Multi line 2 Series Generator Controller: Complete Installation and Configuration Guide
The DEIF Multi line 2 series is a microprocessor control unit designed specifically for medium to large generator sets, integrating generator protection, parallel control, power management, and other functions. This series includes three basic models: generator protection unit, generator parallel controller, and generator set protection unit. Through modular hardware slots and optional software functions, it provides users with highly flexible solutions.
This article is based on the installation manual of the Multi line 2 series controller (firmware version 2.40.0 and above), systematically explaining the installation process, hardware configuration, wiring specifications, and technical parameters of the equipment, aiming to provide comprehensive technical guidance for switchgear manufacturers, electrical engineers, and on-site installation personnel.
Product Overview and Model Classification
1. Product positioning
The Multi line 2 series is a core member of the DEIF Multi line product family, featuring a microprocessor architecture and a built-in three-phase true RMS measurement circuit. All measured values and alarm information are displayed on an LCD screen. This series of products is suitable for control and protection scenarios of generator sets that require flexible configuration.
2. Model classification
Full name of model, main application
GPU Generator Protection Unit, focusing on generator protection functions
GPC Generator Paralleling Controller is a generator parallel controller that supports parallel and grid connection
PPU Paralleling and Protection Unit, integrating control and protection functions
3. Standard functions
GPC/PU standard functions:
Application modes: single machine operation, multi machine parallel operation, grid connected operation
Control functions: synchronization, power and frequency control
Operating modes: fixed frequency, fixed power (base load), adjustment rate, load distribution
Protection functions: reverse power protection, overcurrent protection
Measurement system: Three phase true RMS, voltage and current input are electrically isolated
GSM communication: supports SMS alarm and remote dial-up access
GPU standard features:
Protection functions: reverse power protection, overcurrent protection
Display function: independent installation, configurable views, 150 event logs
GSM communication: supports SMS alarm and remote dial-up access
Functional features: Two sets of alarm settings, alarm suppression, electric horn relay, language selection, kWh/kVArh pulse output
4. Certification
The Multi line 2 series products have been certified by major classification societies, including:
Major ship level societies
Netmanagement
TUV Nord
GOST-R
UL/cUL (compliant with UL508 standard)
Installation requirements and mechanical dimensions
1. Installation method
The Multi line 2 controller supports two installation methods:
DIN rail installation: suitable for standard control cabinets
Base installation: fixed at the rear of the cabinet with 6 screws, which is the recommended installation method by DEIF, especially suitable for marine applications
2. Installation precautions
The device is designed to be installed inside the switchgear, and the display screen can be connected to the cabinet door through a display cable
Base installation method must be adopted in ship applications
During the installation process, attention should be paid to electrostatic discharge protection. After installation and wiring, no special protection is required
3. Panel openings and dimensions
Panel opening: height x width=10 mm x 30 mm
Display screen size: height x width=115 mm x 220 mm
Weight of host unit: 1.6 kg
Please refer to pages 70-76 of the instruction manual for detailed dimension drawings and screw hole positions.
Hardware architecture and slot configuration
Multi line 2 adopts a modular slot design, with the host housing divided into 8 card slots, each slot can accommodate standard functional cards or optional expansion cards. The green terminal block is installed on the PCB board and wired through the front.
1. GPC/PU slot configuration
Slot board type optional function terminal number
Slot # 1 Power Board Standard 1-28
Slot # 2 serial communication standard, optional H1/H2/H3 29-34
Slot # 3 Load Distribution and I/O Standards 37-64
Slot # 4 Adjustable Output/Analog Output/PWM D1/E1/EF2/EF3/EF4/EF5 65-72
Slot # 5 AC Measurement Standard 73-89
Slot # 6 Analog transmitter output/PWM F1/EF3 90-97
Slot # 7 Engine Control Card M1/M2 98-125
Slot # 8 I/O Expansion/Engine Communication M13/M14/M15/H4/H5/H6 126-133
2. GPU slot configuration
The slot configuration of GPU is slightly different from GPC/PU, mainly reflected in:
Slot # 3 is only installed when paired with G2 (synchronous control)
Slot # 4 supports F2 (analog transmitter output)
Slot # 8 supports load dependent start stop relay function
3. Optional Function Description
Function description of option code
D1 Voltage/VAr/Power Factor Control
E1 analog controller output
EF2/EF4 combined output
EF3/EF5 PWM output (speed control+differential adjustment)
F1/F2 analog transmitter output
H1 CANopen communication
H2 Modbus RTU communication
H3 Profibus Communication
H4 Caterpillar CCM Engine Communication
H5 MTU/J1939 engine communication
H6 Cummins ECM engine communication
M1 engine control card (Pt100/4-20mA/speed regulation/start stop)
M2 engine control card (VDO/speed regulation/start stop)
M13 7-channel binary input extension
M14 4-channel relay output expansion
M15 4-channel analog input extension (4-20mA)
J1/J2 display cable
J3 PC serial communication cable

Terminal definition and I/O configuration
1. Power board (slot # 1)
Terminal Function Technical Parameter Description
1+12/24V DC 12/24V DC ± 30% power supply positive pole
2 0V DC - Negative pole of power supply
3-4 status relay 24V/1A processor/power status monitoring (normally closed)
5-16 Relays 1-4 250V AC/8A configurable
17-18 synchronous relay 250V AC/8A closing control
20-22 pulse output open electrode kWh/kVArh counting output
23-28 binary input optocoupler isolation alarm suppression/confirmation/start stop synchronization, etc
2. Load distribution and I/O board (slot # 3)
Key terminals:
37-39: Active/Reactive Load Distribution Line (-5... 0... 5V DC)
40-42: Analog setpoint input (-10... 0... 10V DC), used for frequency/active power setting, voltage/VAr/power factor setting
43-55: Binary input, used for load shedding, manual speed/voltage regulation, mode selection, etc
57-64: Relays 5-8, configurable output
3. Communication measurement board (slot # 5)
Terminal functional technical parameters
73-78 Generator three-phase current input 1/5A AC
79-84 generator three-phase voltage input maximum 690V AC (line voltage)
85-89 bus three-phase voltage input maximum 690V AC (line voltage)
4. Engine control card (slot # 7)
M1 option (Pt100/4-20mA):
98-105: 4-channel 4-20mA analog input
106-111: 2-channel Pt100 input (3-wire system, -40 to+250 ° C)
112-113: Speed sensor input (0.5-70V AC, 10-10000Hz)
114-119: Binary inputs (start enable, operation feedback, engine failure, emergency stop, etc.)
120-125: Relay output (start, stop coil, start preparation)
M2 option (VDO sensor):
104-107:3 VDO inputs (oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level)
Other similar to M1
Wiring specifications
1. AC measurement wiring
Multi line 2 supports three wiring modes: three-phase, single-phase, and phase separation. Attention should be paid when wiring:
Neutral wire is only connected when using a three-phase four wire system (terminals 84, 88)
The grounding of the current transformer can be connected to the s1 or s2 terminal
Recommend using 2A slow melting fuse to protect cables
If the "synchronous black start" function is enabled, it is recommended to use an automatic fuse with auxiliary contacts to disable automatic closing when the bus fuse is damaged
2. Relay output
Relay output is used to control loads such as circuit breakers, speed regulators, and voltage regulators. When driving inductive loads (such as contactor coils), noise suppression circuits (such as RC absorption circuits or freewheeling diodes) must be installed, otherwise it may cause the controller to reset unexpectedly.
3. DC connection
Load distribution line:
Shielded cables must be used
Used for active and reactive load distribution when multiple machines are connected in parallel
Binary input:
All binary inputs are bidirectional optocouplers with a working voltage of 12/24V DC
Input on voltage range 8-36V DC, off voltage<2V DC
Typical input impedance 4.7k Ω
Simulated setpoint input:
The set value input is passive and requires external power supply
Active output of PLC or external potentiometer can be used
Pulse output:
The output of the kWh/kVArh counter is in the form of an open collector electrode, with a maximum load of 10mA, and requires external power supply and load resistance
4. Communication interface wiring
CANopen (option H1):
Use shielded twisted pair cables
Terminal resistance 120 Ω
The shielding layer is only grounded at one end
Modbus (Option H2):
RS485 interface, 2-wire system
Recommend using shielded twisted pair cables
Terminal resistors are only used for long distances or multiple nodes (>32)
Profibus (option H3):
Use Belden 3105A or equivalent cable (22 AWG twisted pair shielded)
Terminal resistance 120 Ω
Communication speed up to 12 Mbit/s
Engine communication interface:
H4:Caterpillar CCM(RS232)
H5:MTU/J1939(CAN)
H6:Cummins ECM(Modbus RTU)
5. Display cable
The display cable adopts standard computer extension cable (9-pin Sub-D male/female) or customized cable:
Minimum wire diameter 0.22 mm ²
Maximum length 6 meters
Recommended cable models: Belden 9540, BICC H8146, etc

Technical specifications
1. Measurement accuracy
Basic accuracy: Class 1.0 (IEC/EN 60688)
Negative sequence current: Class 2.0
2. Electrical parameters
Project Parameters
Measure voltage 100-690V AC ± 20% (UL certification: 110-480V AC)
Measure current -/1A or -/5A AC
Current overload capacity 4 × In continuous, 20 × In 10 seconds, 80 × In 1 second
Measurement frequency 30-70 Hz
Auxiliary power supply 12/24V DC (8-36V continuous, 6V for 1 second)
Maximum power consumption of 8W
Electrical isolation voltage/current with other I/O: 3250V AC for 1 minute; Analog output and I/O: 500V DC for 1 minute
3. Environmental conditions
Project Parameters
Working temperature -25 ℃ to+70 ℃ (UL certification: maximum 55 ℃)
Storage temperature -40 ℃ to+70 ℃
Humidity 97% RH (non condensing)
Protection level: host IP20, display screen IP52 (optional L can reach IP54)
4. Vibration and impact
Vibration: 3-13.2Hz: 2mm p-p; 13.2-100Hz: 0.7g (compliant with IEC 60068-2-6)
Impact: When installing the base, 10g/11ms (half sine), in accordance with IEC 60255-21-2
5. Response time
Protection function response time
Bus overvoltage/undervoltage<50 ms
Bus over/under frequency<50 ms
Generator overvoltage/undervoltage 70-300 ms
Generator over/under frequency 70-300 ms
Current protection 100-300 ms
ROCOF 100 ms
Vector jump of 30 ms
Fast overcurrent<42 ms
6. Physical specifications
Weight: Host 1.6 kg, display cable options 0.2-0.4 kg
Wiring terminals:
AC current terminal: maximum 4.0 mm ² multi strand wire, torque 0.5-0.6 Nm
Other terminals: Maximum 2.5 mm ² multi strand wire, torque 0.5-0.6 Nm
Material: All plastic materials comply with UL94 V1 self extinguishing rating
7. Governor interface
Multi line 2 can interface with mainstream speed regulator brands, including:
GAC
Barber-Colman
Woodward
Cummins
The specific interface guide can be obtained from the DEIF official website.
Safety and Compliance
1. Safety precautions
Installation work can only be carried out by authorized personnel with electrical equipment operation qualifications
It is strictly prohibited to touch the AC measurement input terminal when the equipment is live, as it may cause electric shock
Electrostatic discharge protection: Pay attention to anti-static measures during installation, and no special protection is required after installation
Use shielded twisted pair cables for signal transmission to reduce electromagnetic interference
2. Standards and Certification
Category standards
Electrical safety EN 61010-1 (installation category III, 600V, pollution level 2), UL 508
Electromagnetic compatibility EN 61000-6-1/2/3/4, IEC 60255-26, IEC 60533
Environmental testing IEC 60068-2-30, IEC 60068-2-6, IEC 60255-21
Protection level IEC 60529
Marine standard IACS UR E10
3. UL/cUL Special Requirements
Use 60/75 ° C copper wire
Installed on the flat surface of Type 1 casing
Compliant with NEC (USA) or CEC (Canada) specifications
Maximum working environment temperature 55 ° C
AC current input from 1-5A CT
AC voltage input range 110-480V AC
Summary of Application Value
The Multi line 2 series controller provides a cost-effective solution for generator control with its modular hardware architecture, flexible optional features, comprehensive protection functions, and international certification. Its main value lies in:
Flexible configuration: 8 slots support multiple I/O expansion and communication options, meeting various applications from simple protection to complex grid connection
High reliability: certified by classification societies, compliant with IACS UR E10 and UL508 standards, suitable for harsh marine and industrial environments
Accurate measurement: Three phase true RMS measurement, Class 1.0 accuracy, supporting a wide voltage and current range
Rich communication: supports CANopen, Modbus, Profibus, and mainstream engine ECM direct connection
Quick protection: millisecond level response time, ensuring the safety of generator sets and power systems
Convenient installation: DIN rail and base installation are optional, and the display cable enables cabinet door installation
