The SOFREL S4W RTU is designed to meet the latest needs of water network operators. This is not only a compact, connected and sturdy industrial product, but a complete telemetry network management solution.
Its simplicity of implementation and use via graphics-based, user-friendly software make the daily life of users as easy as possible. The continuity offered by SOFREL solutions will allow this new remote terminal unit to be deployed seamlessly within existing SOFREL telemetry networks.
The SOFREL S4W RTU and its ecosystem bring telemetry into a new era: telemetry 4.0
Compact devices, industrial design
These compact and sturdy S4W devices all have the same hardware architecture. They include a 2G/3G/4G modem and an Ethernet port. Further communication modules (radio, RS485, RS232, etc.) and I/O extension modules can be added to the front panel to increase the number of inputs/outputs.
Their key distinction concerns the number of I/Os contained within the case:
- SOFREL S4W Small : 8DI, 2AI, 2DO
- SOFREL S4W Medium : 12DI, 2AI, 4DO + possibility of 2 I/O expansion modules
- SOFREL S4W Large : 16DI, 4AI, 4DO + possibility of 10 I/O expansion modules
- SOFREL S4W Dual : 8DI
Simplified installation and set-up
The S4W’s ergonomics can be appreciated as soon as it is installed in an electrical enclosure, with a reduced size and easier wiring thanks to intuitive marking and removable spring-loaded terminal strips. DIN-rail mounting with automatic grounding also makes the S4W easier to install. Remote power feeding of the 4-20mA-current sensors takes place directly via the S4W’s Analog Inputs (AIs). The I/Os are entirely software configurable (no switches to be positioned on the boards).
The S4W-Tools utility enables extremely simple and user-friendly configuration. A highly impressive graphical environment represents the product and all its modules. The numerous software wizards (parameter self-monitoring, dynamic error band, etc.) guide the user step-by-step. Configurations can be imported or exported via an Excel-compatible file.The S4W-Tools utility enables extremely simple and user-friendly configuration.
A highly impressive graphical environment represents the product and all its modules. The numerous software wizards (parameter self-monitoring, dynamic error band, etc.) guide the user step-by-step. Configurations can be imported or exported via an Excel-compatible file.
Graphics-based configuration of the lift station
Configuration is very simple to perform via a view representing the lift station. Pumping automation (2 or 3 pumps) is fully managed by the S4W (pumping control, pump sequencing, grease-ring and deposit prevention offset). The S4W monitors pumping efficiency by recording the running times and average flow rates of each pump. Based on these calculations, it detects clogged or worn pumps and informs the operator of any overflow.
A complete automation workshop to adapt to specific use cases
Beyond its water-specific functions, SOFREL S4W also features a comprehensive automation workshop.
This module is based on standard programming languages (ST, Ladder, Function Blocks, Grafcet) and includes an extensive library of system and industry-specific functions, along with a wide range of debugging and setup tools.
An embedded HTML5 web server makes it easy to operate the RTU directly and intuitively.
The Plug & Play web server (HTML5 and responsive) enables users to securely access their S4W data from any terminal (smartphone, tablet or PC).
They can monitor and acknowledge alarms and adjust setpoints remotely using the web browser.
Animated mimic diagrams can be defined in each S4W, with the ability to navigate between mimic diagrams. The web server provides access to dynamic, zoomable information curves to facilitate data and event visualization.
Integrated cybersecurity at the heart of the solution
As water networks become increasingly connected, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Natively embedded in the SOFREL S4W remote management unit, data and access security is an integral part of the solution:
- User and connected system authentication
- Encrypted communications
- Digital certificates
- Security monitoring (connections, updates, etc.)…
…everything has been designed to ensure the integrity of transmitted data and the protection of infrastructure.
This approach is built around the SG4000 VPN server, which secures upstream connections, and the LX CONNECT platform, which manages users, access rights, and software version control from a centralized interface. LX CONNECT also handles automatic certificate renewal through a Microsoft PKI, ensuring continuous security and compliance.
With SOFREL S4W, LACROIX offers a 100% IP, secure, real-time remote management solution, perfectly aligned with the needs of water network operators.