TS4 Design Overview

This article covers our FLEX MLPE products which feature wireless communication.  We also offer the TS4-F which uses a different communication protocol (PLC) for Rapid Shutdown.  See our article, "Application: Module-level Disconnect for Safest Solar" for details.

Modules equipped with TS4 junction boxes enable the capabilities listed below next to each type of cover. Refer to your module datasheet for voltage and current parameters.

The functionality of the TS4 covers is incremental. For example: the TS4-S includes all the functionality available with TS4-M and TS4-D, TS4-O includes all the functionality available with TS4-S, -M. and -D, etc.

 

Diodes
TS4-D

 

• Same string design rules as traditional modules
• Cloud Connect and Gateway not required for TS4-D
• A module equipped with TS4-D can be upgraded to any other advanced TS4 cover, which will make it a smart module

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Monitoring
TS4-M

 

• Same string design rules as traditional modules
• Can be selectively deployed on any system size, in order to provide module level monitoring
• Wireless communication for module-level data reporting
• Monitoring capability requires Cloud Connect and Gateway for communication (see Design Tool)
• A module equipped with TS4-M can be upgraded to any other TS4 cover

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Safety
TS4-S

 

• Same string design rules as traditional modules
• Compliant with NEC 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements
• Safety capability requires Cloud Connect and Gateway for communication (see Design Tool)
• Systems requiring safety functionality, such as rapid shutdown, should have TS4-S or higher on ALL modules.

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Optimization
TS4-O

 

• Equipped with Predictive IV technology for selective deployment
• Enables uneven strings and different orientations
• Design into shade for maximized roof usage and design flexibility
• Compliant with NEC 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements
• Doesn't require communication accessories, unless monitoring and/or safety capabilities are needed (see Design Tool) 

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Longer Strings
TS4-L

• Equipped with Predictive IV technology for selective deployment
• String length increased by up to 30%, see string sizing
• Doesn't affect minimum modules required per string
• Enables uneven strings and different orientations
• Design into shade for maximized roof usage and design flexibility
• Compliant with NEC 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements
• Doesn't require communication accessories, unless monitoring and/or safety capabilities are needed (see Design Tool) 

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Selective Deployment

Selective deployment is a feature unique to the TS4. Different functionalities can be used together in the same system by using different TS4 covers. 

Diodes, Monitoring, and Safety (TS4-D, TS4-M, and TS4-S) can be selectively deployed on any size system.

 

Selective Deployment of Optimization using Predictive IV

Predictive IV is a feature of the TS4-O and TS4-L, which uses analytical data about the module itself to predict optimal performance conditions. This data is used in conjunction with Tigo's impedance matching technology, and allows for selective placement only on shaded modules.

 

Rapid shutdown compliance plus deployment of optimization only on shaded modules

 

Selective Deployment of Optimization

When using a single string per MPPT, optimization can be selectively deployed only on the shaded modules (using TS4-O or TS4-L). By using optimization only where needed, you can optimize system performance at a lower cost.

Dual MPPT inverters can have a string with selective deployment of optimization on each MPPT.

 Dual MPPT inverter with 1 string per input.

 

Single MPPT inverter with parallel strings on the same input.

Selective deployment is intended for systems with a single string per MPPT.
Use 100% deployment of optimization on parallel strings connected to the same MPPT. 
(TS4-O or TS4-L)

When designing on different orientations see article for different use cases and optimization guidelines.