A Programmable Control Module (PCM) provides direct digital control and monitoring for a wide range of HVAC and other applications. Typical uses include controlling air handling equipment, interfacing with water chilling units and boiler systems, and controlling pumps and cooling towers.

ICS Capability

The PCM extends the Trane ICS technology to existing, auxiliary, and non-Trane equipment. A PCM communicates with a Tracer building control system over a single communication link.

Software Capabilities

The PCM has the flexibility to provide custom standalone control sequences using Process Control Language (PCL). The PCL routines are programmable and can perform logical and mathematical calculations.

The PCM also provides direct digital control (DDC) loops, which are separate software modules, enabling proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) control of modulating devices. The operator can define PID gains along with high and low output limits. The PCL routines and DDC loops can execute as frequently as once every five seconds.

Both the PCL and DDC software provide special testing capabilities for the custom control sequences. Each PCL routine can be manually executed, one statement at a time, in a special test mode to allow the operator to verify the program logic. The performance of each DDC loop can be graphically plotted to assist the operator in tuning the loop.

PCM programs are written and compiled on a PC using PCM Edit software. This software also allows the operator to access the PCM to perform the following functions:

• Modify parameters
• Edit the display setup
• View input/output status
• Use the PCL test function
• Plot DDC loops
• Manually control the PCM outputs

Hardware Description

Three versions of the PCM are available:

• Standard ambient: NEMA Type 1 metal enclosure (32 to 120° F, 0 to 49° C)
• Extended ambient: NEMA Type 1 metal enclosure (-40 to 158° F, -40 to 70° C)
• Weatherproof NEMA Type 4 metal enclosure suitable for outdoor use (-40 to 158° F, -40 to 70° C)

An optional display and keypad include a 2-line by 20-character LCD that can display up to 32 status and control points.

Universal Programmable Control Module

The Universal Programmable Control Module, or Universal PCM, is a programmable, direct digital controller that provides control and monitoring for a wide range of equipment. Typical uses include controlling air handling units, monitoring chiller plants including pumps and cooling towers, and serving as a central point gathering panel.

ICS Capability

As part of the ICS family and as an extension of the existing PCM, the Universal PCM provides flexible, independent control for a variety of applications. Because of its flexibility, the Universal PCM can provide control of both Trane and non-Trane products. The Universal PCM communicates with the Tracer 100 series (L, 100, and 100i) and the Tracer Summit family of products via an ICS communication link.

Software Capabilities

Like the PCM, the Universal PCM has the flexibility of customized control sequences using UPCM Edit software. Each Universal PCM supports 25 PCL routines and 20 DDC loops, which can execute at a maximum frequency of one second.