuring "black" and "white" lists for filtering and restricting access to the domain |
Comparison table of PMC series meters:
| Series name | PMC-2841M | PMC-5231 | PMC-2241M |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 64-bit ARM processor 1.6 GHz per core | Single-core 32-bit ARM processor 1 GHz | |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Base-TX × 2 | 10/100/1000 Base-TX × 1 | 10/100/1000 Base-TX × 2 |
| microSD slot | Yes (up to 2 TB) | Yes (up to 32 GB) | |
| Number of connected meters | Up to 48 meters* | Up to 24 meters** | |
| Web server | Https/Http | Http | |
| VPN | Yes | - | |
| Firewall | Yes (Blacklist/Whitelist) | - | |
| Send messages in real time | LINE line, WeChat , Telegram | LINE, WeChat | |
| FTP Client | Yes (SFTP/FTPS) | Yes | |
| FTP Server | Yes (TLS encryption support) | Yes | |
| SNMP | Yes (v2c/v3) | Yes (v1/v2c) | |
| Connecting to cloud services | Amazon Web Service (AWS), Microsoft Azure, IBM Bluemix | Microsoft Azure, IBM Bluemix | |
| Connecting to IoTstar | Yes | Yes | |
* Supports up to 48 modules (including ICP DAS power meters + Modbus I/O modules (up to 4 ICP DAS PM-4324 series power meters).
** Supports up to 24 ICP DAS power measurement modules + 8 I/O modules with Modbus (up to 4 ICP DAS PM-4324 series power meters).
For further technical information, inquiries about offers or placement of orders, please contact our sales team at sales@ipc2u.com
