Introduction: Expansion of human-machine interface for generator control
In modern generator control systems, the flexibility and accessibility of human-machine interfaces (HMI) are directly related to operational efficiency and system safety. As a leading global manufacturer of generator set controllers, DEIF's Multi line 2 series controllers provide powerful generator set management capabilities. The Option X (Additional Display and Operation Panel) option further expands the system's operational boundaries, allowing users to monitor and control the system from different locations through multiple display units and operation panels.
This article is based on the official technical document 4189340702e of DEIF, and provides a detailed analysis of the three sub options of Option X - X2, X3, and X4, covering hardware description, wiring method, configuration steps, and functional characteristics. It provides a professional and complete technical reference for generator integrators, electrical engineers, and maintenance personnel.
Chapter 1 Overview of Option X
1.1 Applicable Controller Models
Option X is applicable to the following Multi line 2 series controllers:
Software version required for controller model
AGC-4 Mk II 6.0. x or higher
AGC-4 4.0. x or higher
AGC-3 3.3. x or higher
GPC-3/GPU-3 Hydro 3.0. x or higher
PPM 3.0. x or higher
PPU-3/GPU-3 3.0. x or higher
1.2 Composition of Options
Option X contains three sub options, each corresponding to different expansion requirements:
The option includes the maximum number of component connection methods
X2 DU-2 (display unit) CAN bus up to 3
X3 AOP-1 (operation panel) serial communication up to 1 per DU-2
X4 AOP-2 (operation panel) CAN bus up to 5
1.3 Overview of System Architecture
The core design concept of Option X is to connect to the Multi line 2 controller through a main DU-2, and other display units and operation panels are connected to it through CAN bus or serial communication, forming a distributed operation network. This architecture brings the following advantages:
Multi location operation: The generator set can be operated from different locations (such as control room, machine room, site)
Function extension: Customize status indication and control functions through programmable LEDs and buttons
Flexible wiring: CAN bus supports a maximum length of 200 meters, suitable for large factory layouts
Chapter 2 Safety and Installation Precautions
2.1 General Safety Warning
Dangerous voltage warning
DANGER!
Installing and operating Multi line 2 equipment may involve hazardous currents and voltages. Installation work can only be carried out by authorized personnel, who must understand the relevant risks of working on live electrical equipment. Do not touch any AC measurement input terminals, as it may cause personal injury or death.
2.2 Electrostatic discharge protection
During the installation process, sufficient protective measures must be taken to prevent the terminals from being damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Once the device is installed and connected, these preventive measures are no longer necessary.
2.3 Factory Setting Instructions
The Multi line 2 device comes with default settings at the factory, but these settings may not be applicable to actual generator sets. Before operating the generator set, all setting parameters must be checked.
2.4 Legal Disclaimer
DEIF reserves the right to change the content of this document at any time without prior notice
The English version always includes the latest product information
DEIF is not responsible for the accuracy of the translation. In case of any discrepancies, the English version shall prevail
Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to open Multi line 2 devices, otherwise they will lose their warranty eligibility
Chapter 3 Option X2: Additional Display Unit (DU-2)
3.1 Function Description
Option X2 includes an additional DU-2 display unit connected to the main display unit via the CAN bus. Through multiple DU-2, operators can operate the system from different locations, including:
Start/Stop Generator Set
Alarm Confirmation
Parameter View
Set value access
3.2 Technical specifications
Parameter specifications
The maximum length of CAN bus is 200 meters
Maximum number of connections per ML-2 controller up to 3 DU-2
CAN ID range 0-3 (0 indicates CAN communication disabled)
Terminal resistance 120 Ω, enabled through DIP switch
3.3 Hardware Interface
Rear view interface description
ML-2: Serial interface connected to the display port of the Multi line 2 controller
AOP-1: A dedicated interface for connecting to the AOP-1 operation panel
CAN 1: DC power supply and CAN bus communication (connected to other DU-2 or AOP-2)
CAN 2: CAN bus communication (connected to other DU-2 or AOP-2)
Terminal resistance: DIP switch 1 is used to enable 120 Ω terminal resistance, switch 2 is not used
3.4 Wiring method
DU-2 offers two cable types to choose from, with different color codes:
Cable type 1 wiring
Pin color signal
1 Red/White CAN H
2 brown/white CAN GND
3 Red CAN L
4 brown unused
5 Black/White+5 VDC
6 Black GND
Cable type 2 wiring
Cable type 2 uses different color coding schemes, and detailed diagrams in the documentation should be referred to when wiring.
Power supply: The DU-2 is delivered with a DC/DC converter and two 1-meter-long cables, one end of which has an RJ45 plug and the other end is a stripped end.
3.5 Terminal Resistance Configuration
Number of connected devices, terminal resistance setting
DIP switch 1 for both devices is set to ON
Set DIP switch 1 of the first and third devices to ON
Set the first and last devices on more than 3 CAN buses to ON
3.6 CAN ID Configuration
Configuration steps:
Press the buttons on the top left and right simultaneously on DU-2 to activate the CAN ID selection menu
Select the desired CAN ID (1-3, 0 indicates CAN communication disabled)
Press' ENTER 'to save settings
Important Notice:
DU-2 directly connected to the Multi line 2 controller must be set to CAN ID 1
If the CAN bus is not used to connect other DU-2 or AOP-2, the CAN ID should be set to 0
3.7 Communication Protocol Selection
DU-2 includes three data transmission protocols for communication between ML-2 controllers and displays. Usually, the protocol is automatically set, but if used with older ML-2 devices, manual selection is required:
Protocol supports device notes
Standard ML-2 old version protocol for software versions 1. xx. x and 2. xx. x
AGC units for software versions 1. xx. x and 2. xx. x; PPM Unit Old Version Protocol for Software Version 2. xx. x
3 AGC-4 Mk II controller; AGC units for software versions 3. xx. x and 4. xx. x; GPC/GPU/PU units for software version 3. xx. x; Latest protocol for PPM unit of software version 3. xx. x
Protocol modification method:
Simultaneously press a specific button combination on DU-2 to enter the settings menu
Use the navigation buttons to select Protocol 1, 2, or 3
Press' ENTER 'to save and exit
3.8 Main and auxiliary display permissions
Option X supports multiple DU-2 collaborative work, but with different permissions:
Display type, functional permissions, CAN ID
The main display is fully read-write (with adjustable parameters) and can be used independently of hardware
The auxiliary display is read-only (can only monitor) and can be used for any purpose
Main display switching mechanism:
Press and hold the "View" button on any auxiliary display for 3 seconds, enter the customer password, and the DU-2 will switch to the main display, while the original main display will automatically switch to the auxiliary display. There can only be one main display in the entire system.

Chapter 4 Option X3: Operation Panel AOP-1
4.1 Function Description
Option X3 includes an AOP-1 control panel that is directly connected to the DU-2 display unit via a serial communication cable. AOP-1 has 16 configurable LEDs and 8 configurable buttons, which can be programmed through PC utility software for:
status indicator
alarm indication
Alarm Confirmation
Mode Selection
4.2 Technical specifications
Parameter specifications
Connection method: Serial communication (dedicated interface)
Maximum number of connections per DU-2, up to 1 AOP-1
Maximum communication distance of 0.5 meters
Programming Method PC Practical Software
4.3 Hardware Description
Front panel layout:
LED 1 to 16: configurable status indicator lights
Buttons 1 to 8: configurable function buttons
Rear view interface:
DU-2 interface: DC power supply and serial communication connection
4.4 Wiring method
AOP-1 is connected to the "AOP-1" interface of DU-2 through the accompanying dedicated cable. This connection handles both communication and power supply simultaneously.
Important Notice:
The maximum distance between DU-2 and AOP-1 is 0.5 meters
AOP-1 delivery includes connecting cables
4.5 CAN ID Configuration
The ID of AOP-1 is determined by the DU-2 unit it is connected to and does not require separate configuration.
4.6 Programming Methods
AOP-1 is programmed using PC utility software, which can be downloaded from www.deif.com. The programming steps are as follows:
Download and install PC utility software
Connect AOP-1 to PC using appropriate cables
Start the software and configure the LED and button functions according to the instructions in the help function
Download the configuration to AOP-1
Chapter 5 Option X4: Operation Panel AOP-2
5.1 Function Description
Option X4 includes an AOP-2 operation panel connected to the display unit via CAN bus. Compared to AOP-1, AOP-2 has a longer communication distance and larger connection capacity, as well as 16 configurable LEDs and 8 configurable buttons.
5.2 Technical specifications
Parameter specifications
Connection method: CAN bus
Maximum number of connections per ML-2 controller up to 5 AOP-2
The maximum length of CAN bus is 200 meters
CAN ID range 0-5 (0 indicates CAN communication disabled)
Default CAN ID 1
Terminal resistance 120 Ω, enabled through DIP switch
5.3 Hardware Description
Front panel layout:
LED 1 to 16: configurable status indicator lights
Buttons 1 to 8: configurable function buttons
Lamp Test/Dimming Button: Independent button for LED testing and brightness adjustment
Rear view interface:
CAN 1: DC power supply and CAN bus communication (connected to DU-2 or other AOP-2)
CAN 2: CAN bus communication and status relay output
Terminal resistance: DIP switch 1 is used to enable 120 Ω terminal resistance, switch 2 is not used
5.4 Wiring method
AOP-2 also supports two types of cables:
Cable type 1 wiring
Pin color signal
1 Red/White CAN H
2 brown/white CAN GND
3 Red CAN L
4 brown unused
5 Black/White+5 VDC
6 Black GND
Cable type 2 wiring
Cable type 2 uses different color coding schemes, and detailed diagrams in the documentation should be referred to when wiring.
Power supply: AOP-2 is delivered with a DC/DC converter and two 1-meter-long cables, one end of which has an RJ12 plug and the other end is a stripped end.
Cable requirements: The cable between terminals should be shielded twisted pair.
5.5 Terminal Resistance Configuration
Same as DU-2:
Number of connected devices, terminal resistance setting
DIP switch 1 for both devices is set to ON
Set DIP switch 1 of the first and third devices to ON
Set the first and last devices on more than 3 CAN buses to ON
5.6 CAN ID Configuration
Configuration steps:
Press buttons 7 and 8 simultaneously to activate the CAN ID change menu
The LED corresponding to the current CAN ID will light up
LED 16 starts flashing
Use button 7 (increase) and button 8 (decrease) to change the CAN ID
CAN ID indication
0 CAN bus is turned off, LED 16 is flashing
1 LED 1 constantly on+LED 16 flashing (default value)
2 LED 2 constantly on+LED 16 flashing
3 LEDs are always on+16 LEDs are flashing
4 LEDs are always on+16 LEDs are flashing
5 LED 5 constantly on+16 LED flashing
Press button 6 to save the CAN ID and return to normal operation mode
5.7 Status Relay
AOP-2 has a built-in status relay that activates approximately 5 seconds after the device is powered on. This relay can be used for:
Remote status indication
Fault alarm output
System interlocking control
5.8 Lamp testing and dimming function
AOP-2 is equipped with an independent light test/dimming button:
Lamp testing function: Short press the button to activate the lamp testing function, and all LEDs will light up. If there is no further operation within 3 seconds, AOP-2 will return to the normal display state.
Dimming function: Pressing the button continuously or multiple times can cyclically adjust the LED brightness to achieve the desired light intensity.
5.9 Programming Methods
AOP-2 is programmed using the same PC utility software as AOP-1.
Chapter 6 Multi device Collaborative Work
6.1 System Topology Structure
The complete Option X system can include:
1 Multi line 2 controller
1 main DU-2 display unit (CAN ID=1, connected to ML-2)
Up to 2 additional DU-2 display units (CAN ID=2 and 3)
Each DU-2 can connect up to 1 AOP-1 (via serial interface, distance ≤ 0.5 meters)
Up to 5 AOP-2 operation panels (via CAN bus, distance ≤ 200 meters)
6.2 Communication bus requirements
CAN bus specifications:
Maximum length: 200 meters
Cable type: shielded twisted pair cable
Terminal resistance: 120 Ω at each end
CAN ID must be unique and cannot be duplicated
6.3 Error Handling
Repeat CAN ID detection
When DU-2 detects devices with the same CAN ID on the CAN bus, it will display a warning message:
"Warning: Two displays have same CAN ID Press Enter."
After pressing ENTER, the CAN ID change menu will automatically display, and the user can select another CAN ID for the current device.
Chapter 7 Application Scenarios and Selection Suggestions
7.1 Large power plant control room
Requirement: The main control room, engineer station, and on-site operation points all need to monitor the generator set
Solution:
Install main DU-2 (with full read-write permission) in the main control room
Engineer station installation auxiliary DU-2 (read-only permission)
On site installation of AOP-2 (via CAN bus, with a distance of up to 200 meters)
Each DU-2 can be connected to AOP-1 extension local buttons and LED indicators
7.2 Distributed power plants
Requirement: Multiple generator sets are arranged in a dispersed manner and require centralized monitoring
Solution:
Each generator set is equipped with ML-2 controller and DU-2
Connect all DU-2 to the central control room via CAN bus
The central control room is equipped with a main DU-2, which can monitor all units
7.3 Ship Power System
Requirement: Operating interfaces are required for the cabin, driver's cab, and control room
Solution:
Cabin installation of main DU-2 and AOP-2
Driver's cab installation auxiliary DU-2 (read-only mode)
Install AOP-2 in the control room for alarm confirmation and status indication
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting Guide
8.1 DU-2 communication failure
Possible causes and solutions for the phenomenon
Unable to communicate with other DU-2. Check for CAN ID setting errors and ensure that the CAN ID is unique and correct
Unable to communicate with ML-2 protocol selection error. Choose the correct protocol based on ML-2 software version
Intermittent communication interruption. Terminal resistance not set correctly. Ensure that 120 Ω terminal resistance is enabled at both ends of the bus
Insufficient communication distance and cable quality issues. Use shielded twisted pair cables to avoid parallel wiring with power lines
8.2 AOP-1/AOP-2 malfunction
Possible causes and solutions for the phenomenon
AOP-1 unresponsive connection cable is too long to ensure that the distance between DU-2 and AOP-1 is ≤ 0.5 meters
AOP-2 LED does not light up, power fault check DC/DC converter and power connection
Abnormal button function, programming error. Reuse PC utility software for programming
AOP-2 does not respond to CAN communication CAN ID duplicate check and sets unique CAN ID
8.3 General faults
Possible causes and solutions for the phenomenon
The main display cannot switch password. Incorrect confirmation of customer password
Repeated CAN ID warning, ID conflict. Enter the CAN ID change menu and reset
Unstable electromagnetic interference in the system ensures correct grounding of the cable shielding layer
