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B42 Board Level PID Controller by Future Design Controls
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B42

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Power Input
Signal Input
Output 1
Output 2
Output 3
Output 4
Output 5
Display Board & Cable
Modbus Addressing

The Future Design Controls B42 is a powerful board-level profile ramp/soak PID controller engineered for OEMs, system integrators, and machine builders who need advanced temperature or process control in a compact embedded format.

Cost-Effective

High Performance Without the Price Tag!

Easy to Use

Simple Set-Up and Use

Short Lead Times

Average Days to Ship 2-3 Business Days

Delivering the full capability of our 1/4 DIN P41 single-loop controller in a board-level footprint, the B42 offers industry-leading flexibility, universal inputs, and robust profile programming ideally suited for ovens, furnaces, chambers, heaters, and multi-step process applications.

An optional display board provides temporary access for configuration and troubleshooting—perfect for panel builders and OEMs who need a streamlined embedded control solution without a permanent front interface.

 

Why Choose the B42?

Ramp/Soak Control + Universal Inputs + Flexible Output

The B42 is built for demanding industrial, scientific, and thermal processing applications requiring precise control, multi-segment profiling, and reliable communication. With up to 9 programmable profiles, 64 segments per profile, up to 4 control outputs, 200 ms scan rate, and Modbus RTU, the B42 provides the performance expected from a full PID controller—at the board level.

 

Key Features

Powerful Multi-Segment Profile Control

  • Up to 9 programs, each with up to 64 segments
  • Ramp, Soak, Guaranteed Soak (Holdback), Segment Jump, Repeats, Delayed Starts
  • Per-segment PID set selection, event outputs, SP ramp rate, timing modes
  • Robust power-fail recovery options

 

Universal High-Accuracy Inputs

  • Thermocouples: J, K, T, E, B, R, S, N, L, C, P
  • RTDs: PT100 DIN & PT100 JIS
  • Linear: 0–60 mV, 1–5 V, 0–5 V, 0–10 V, 0–20/4–20 mA
  • 18-bit resolution and 5 scans/sec

Flexible Output Options

  • PID or On/Off Control Outputs
  • Relay, SSR driver, triac, or analog outputs
  • Up to 4 control/alarm/event outputs
  • PV/SP retransmission options
  • Optional isolated transmitter power supply
  • RS232/485 Modbus RTU

 

Configurable Event Input

  • Run / Hold / Abort
  • Jump to next segment
  • Select PID Set #2
  • Manual Mode
  • Failure Transfer
  • Outputs-off safety mode

 

Program Control & Profile Configuration

Global Program Settings

  • Starting/Ending SP values
  • Delayed start (hh:mm)
  • Power fail recovery modes
  • Maximum holdback wait time

 

Segment-Level Settings

  • Target SP for ramps
  • Ramp rate (units/min or units/hr)
  • Dwell times
  • Event output assignments
  • PID set selection
  • Jump and repeat cycles
  • Holdback deviation bands

Specifications

B42 Technical Specifications

  • Power Input:
    • 90-250VAC, 47-630hz,12VA, 5W maximum
    • 11-26VDC / VAC, 12VA, 5W maximum is optional
  • Inputs:
    Universal Process Input:

    • Thermocouple: Types J, K, T, E, B, R, S, N, L, C & P
    • RTD: PT 100 ohm DIN and PT 100 JIS
    • Linear: 0-60mV, 1-5VDC, 0-5VDC, 0-10VDC and 0-20/4-20mA input (mA input special hardware order code)
    • Event Input: Dry Contact configurable to Run, Hold, Abort, Jump to next Segment within a profile, Manual Mode, Failure Transfer (pre-configured output status), Off (all outputs off) and selection of PID#2.
  • Input sample rate:
    • 5 scans/second
  • Input Resolution:
    • 18 Bit [262,144]
  • Control Outputs:
    Up to 2 isolated PID control outputs; to have two PID outputs #1 must be PID & output #2 is default PID Cool. Available hardware outputs are:

    • relay 2A/240 VAC resistive (SPST)
    • ssr driver – 5VDC/30mA or 14VDC/40mA
    • triac 1A/240VAC
    • 4-20/0-20mA into 500 ohms
    • 1-5/0-5VDC or 1-10/0-10VDC
  • Alarm or Event Outputs:
    The P41 has up to 3 and the P91 up to 2 configurable alarm or event outputs when Output #2 configured as an alarm or event. When Output #2 is a PID control output the P41 has up to 2 and the P91 has one alarm or event outputs. Available hardware for output #3 and specific to the P41output #4.

    •  relay 2A/240 VAC resistive (SPST except P41 output#3 SPDT)
    • ssr driver – 5VDC/30mA or 14VDC/40mA
    • triac 1A/240VAC
  • Retransmission PV or SP:
    • 0-20/4-20mA or 0-5/1-5VDC is available in lieu of alarm/event output #4 specific to the P41 output #5.
    • Multi-zone programming can be implemented by using SP retransmission to deliver a master setpoint to one, two, three or more client slave controllers with holdback from any client if PV deviates from SP value by more than a set value per slave controller (deviation or deviation band alarm/slave control wired to event input on P41/91 configured to hold the profile).
  • Transmitter Power Supply [isolated]
    Optional in lieu of control or alarm/event outputs; #2, # 3 & #4 and specific to the P41, output #5
  • Communications RS232/485 Modbus
    • Communications is available as Output #5.
  • Security:
    Software configurable

    • None: All parameters are unlocked
    • Password (0-9999) configurable
      • Without password no parameters may be changed.
      • With password all parameters are changeable
      • With password only Home Page (SEL) may be changed.
    • Set: Setup Configuration Data is locked
    • User: All data locked except SP#1 and alarms #1, #2 and #3. [total 4 outputs]
    • All: All data locked

Brochure & Order Matrix

User Manual

CAD Drawings / DIN Rail Option