Kongsberg | C4xe | Generator Monitoring And Control Module | Rev. C3

The Kongsberg C4xe is a high-reliability industrial module specifically designed for the comprehensive monitoring and control of marine and land-based power generators. As part of the Kongsberg Maritime K-Chief or AutoChief automation families, the C4xe acts as an intelligent interface for engine and alternator parameters. It is engineered to handle critical safety functions, including overspeed protection, alarm management, and automatic start/stop sequences. The “Rev. C3” designation indicates a hardware revision optimized for improved thermal management and enhanced communication stability over the system’s dual-redundant CAN-bus or Ethernet networks.

Product Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Kongsberg Maritime

  • Model Number: C4xe

  • Revision: C3

  • Device Type: Generator Monitoring and Control Unit

  • Supply Voltage: Dual 24 VDC inputs for redundancy

  • Analog Inputs: PT100/PT1000 sensors, 4-20mA, and 0-10V signals (Engine temp, oil pressure, etc.)

  • Digital I/O: Configurable inputs for status monitoring and relay outputs for control logic

  • Communication Interface: Dual Redundant CAN-bus / LAN (System dependent)

  • Protection Class: IP20 (Cabinet mounted)

  • Operating Temperature: -15°C to +70°C

  • Dimensions: 165 mm x 115 mm x 45 mm (Approximate)

  • Weight: 0.62 kg (1.37 lbs)

  • Country of Origin: Norway

Application Fields

  • Marine Propulsion: Real-time monitoring of main auxiliary engines on commercial vessels and offshore platforms.

  • Power Management Systems (PMS): Integrated control for load sharing and synchronization between multiple generator sets.

  • Emergency Power Units: Automated start-up and health monitoring for backup hospital or data center generators.

  • Oil & Gas: Monitoring of gas turbines and diesel generators in hazardous area control rooms.

  • Industrial Microgrids: Coordination of decentralized power sources in remote manufacturing facilities.

Product Instructions

The Kongsberg C4xe Rev. C3 should be installed in a vibration-damped control cabinet. Before mounting the unit to the DIN rail, ensure that the power supply is within the 18–32 VDC range. Connect the analog sensors using twisted-pair shielded cables to minimize electromagnetic interference from the high-voltage alternator environment. The dual communication ports must be connected to independent network segments if redundancy is required by the system architecture. During the initial setup, the module’s node address is typically configured via onboard DIP switches or through the Kongsberg configuration tool. Status LEDs on the front faceplate provide immediate feedback: a flashing green “Status” LED indicates normal operation, while a steady red “Alarm” LED signifies a tripped safety parameter or a module hardware fault.

Q&A: Common Questions

What are the key improvements in Revision C3? Revision C3 features updated internal components that offer better resistance to long-term heat exposure and improved signal filtering for analog inputs, which reduces “noise” in high-vibration engine room environments.

Can the C4xe operate independently of a central PMS? Yes, for basic safety and monitoring functions, the C4xe can operate as a standalone unit. However, for advanced features like automatic load sharing and remote visualization, it must be networked with a Kongsberg K-Chief system.

How do I handle a ‘Sensor Failure’ alarm? Check the wiring continuity between the C4xe and the specific sensor (e.g., oil pressure). If the wiring is intact, verify the sensor’s resistance or current output. The C4xe can detect “Open Loop” or “Short Circuit” conditions and will report these specifically through the monitoring software.

Is this module hot-swappable? While the module can physically be removed, it is strongly recommended to de-energize the unit first to avoid data corruption on the communication bus. If replaced, the new unit must be configured with the correct node ID to be recognized by the network.

Related Model Recommendations

  • Kongsberg C2 (Compact Monitoring Module)

  • Kongsberg C4 (Standard Version)

  • Kongsberg RIO-C1 (Remote I/O Module)

  • Kongsberg P3 (Power Supply Module)

  • Kongsberg GT400 (Pressure Transmitter series)

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