EasyIO FW-28 Main Control Module

EASYIO FW-28 MAIN CONTROL MODULE

The EasyIO FW-28 is an industrial-grade, 28-point programmable IP and Wi-Fi field controller designed for direct digital control (DDC) across marine machinery spaces, offshore accommodations, industrial HVAC plants, and enterprise building automation networks.

Built on a dual-core architecture featuring a 560 MHz Qualcomm primary processor paired with a dedicated 48 MHz ARM Cortex coprocessor, the FW-28 delivers deterministic I/O processing and edge-computing capability. It natively runs an embedded HTML5 web server with dynamic dashboarding, SQLite database logging up to 6,000 records, and live logic commissioning via EasyIO CPT (Contemporary Programming Tools).

The unit integrates dual switched 10/100Base-T Ethernet ports for daisy-chain topology (spanning tree protocol support), an isolated RS-485 serial communication port, and an IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi transceiver operating as an Access Point, Client, or Repeater.

Key Hardware & Firmware Features

1. Dual-Core Processing & Edge Intelligence: 560 MHz Qualcomm processor and 48 MHz ARM Cortex sub-processor backed by 128 MB RAM and 32 MB Flash memory ensure ultra-fast execution loops, native trend logging, and real-time alarming without host latency.
2. High-Density 28-Point Onboard I/O: Configured with 16 Universal Inputs (voltage, resistance, digital contact, dry pulse), 8 Digital Relay Outputs (SPST 24 VAC dry contacts with physical LED indicators), and 4 Analog Outputs (0–10 VDC at 12-bit DAC resolution).
3. Multi-Protocol Marine & Industrial Gateway: Simultaneous multiprotocol routing supporting BACnet/IP (Client/Server), BACnet MS/TP, Modbus TCP/RTU (Master/Slave), MQTT, Sox, TCOM, and EasyIO Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communication.
4. Robust Networking & Redundant Daisy-Chaining: Dual 10/100Base-T non-bridged Ethernet ports support daisy chaining up to 9 controllers linearly, or up to 30 units in a ring using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), alongside 802.1x enterprise Wi-Fi security.
5. Embedded HTML5 Web Visualization: Host responsive graphic dashboards, equipment schematics, and live system monitoring directly from the controller’s onboard web server without requiring dedicated client software or runtime license fees.

System Compatibility & I/O Expansion

• Expansion Modules: Fully compatible with the EasyIO FD-20i display/I/O expansion unit to expand universal input channels.
• Auxiliary Relay Modules: Integrates seamlessly with the EasyIO FR-02 floating relay module for tri-state valve and damper actuators.
• Host Supervisory Systems: Operates as a native BACnet/IP device under Johnson Controls Metasys, Tridium Niagara Framework (AX, N4, JACE 8000/9000, Niagara Edge 10), Schneider Electric EcoStruxure, Siemens Desigo, and standard MQTT industrial IoT brokers.
• Peer-to-Peer Interoperability: Native P2P token-ring data sharing across EasyIO FS, FG+, FW, and FT series controllers.

Part Number Cross-References & Equivalent Units

• Johnson Controls / EasyIO Code: EASYIO-FW-28
• Documentation Part Numbers: LIT-12013879, LIT-1901215
• Alternative Modular Assemblies: EasyIO FW-8 (8-point compact variant), EasyIO FT-042

Marine, Industrial & Facility Applications

• Vessel HVAC & Accommodation Air Handling: Complete closed-loop modulation of multi-stage Marine Air Handling Units (AHUs), fresh-air makeup systems, chiller secondary loops, and fan coil units.
• Engine Room & Auxiliary Machinery Monitoring: Interfacing exhaust gas temperature RTDs, scavenge air manifold pressure transducers, sea chest cooling valve positioners, and fuel oil transfer pumps.
• Cold Storage & Galley Refrigeration Direct Digital Control: Continuous data logging, evaporator coil defrost cycling, expansion valve positioning, and temperature limit alarming under HACCP standards.
• Boiler Plant & Heat Exchanger Skids: Precision 0–10V modulating control for steam control valves, primary/secondary circulating pump VFDs, and differential pressure flow optimization.
• Cleanroom & Industrial Extraction Scrubbers: Pressure cascade differential management across containment zones utilizing high-accuracy 12-bit analog input channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What software is used to program the EasyIO FW-28 controller?

The FW-28 is programmed using EasyIO CPT (Contemporary Programming Tools), a free-license visual drag-and-drop block logic tool that allows live wire-sheet programming, configuration, and real-time debugging over IP or Wi-Fi.

Can the EasyIO FW-28 communicate over BACnet/IP and Modbus RTU at the same time?

Yes. The controller features concurrent multi-protocol processing. It can act as a BACnet/IP server to a supervisory building management system while simultaneously polling Modbus RTU power meters or variable frequency drives via its onboard RS-485 serial port.

How does the dual-Ethernet port daisy-chaining work on the FW-28?

The two 10/100Base-T Ethernet ports operate via an internal non-bridged switch. This architecture allows up to 9 controllers to be daisy-chained in a standard line without requiring external panel switches, or up to 30 controllers in a resilient ring topology using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).

What is the maximum load capacity for the FW-28 Digital Relay Outputs?

The 8 onboard digital outputs are SPST Normally Open dry contacts rated for 24V AC or 24V DC at 0.5 A pilot duty (48 VA). For heavier electrical loads, such as high-voltage contactors or heavy inductive heaters, external interposing relays must be installed.

Is the EasyIO FW-28 suitable for marine and offshore automation installations?

Yes. With its wide DC input voltage tolerance (+20% / -15%), compact 35mm DIN-rail footprint, 12-bit ADC signal resolution, and vibration-resistant chassis, the FW-28 is widely deployed across commercial vessels and offshore platforms for AHU management, refrigeration control, and auxiliary machinery monitoring.