The thermoregulators are made of stackable racks of the MPX family, in sizes that vary from 3 to 96 modules and that can accommodate several types of controllers.

The racks are completely passive but for the cooling fans: there are no active components that, in case of failures, could stop the operation of the whole thermoregulator. Each module is self contained, form the thermocouples input to the power unit, fuses include. We decided on this design option because:

• Thermoregulator expansion. Not all the positions in the rack have to be occupied by a module: a 12 slots mainframe could only have one single module. Sicem thermoregulators are always cabled as if all modules were in place: the missing modules can be added as needed, without specialized technicians intervention.
• Replacing modules.If needed, thermoregulators can be reconfigured using different controllers, more appropriate for the work at hand. Again: to replace a module is a very simple operation that can be made by the operator.
• Fuses replacement and power unit replacement Replacing fuses and power output unit are simple operations that can be carries, absolute safety, by the operator. It is enough to remove the module and replace the fuse before placing it back into the rack. The operation can be carried without stopping the whole thermoregulator and the only tool needed is a flat screwdriver.
• Racks cannot malfunction. No failure to a module can affect the other controllers installed in the mainframe. When necessary it is enough to replace the offending module without having to halt production output.
• Modules repairs. If a module stops operating properly, a very unlikely event, it is enough to remove it and replace it with a good one. The operation is very simple and the only part of the system that stops working is the one controlled by the offending module. If the object controlled by the module is not critical, the loss of production is minimal.

All Sicem modules are compatible and any module can be installed in any slot of any rack.

However, modules specifically design for the “Compacta²” line have double cablings because of their ability to handle redundancy and clustering: these modules inserted into “Compacta” will loose some of their functionality.

Power input is three phase 380-415V 50/60Hz with neutral (star connection). The mains cable is fixed. In models above 12 modules, the thermoregulator is protected by a thermal magnetic circuit breaker that limits the maximum power at 40kW.

Thermocouples and heater connectors:

• Thermoregulators of up to 6 modules have a single multi polar connector for heaters and thermocouples.
• Thermoregulators based on 12 slots mainframes are cabled in two different ways: two 24 poles connectors one for thermocouples and the other for the heaters, or the may be cabled using a single 48 poles connector.

A make/brake alarm connector is activated when anomalies are detected in the thermocouples, heaters and controllers.