In the evolution of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and predictive maintenance, edge computing is becoming a key bridge connecting field sensors and IT systems. The MCM-204 launched by ADLINK is an independent Ethernet Data Acquisition (DAQ) edge platform designed specifically for distributed vibration monitoring and status detection. Unlike traditional card DAQ, MCM-204 is equipped with a Cortex-A9 processor RESTful API、 The streaming SDK and web-based configuration console can collect raw vibration signals while completing data preprocessing such as FFT, power spectrum, and direct frequency (OA) at the edge, significantly reducing network bandwidth and backend server computational pressure. This article will systematically review the deployment process and core practices of MCM-204 from hardware installation, network configuration, web console operation, DAQ task settings, custom filtering algorithms to typical application scenarios, providing on-site engineers and system integrators with an immediately implementable technical reference.
Hardware installation and interface specifications
MCM-204 adopts a compact metal shell (110.5 × 40 × 126.5 mm), with a protection level of IP30, and supports two installation methods: DIN rail and wall mounting (wall mounting bracket is an optional accessory, P/N 34-51112-0000). Its interface layout is clear and divided into the following categories:
1.1 Analog Input (BNC)
4-channel synchronous sampling, 24 bit Δ - ∑ ADC, maximum sampling rate of 128 kS/s, adjustable gear: 1 k、2k、4k、8k、16k、32k、64k、128k。
The input range can be selected as ± 10 V or ± 1.25 V, with pseudo differential input and switchable coupling mode DC/AC.
IEPE incentive: Each channel provides a 4 mA constant current source, compliant with a voltage of+24 V, which can directly drive the IEPE accelerometer without the need for an external regulator.
Overvoltage protection ± 50 V, input impedance 200 k Ω (between positive and negative terminals), negative terminal to analog ground 115 Ω, analog ground to chassis isolation 1.5 kVDC.
Frequency response: -3 dB bandwidth of 0.43 x sampling rate, passband flatness of ± 0.01 dB (10 Hz~10 kHz), AC cut-off frequencies of 0.4 Hz (-3 dB) and 2.4 Hz (-0.1 dB).
1.2 Isolated digital I/O (6-pin spring terminal)
4 channels, each channel can be independently configured as input or output (set through the web console).
Input logic level: Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V; Output is open drain and supports 5V TTL.
Special feature: DI0 supports tachometer input (0.6 Hz~500 kHz) or external digital trigger input.
1.3 Temperature sensor input
Comes with TI LMT01 digital temperature sensor (with 3-meter cable), measuring range -50 ℃~150 ℃, can be used to monitor motor housing or ambient temperature.
1.4 Dual Gigabit Ethernet and USB
Two RJ-45 ports share the same MAC address and support cascading (daisy chain), but circular connections are prohibited to prevent network communication failure.
The default static IP is 169.254.1.1, which can also be automatically obtained through DHCP or link local mode.
The USB 2.0 port is only for use with Wi Fi dongles (please consult ADLINK for support models).
1.5 Reset pin and LED indicator light
Press and hold the reset hole with a paper clip for 3 seconds to restore the factory settings (network settings can be selected to be retained).
Four LEDs on the front panel: PWR (power), SYS (system status), I/O (data acquisition activity), USB (device read-write).
Power supply and start-up process
MCM-204 adopts a 9-30 VDC wide voltage input (optional 40W AC-DC adapter, P/N 31-62138-0000), The maximum power consumption is 8.8 W. The terminal block is spring type, and it is recommended to use a straight screwdriver to press the orange release hole and insert the wire.
Start sequence:
First, connect the Ethernet cable to the PC or switch, and then turn on the power (if the cable is not connected before startup, the device will enter a self check process of about 3 minutes).
The PWR LED remains constantly red, while the SYS LED flashes red for about 35 seconds before turning green, indicating that the system is ready.
Set the same network segment IP (such as 169.254.1. x) or enable DHCP/link local on the PC for browser access http://169.254.1.1 Or log in to the web console using the device hostname (provided on the label).
Default username: administrator, password: Adlink6166.

Full functional analysis of web console
The core management interface of MCM-204 is the built-in web console (Chrome browser is recommended), which can complete all configurations without installing dedicated software. The main menu includes:
3.1 System Information
Display firmware version, hardware information, I/O channel status, network parameters, and runtime. Can serve as a diagnostic entry point.
3.2 Peripheral Management
Real time viewing of the current level status of 4 DI/O channels, and the ability to switch the input/output direction of each channel. Simultaneously display the temperature sensor reading.
3.3 Data History
Retrieve stored historical collection data by time period (if data persistence is enabled).
3.4 Mission Management
Mission is the core concept of MCM-204, which includes parameter sets such as sampling rate, trigger source, repetition rate, and data type. The device automatically executes the previous task after each startup (if the number of repetitions is set to 0, it means an infinite loop). You can create, delete, or switch tasks here.
3.5 System Setting
Host name modification: facilitates network recognition.
Retain network settings: Even if reset from the factory, the current IP can still be retained to avoid remote device loss.
Data persistence: By default, historical data only exists in RAM and is lost during power outages. After activation, it can be saved to a 300MB dedicated area of 4GB eMMC internally (using LRU elimination strategy).
Equipment calibration: Although calibrated at the factory, software self calibration can be performed after long-term use or temperature drift (without the need for an external signal source).
Firmware upgrade: You can upload the upgrade package (. bin file) downloaded from the official website.
Custom Algorithm Upload: Used to import user written signal processing algorithms (see Section 6 for details).
3.6 TCP Socket Configuration
MCM-204 can act as a TCP client and actively send data to remote servers. Configure server IP and ports, and map different ports for different channels. The connection status can be monitored on the interface and supports reconnecting all.
3.7 Account Management
Supports multi-user accounts and allows for the modification of default passwords (it is strongly recommended to set a separate password for each device).
DAQ task configuration and data types
4.1 Basic parameter settings
On the "Device Setting" page, users configure:
Trigger source: software trigger, analog trigger (level), digital trigger (from DI0), or front panel button.
Repetition interval: The interval (in milliseconds) between two acquisitions. Note that the complexity of the filtering algorithm may affect the actual interval.
Repetition count: 0 represents infinite loop; Warning: When using a custom algorithm for the first time, it is recommended to set it to 1 and try again to 10. After confirming that there are no errors, change it to 0.
Sampling rate and number of data points: Both determine the duration of the collection window (data points/sampling rate=time length).
4.2 Data Type (DataType)
Each analog input channel can simultaneously output multiple data types (supporting the addition of multiple DataTypes). The built-in types include:
Data type description
Raw Data ADC raw 24 bit binary complement code
Convert Voltage to Voltage Value (Unit: V)
FFT_PowerSpec power spectrum (FFT amplitude squared)
OA_g (RMS) Direct value, unit g (RMS)
OA_g (Peak) Direct value, unit g (peak value)
OA_mm/s (RMS) velocity direct frequency value (mm/s effective value)
OA_mm/s (Peak) Speed Direct Value (mm/s Peak)
OA_um (P-P) displacement frequency value (micron peak to peak)
G acceleration (requires sensor sensitivity conversion)
Customization User defined Algorithm Output
These predefined OA values strictly follow the ISO 10816 standard and can be directly used for evaluating the vibration intensity of rotating machinery.
4.3 Condition Alarm (Add Condition)
Threshold judgment can be set, and when the data exceeds the set upper and lower limits, an alarm message will be generated on the "Data Condition" page for quick identification of anomalies on site.
4.4 Mission Profile
All settings can be exported as JSON files for batch cloning to other MCM-204 devices or as backup and recovery.
Four working modes and API selection
MCM-204 provides four typical usage scenarios based on data acquisition frequency and interaction methods:
5.1 Portable DAQ/Initial Configuration (Web Console)
Directly accessing the console through a browser, manually triggering data collection and real-time viewing of waveform charts, suitable for laboratory debugging or temporary inspections.
5.2 Periodic Polling (REST API)
Suitable for routine monitoring that obtains status values every minute or hour. MCM-204 provides complete RESTful API documentation (available in the console menu), along with Python, C #, and JavaScript example code. IT engineers can easily integrate device status into enterprise monitoring systems and return data in JSON format.
5.3 Continuous Streaming SDK
If continuous collection of raw data is required (such as transient analysis or fault diagnosis), the Streaming SDK written in C/C++can be used for real-time transmission through DDS (Data Distribution Service). Note:
DDS functionality needs to be enabled in the web console.
The host and MCM-204 must be on the same network segment.
Do not use REST API to query continuous data simultaneously to avoid conflicts.
The SDK download and examples are located on the product page, and the installation path is C: ADLINK MCM MCM200 (Windows host).
5.4 Passive Data Push (TCP Socket Client)
For backend servers that do not wish to actively poll, MCM-204 can be configured as a TCP client. Once new data is generated, it will immediately establish a connection and push the data. This approach is suitable for event driven alarm or low bandwidth scenarios.
Selection guide: If the data query frequency is less than 1 Hz, REST is preferred; If>10 Hz and complete waveform is required, select Streaming; If the server passively receives, select TCP Socket.
Import custom filtering algorithm
The strength of MCM-204 lies in allowing users to run domain specific algorithms (such as bearing feature frequency extraction, envelope demodulation, etc.) directly at the edge, outputting only results and reducing data volume. The import process is as follows:
Prepare the compilation environment: Download the Linaro ARM cross compilation toolchain (gcc-linaro-6.2.1-2016.11).
Get sample code: Download CustomizadAlgo.zip from the product page, which includes CalRMS (C example) and CalStatistics (C++example).
Compile: Extract the toolchain and examples to the same path, execute the make command in the CalRMS folder, and generate the customAlgo.so dynamic library.
Upload: Upload the. so file through the "Customization Library Upload" option in the "System Settings" section of the web console.
Usage: After logging in again, select "Customization" in the data type and fill in the required parameters (such as window length, filter coefficient, etc.). After applying the task, you can view the output results of the custom algorithm on the data capture page.
Note: Custom algorithms must comply with the specified function interfaces (see example code for details), link to standard libraries during compilation, and ensure that the algorithm execution time does not exceed the set repetition interval.
Key points for maintenance and troubleshooting
7.1 System Reset
Soft reset: Restart through the web console.
Factory reset: Press and hold the reset button for 3 seconds (if "Keep network settings" is enabled, the IP will remain unchanged, and the rest will be restored to default).
7.2 Precautions for Network Cascading
Only supports linear cascading and cannot form loops, otherwise broadcast storms may cause devices to go offline.
After cascading, all devices share the same network segment and use their respective IP or hostname for access.
7.3 Data Persistence Capacity
Only 300MB internal storage, suitable for storing recent historical data. If long-term archiving is required, it is recommended to periodically transfer to the backend database through TCP Socket or REST.
7.4 Power Stability
Despite the wide voltage input, voltage fluctuations or transient spikes may cause system restarts. It is recommended to use a regulated power supply and pay attention to EFT protection (the equipment has passed the IEC 61000-4-4 2kV level).
7.5 Temperature Sensor Installation
The sensor cable is up to 3 meters long and has a measurement range of -50~150 ℃, suitable for temperature measurement on the surface of motor bearing seats or gearboxes. Ensure that the sensor is in close contact with the measured surface.
7.6 Firmware Upgrade Process
Download the firmware file from the official website and upload it to the web console. Do not turn off the power during the upgrade process, and the device will automatically restart after completion.
