PW100 M-Bus level converter and repeater for 100 meters

PW100 supports up to 100 M-Bus meters and simplifies bus expansion.

PW100 is a compact, industrial M-Bus level converter and M-Bus repeater designed to power and communicate with up to 100 M-Bus devices. The unit was created for installations that require stable transmission, convenient integration with supervisory systems and the ability to expand the network further without complicating the overall communication architecture. As a result, PW100 is a very good fit for utility metering systems, building automation, DDC applications and environments where meter data must be available both locally and remotely.

The biggest advantage of PW100 is the combination of broad functionality with a compact DIN rail housing. This device is not just a simple communication interface, but a fully functional part of the M-Bus infrastructure that allows you to power the bus, connect meters to the supervisory system and expand the existing network when the number of devices grows or cable length starts to exceed safe operating conditions.

PW100 for integrating M-Bus meters with BMS, DDC and PC systems

PW100 works as a transparent level converter, making it easy to connect an M-Bus installation to external control and reading systems. In practice, this means that data from meters can be read by a building automation system, a DDC controller or a PC running M-Bus software. This approach supports the implementation of central utility monitoring and the integration of meters into a wider building management system.

For investors and integrators, it is also important that PW100 fits well into both new installations and modernization projects. If an M-Bus infrastructure already exists in the building, but you need more communication flexibility or easier access to data, this model helps organize the architecture without requiring a radical rebuild of the whole network.

Multi-interface communication and intelligent access management

One of the strongest arguments in favor of PW100 is its wide set of communication interfaces. The device is equipped with Ethernet 10/100Base-T, USB 2.0, two RS232C ports and an RS485 interface. This makes it possible to connect several supervisory systems at the same time and match the unit to a specific communication architecture in a building or industrial facility.

Particularly important here is the intelligent bus access management function. PW100 does not allow several interfaces to communicate with the same M-Bus line simultaneously. The device logic grants access to only one active interface at a time, according to the “first come, first served” principle. This reduces the risk of transmission collisions, improves stability and makes safe cooperation of multiple systems with one M-Bus network much easier.

M-Bus repeater function and easy network expansion

In addition to working as a level converter, PW100 can also operate as an M-Bus repeater. This is especially useful in installations where the maximum number of meters has already been reached or cable length begins to limit transmission quality. In such a scenario, the device allows the system to be expanded by another 100 M-Bus devices or the bus to be extended without rebuilding the whole installation.

From a project perspective, this is one of the most important functions of PW100. In repeater mode, the unit digitally restores the signal and enables the creation of larger metering networks. The manufacturer indicates that in this configuration it is possible to connect up to 100 devices or extend the network to up to 4 km of cable at 2400 baud, and thanks to automatic bit timing recovery, repeaters can be connected in cascade or in parallel in more complex systems.

Transmission performance and communication reliability

PW100 supports M-Bus baud rates from 300 to 38,400 baud, which places it among the more advanced converters in this class. This wide range makes it possible to adapt communication to the character of the installation, line length and number of connected meters. This is especially important in applications where the system must remain stable while still offering reasonable data reading times.

The built-in processor is responsible for short-circuit protection, collision detection and bit timing regeneration. In practice, this means more predictable device operation even when the bus is heavily loaded or the installation has been expanded over time. This is exactly what makes PW100 more than just an interface and turns it into a real tool for improving the stability of the whole M-Bus system.

Galvanic isolation and communication safety

All communication interfaces in PW100 are galvanically isolated from the M-Bus and the power supply, while the repeater input is additionally isolated from the remaining interfaces. This design increases resistance to interference, potential differences and typical issues that appear in longer metering networks installed in real operating conditions.

A set of LED indicators on the front panel shows power status, master/slave communication, M-Bus activity, warning states and bus short-circuit conditions. This makes service and diagnostics easier, allowing the user to determine more quickly whether the issue concerns communication, overload or the cabling infrastructure itself.

DIN rail mounting and power parameters

PW100 is intended for DIN rail mounting, which makes it very suitable for installation in control cabinets, technical distribution boards and metering enclosures. The compact housing dimensions simplify installation where space is limited but full communication functionality still has to be maintained.

The device requires an external 42.0–43.5 VDC power supply and has a power consumption of up to 15 W. The operating temperature range is 0..50°C, and the housing protection rating is IP30. These parameters fit typical indoor technical applications where stable operation and easy integration with other system components matter.

Product features

• M-Bus level converter and M-Bus repeater for up to 100 meters,
• Ethernet 10/100Base-T, USB 2.0, 2 x RS232C and RS485,
• intelligent access management for the M-Bus line,
• repeater operation for M-Bus network expansion,
• expansion up to 100 devices or up to 4 km of cable at 2400 baud,
• M-Bus transmission speed up to 38,400 baud,
• short-circuit protection, collision detection and signal regeneration,
• galvanic isolation of interfaces and repeater input,
• LED indicators for fast diagnostics,
• DIN rail mounting in a compact housing.

Technical specification

• Model: PW100
• Device type: M-Bus level converter and M-Bus repeater
• Maximum number of M-Bus devices: 100
• Interfaces: Ethernet 10/100 Mbit, USB device, 2 x RS232C, RS485, M-Bus repeater input
• M-Bus baud rate: 300 .. 38,400 baud
• M-Bus voltage: 42 V (Mark), 28 V (Space)
• M-Bus standby current: max. 150 mA
• Overcurrent threshold: > 200 mA
• Repeater mode: up to 100 devices or up to 4 km of cable at 2400 baud
• Maximum cable length: 1 km at 9600 baud, 4 km at 2400 baud, 10 km at 300 baud
• Maximum distance to slave: 1000 m with 100 slaves at the cable end or 2000 m with even distribution
• Galvanic isolation: all interfaces from M-Bus and power supply, plus isolated repeater input
• Power supply: 42.0 .. 43.5 VDC
• Power consumption: max. 15 W
• Operating temperature range: 0 .. 50°C
• Housing: PC plastic, IP30
• Dimensions: 105 x 90 x 60 mm
• Mounting: DIN rail

PW100 is a very strong choice for installations where you need to combine bus power supply, flexible communication and safe expansion of the M-Bus network in one device. It works well in both medium-sized and larger metering systems where transmission stability, easy integration with building automation and the ability to expand the installation without replacing the whole infrastructure are important.

Do you need help selecting an M-Bus converter or expanding a metering installation? Contact our consultant: CONTACT