ZP3-18RT - 3.7" HMI+PLC Integrated 10DI/8DO Relay+Transistor | Xinje
MPN: ZP3-18RT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $235 | $235.00 |
| 10 | $215 | $2,150.00 |
| 100 | $189 | $18,900.00 |
| 500 | $170 | $85,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $159 | $159,000.00 |
ZP3-18RT Overview
Background knowledge: A combined HMI+PLC (often called an integrated controller, text panel PLC, or all-in-one PLC) is a compact industrial-control device that merges the operator interface (HMI) and the logic execution unit (PLC) into one enclosure. The hierarchy sits as: PLC -> industrial controller -> factory automation device; HMI -> operator interface -> factory automation device. Combining them saves panel space, reduces wiring between separate HMI and PLC units, and lowers bill-of-material cost in small machine-control applications such as packaging, textiles, and OEM skid equipment.
Key features include the integrated LCD text display, the mixed relay-and-transistor output bank (eight points that combine electromechanical relays with semiconductor switching), the Modbus RTU / ASCII + free-format serial protocol support, and the DIN-rail form factor. The unit accepts a 24 VDC supply (typical tolerance as published by Xinje), provides an RS485 port for fieldbus networking, and the relay outputs allow direct switching of AC or DC loads while the transistor outputs deliver high-cycle life for solenoid, indicator, and small-motor loads.
Technically, the ZP3 series belongs to Xinje's ZP3 text-display PLC family with integrated BD-board expansion and supports ladder / instruction-list programming on the Xinje software platform. Real-time clock, BD expansion, and BD-board peripheral add-ons are supported via the side expansion connector, and the part is designed to operate across the industrial temperature range Xinje publishes for the ZP3 family.
Typical applications include small-form packaging machinery, textile and embroidery machines, OEM skids for HVAC and pumping stations, material-handling conveyors, and small process-control panels where an integrated HMI+PLC replaces a separate HMI-and-PLC stack. Modbus RTU connectivity also makes the ZP3-18RT a low-cost Modbus slave for SCADA retrofits.
When designing with this controller, confirm the load ratings of the relay outputs (resistive vs inductive derating) and the transistor output sink/source topology from the official Xinje datasheet before assigning mission-critical outputs, because mixed output banks impose different switching lifetimes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand and cross-brand drop-in alternatives in the XP1/XP2/XP3 series, and practical engineering notes not aggregated in the Xinje datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ZP3-18RT — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
XP3-18RT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XP2-18RT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XP1-18RT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ZP3-18R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ZP3-18T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ZP3-18RT Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Product Type | Integrated HMI+PLC (text panel all-in-one controller) |
| Brand | Xinje |
| Series | ZP3 series |
| Display | 3.7-inch text HMI panel |
| Digital Inputs (DI) | 10 |
| Digital Outputs (DO) | 8 (Relay+Transistor mixed) |
| Input Supply Voltage | DC 24 V |
| Typical Power Consumption | 3 W |
| Communication Port | RS485 |
| Protocols Supported | Modbus RTU/ASCII, free format |
| Mounting | Panel/DIN-rail mount |
| Real-Time Clock | Yes (per Xinje ZP3 series datasheet) |
| BD Expansion Board | Supported (side expansion connector) |
| Programming Platform | Xinje PLC software (ladder / instruction list) |
ZP3-18RT Interfaces & Connectors
ZP3-18RT exposes the following interfaces and connectors as published by the manufacturer: Power Input. Expansion header pinout, connector pin numbering, and electrical limits are defined in the manufacturer documentation.
| Power Input | DC 24 V |
Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the full expansion header pinout and connector pin numbering.
Power & Thermal Characteristics
| Power Input | DC 24 V |
| Power Consumption | 3 W |
Power input and thermal parameters for ZP3-18RT as published by the manufacturer.
Typical Applications
ZP3-18RT is suitable for 6 applications: Textile and Embroidery Machine Control, Small Packaging Machinery Control, HVAC and Pump Skid Controllers, Conveyor and Material-Handling Cell, OEM Skid and Small Process Panels, SCADA Modbus Slave Retrofit.
Textile and Embroidery Machine Control
The Xinje ZP3-18RT is widely used as the main controller in commercial embroidery machines, where its 10 DI accommodates thread-break sensors, start/stop inputs, frame-position encoders, and operator panel switches; the 8 mixed relay+transistor outputs drive solenoid valves, clutch/brake relays, and stepper-enable lines. The integrated 3.7-inch text HMI shows stitch count, machine status, and error codes without adding a separate panel HMI. Compared with discrete HMI+PLC stacks, the ZP3-18RT reduces cabinet footprint, simplifies wiring, and provides reliable Modbus RTU networking for factory-side production counters and shift reporting - making it a proven embroidery and textile OEM platform.
Recommended
Small Packaging Machinery Control
The ZP3-18RT fits small form-fill-seal and vertical-form-fill packaging machines that need 10 inputs for film-position sensors, temperature probes (via BD analog board), and operator controls, plus 8 outputs for heater zones, sealing jaws, and cutter solenoids. The mixed relay+transistor output bank lets the relay outputs switch AC heater loads directly while the transistor outputs cycle the high-frequency cutter solenoid - extending service life versus relay-only designs. The 3.7-inch text HMI surfaces machine throughput, fault codes, and parameter edits without a separate HMI panel, and the RS485 Modbus RTU stack feeds line-level SCADA for OEE reporting in modern packaging lines.
Recommended
HVAC and Pump Skid Controllers
For small commercial HVAC and booster-pump skids, the Xinje ZP3-18RT serves as a compact master controller: 10 DI accepts flow switches, pressure switches, and thermostat inputs; 8 mixed outputs drive contactors, VFD enable lines, and alarm beacons. The Modbus RTU over RS485 lets it poll multiple VFDs and a single temperature sensor on the same bus, replacing larger dedicated controllers at lower BOM cost. Operating from DC 24 V with only ~3 W draw, the ZP3-18RT shares the same 24 VDC rail as sensor and solenoid power on the skid, simplifying the power-distribution design and reducing component count.
Recommended
Conveyor and Material-Handling Cell
In conveyor cells, sortation, and small AGV stations the ZP3-18RT provides 10 DI for photo-eyes, e-stops, and motor-aux contacts, plus 8 outputs for run-permissive relays and stack-light indicators. Mixed relay+transistor outputs allow one controller to switch a 24 VDC motor contactor via relay and high-cycle LED stack lights via transistor, eliminating extra interposing relays. The Modbus RTU link exposes status to a higher-level PLC or SCADA, enabling cell-level diagnostics in a distributed conveyor network without adding a separate HMI hardware budget.
Recommended
OEM Skid and Small Process Panels
OEM machine builders use the ZP3-18RT as a self-contained skid controller - 10 DI for level floats, flow meters, and door switches; 8 mixed outputs for pump starters, mixing valves, and pilot lamps; the 3.7-inch HMI shows setpoints and alarms on the front panel. The ZP3-18RT's low 3 W draw, single DC 24 V supply, and BD expansion slot keep the controller package small enough to fit inside a wall-mount NEMA 4 enclosure. Modbus RTU linkage allows multiple ZP3-18RT skids to be polled by a SCADA master, replicating a classic distributed control topology at low cost.
Recommended
SCADA Modbus Slave Retrofit
The ZP3-18RT acts as a cost-effective Modbus RTU slave when retrofitting older small machines into a modern SCADA network. Its integrated HMI provides local operator control and the RS485 port exposes 10 inputs / 8 outputs as Modbus registers to the master, allowing brownfield upgrades without replacing working relay panels. Mixed relay+transistor outputs preserve legacy AC-load wiring while adding modern high-cycle DC switching for indicator and brake loads. In contrast to integrating an entire new PLC stack, the ZP3-18RT retrofit drops in beside existing field wiring and bridges to SCADA via a single RS485 cable.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ZP3-18RT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | XP3-18RT | XP2-18RT | XP1-18RT | ZP3-18R | ZP3-18T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | Integrated DIN-rail-mount HMI+PLC module | Integrated DIN-rail-mount HMI+PLC module (same) | Integrated DIN-rail-mount HMI+PLC module (same) | Integrated DIN-rail-mount HMI+PLC module (same) | Integrated DIN-rail-mount HMI+PLC module (same) | Integrated DIN-rail-mount HMI+PLC module (same) |
| Brand | Xinje | Xinje (same-brand) | Xinje (same-brand) | Xinje (same-brand) | Xinje (same-brand) | Xinje (same-brand) |
| Digital Inputs | 10 DI | 10 DI | 10 DI | 10 DI | 10 DI | 10 DI |
| Digital Outputs (Type) | 8 (Relay+Transistor mixed) | 8 (Relay+Transistor mixed) | 8 (Relay+Transistor mixed) | 8 (Relay+Transistor mixed) | 8 (Relay only) | 8 (Transistor only) |
| Display | 3.7-inch text HMI | XP3 upgraded display module | XP2 generation display | XP1 generation display | 3.7-inch text HMI (same) | 3.7-inch text HMI (same) |
| Supply Voltage | DC 24 V | DC 24 V | DC 24 V | DC 24 V | DC 24 V | DC 24 V |
| Communication | RS485 Modbus RTU/ASCII + free format | RS485 Modbus RTU/ASCII + free format | RS485 Modbus RTU/ASCII + free format | RS485 Modbus RTU/ASCII + free format | RS485 Modbus RTU/ASCII + free format | RS485 Modbus RTU/ASCII + free format |
| Real-Time Clock | Yes (per Xinje ZP3 series datasheet) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Expansion | BD expansion boards | BD expansion boards | BD expansion boards | BD expansion boards (limited) | BD expansion boards | BD expansion boards |
Key Differentiators
- Mixed relay+transistor 8 DO bank in a single integrated HMI+PLC (vs ZP3-18R / ZP3-18T)
- Newer ZP3 generation with refined display module vs older XP1/XP2 (vs XP1-18RT / XP2-18RT)
- 3 W typical power draw at DC 24 V keeps machine-skid supply budget low (vs XP3-18RT)
Design Notes
Plan the 24 VDC power budget so that the ZP3-18RT's ~3 W consumption plus all DO loads share the same supply. Mixed relay+transistor outputs mean the relay portion draws from the DC bus to energize coils, while transistor outputs source load current externally - if your 24 V supply is sized only for the ZP3-18RT plus a small margin, switching a relay contactor through the same rail will trigger undervoltage faults on the PLC during contactor inrush. Use a separate 24 V branch or a beefier supply when driving contactors from the relay outputs.
Mixed relay+transistor output banks are commonly misapplied as if they were all-relay or all-transistor outputs. Confirm which DO points are dry-contact and which are sourcing/sinking semiconductor by referring to the Xinje ZP3 series datasheet before assigning AC loads to a transistor-only point. Assigning an AC motor contactor coil to a transistor-only point will destroy the output stage on the first switching cycle - this is the most common field failure reported for the ZP3 family.
Although the ZP3-18RT is a wired terminal-block device and not a surface-mount PCB part, it still requires careful cabinet layout: keep the RS485 trunk at least 100 mm from VFD output cables, route the 24 VDC supply through a dedicated breaker or fuse, and provide a chassis ground connection to the module's PE terminal. Inside the panel, group the relay-output wiring separately from the sensor-input wiring to minimize noise coupling into the DI bank - a common cause of phantom input trips on text-panel PLCs.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not explicitly published in the verified Xinje ZP3 series specification snippets; European distributor 360 Digitizing Solutions ships into the EU market so RoHS conformity is likely but unverified - request the Xinje RoHS/REACH declaration directly from Wuxi Xinje Electric for OEM projects.