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

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

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.

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) 

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)