What is the best single document to review Bedrock product specifications, features and benefits?
The Bedrock® OSA® Platform Specifications which can be found here.
What is Black Fabric® Communication?
The Black Fabric® communication consists of galvanically isolated, full-duplex communication channels. One or two channels are dedicated to the SPM modules while the remaining channels are dedicated to SIO modules. The number of channels available for controllers, SPMs, and I/O modules is dependent upon the BMI and Controller Type.
Each SIO module has the connections to a Controller. Each SIO module has a dedicated full-duplex four-wire bus connecting the Controllers and SIO modules. This allows a Controller to receive SIO data directly into its registers.
Why does the Bedrock System feel hot?
The entire system works as a large heat sink. A typical controller will release its heat using convection out of vents. The Bedrock controller uses conduction to pull heat from the components. The module cases act as heatsinks, which allow the boards to run at uniform temperatures, eliminating hotspots, and prolonging the life of the boards.
What are the environmental conditions of the Bedrock system?
The storage temperature and humidity of the hardware is -40°C to 85°C and 5% to 95% non-condensing humidity.
The operating temperature is dependent upon the BMI type and type of power supplied to a single SPM. The operating temperatures are summarized:

NOTE: The maximum operating temperature for SIO4.E and UCG.5 modules when using PoE is 70°C. The maximum operating temperature for SIO4.E and UCG.5 modules when not using PoE is 80°C.
*The SPS input voltage range is 85 to 264 VAC
What is MRAM?
All Bedrock Controllers have configurable magneto resistive RAM (MRAM) available, up to 252 kB. This allows control programs to have access for storage and retrieval of persistent or retained variables. The values of persistent and retained variables persist during power cycles without the need of an energy storage device (i.e. PLC battery).
What is the minimum scan period?
The minimum scan period is 3ms
What are the differences between the UCG and 4.E modules?
The UCG and 4.E are both modules used for Ethernet communication. The 4.E is limited to Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and communication with the UPS/SPS. The UCG can do everything the 4.E can plus acts as an OPC UA server and can run Codesys applications. The UCG also contains 128 MB of RAM and 252 KB of MRAM.
Are the I/O modules hot swappable?
Yes, the I/O modules are hot swappable.
What redundancy options are available for the Bedrock hardware?
The BMI.10 and BMI.20 both have the option of redundant power, control, and I/O when using SCCs
What options are available for Remote I/O?
Additional BMIs can be added to a system and peer to peer communication can be established between controllers.
What are the OSA Remote, SPM, SPS, and UPS Input Voltages?
SCC vs SCS vs OSA Remote?
The OSA Remote is designed to provide remote applications with power, control, and I/O in a single transportable unit that can be configured and programmed on a desktop and then mounted at a remote location. Each OSA Remote provides either ten or twenty universal, secure input/output channels, in addition, to support for serial and Ethernet I/O.
Secure Control and Communication (SCC) Controllers support up to twenty SIO modules, provide a second Ethernet port, and offer Controller redundancy. Redundant power is also supported.
Secure Controller Single (SCS) Controllers are available in the two models described below. Redundant Controllers are not supported by either model.
- SCS.10 Controllers support up to ten SIO modules
- SCS.5 Controllers support up to five SIO modules
- Redundant power is supported for SCS Controllers when mounted on a BMI.10 or BMI.20
What is the most cost-effective way to scale up to a Redundant DCS-like system?
When initially designing a system, use BMI.10 or BMI.20 backplanes. This will ensure that CPU redundancy can be achieved by simply adding an SCC to slot 2 of the BMI. Competing automation manufactures need more than one backplane to implement redundancy, where Bedrock accomplishes it with just one.
Does being the chip manufacturer allow for faster turn-around time for returns or replacements?
Being the chip manufacturer does not allow for faster returns or replacements, that would depend on the inventory maintained at Bedrock. However, it does allow us to ensure the non-obsolescence of our products.
What are the benefits of “no-active electronic” backplane and why?
The Backplane Magnetic Interconnect (BMI) is Bedrock’s passive backplane, which provides mechanical support and electrical connection for the controller, SPM, and SIO modules. Any combination of SIO modules can be installed in slots 1 through 5, 10, or 20 (depending on the model). The orientation of the SIO modules does not matter and modules can be flipped to make wiring easier. However, the slots/orientation for the controllers and power modules are fixed.
What should the Interface be when configuring an ethernet port?
Where can the SPS and UPS be mounted?
Both the SPS and UPS were designed with the intent of being mounted externally to the control enclosure. Both units are compliant with IP66/67 (dust tight, protection against water jets, and immersion) and NEMA ratings 4, 5, and 6 (watertight, dust tight, and immersible). Options for mounting include pipe or panel.
What is the typical holdup time for the UPS?
What are some reliability benefits of using a UPS and SPS on a Bedrock OSA system?
When utilizing the SPS and UPS with an SPM.U (universal BMI power module), wiring can be done to allow the ability of taking either the SPS or UPS offline for maintenance purposes without affecting the BMI and its’ modules. The UPS does not require battery maintenance and the life expectancy of the UPS is 25+ years.
Can an SPS and or UPS be used with any other PLC or DCS?
Yes, the SPS and or UPS can complement any PLC or DCS and provide a reliable cybersecure power solution.
How do you configure an SPS and UPS?
Configuration parameters for the both the SPS and UPS are accessed via the Device Management Tool in the Bedrock IDE software. The Device Management Tool is also where the SPS and UPS network configuration is located.
What methods are used to monitor the values and diagnostics within the SPS and UPS?
Any HMI or SCADA software that supports OPC UA will be able to monitor any and all diagnostic values from the SPS and UPS.
Can the SPS and UPS be used without Ethernet communications?
Yes. Both units ship with a default configuration.