21MTC Connector

== Introduction ==
Bachmann Branchlines use a slightly different version of the logo; Bachmann Branchlines' Version of the Logo but the connector is the same.
The 21 Pin MTC Connector is a Multifunction Decoder Locomotive Interface intended for sound applications. This is a direct PCB connector (there is no wiring harness), the decoder is intended to plug directly onto a fixed pin header on a motherboard inside the locomotive. Decoders designed for the 21MTC connector are intended to fit into defined size, allowing it to be installed in most vehicles without the requiring tools for installation or removal. Connections via a cable are not provided, as an interface cable does not conform to this standard. 
The 21MTC interface supports the connections for a motor, a baseline of 12 functions, 2 sensors, and a data bus expansion with options to support 12 function outputs.
Originally designed by ESU for certain Märklin and Trix locomotives which is presumably where the name comes from (Märklin/Trix Connector). Confusingly, the accepted standard for the 21MTC connector is not the same as the original Märklin/Trix connector. For example, Zimo manufactures two multifunction decoder types with 21 pin connectors, type C is for Märklin/Trix with C-Sinus and Softdrive motor and type D is for the 21MTC standard.
There is a variant unique to Marklin, which is identified by 21MTC-M.
Despite the name, the connector used is actually a female 22 pin connector with one position blanked off to polarize the connector (to ensure it cannot be connected in the reverse orientation). There should be no corresponding pin on the locomotive's motherboard. In practice, in many applications, it is unlikely that a decoder would physically fit in the reverse orientation.
 This connector is unusual in that it appears to be backwards: A female socket is mounted on component side of the PCB; the multifunction decoder is plugged into the locomotive motherboard so the pins on the vehicle's mainboard come up through holes in the underside and into the socket. The blanked off position is achieved by the lack of hole in the board at that location. This may not be obvious from first inspection so extra care should be taken during installation to avoid damage caused by incorrect orientation or damage to the mating pins. 
=== Note Regarding NEM Standards ===
Many websites published in English will have outdated information regarding the 21MTC Connector. The standard they reference can be up to a decade old, and out of date.
Currently Fédération Européenne de Modélisme et Amis des chemins de fer d’Europe does not publish their standards in English, as they have not been translated. The most recent versions are available in French and German.
;This article used the most recent NEM standards in its preparation.
===NMRA Acceptance of the 21MTC Connector===
As of December 2020, the NMRA accepted the 21MTC Decoder Interface under NMRA Standard S-9.1.1.3. Previously the NMRA implementation was not aligned with the NEM standard. As of 2021, this conflict has been resolved with the NMRA adopting the NEM pinout. The NMRA acceptance of the NEM pinout includes a provision for AUX3 – AUX10 outputs to be redefined as open collector outputs instead of logic level outputs.A number of manufacturers used a draft version of the NMRA standard to designed their 21MTC decoders. As this was a draft version, it was never an official implementation. The result was a number of multifunction decoders were offered which were inconsistent with the NEM and later NMRA standards. When the updated S-9.1.1.3 standard was published, the 21MTC connections aligned with the exisiting NEM standard.
 Verify the pinouts, as older 21MTC multifunction decoders may still be on the shelves at hobby shops. 
The NMRA Standard requires the 21MTC Logo to appear on packaging of locomotives featuring this interface, as well as decoders with this interface. 
==== Changes ====
NMRA Standard S-9.1.1.3 defined the function outputs to align with the NEM Standard.
From S-9.1.1.3
:The 21MTC defines output pins 7, 8, 14, and 15 as Open Collector/Drain switched (heretofore indicated as OC) outputs. Variations exist with output pins 3,4,13 and 17, identified as outputs AUX3 to AUX6. 
:S-9.1.1.3 requires providing outputs higher than AUX2 as logic level outputs. While AUX3 through AUX6 are always required to support TTL/LVTTL logic-level outputs, an open collector/drain option switched against ground may be provided. The default configuration must support TTL/LVTTL logic level on AUX3 through AUX6.
==== TN-9.1.1.3 ====
3.5.1 Function Output Variations
The 21MTC defines output pins 7, 8, 14, and 15 as Open Collector/Drain switched (heretofore indicated as OC) outputs. Variations exist with output pins 3, 4,13, and 17, identified as outputs AUX3 to AUX6. S-9.1.1.3 requires providing outputs higher than AUX2 as logic level outputs. While AUX3 through AUX6 are always required to support TTL/LVTTL logic-level outputs, an open collector/drain option switched against ground may be provided. The default configuration must support TTL/LVTTL logic level on AUX3 through AUX6.
==== Technical Issues ====
 These issues only apply to 21MTC Decoders manufactured prior to the NMRA's adoption of S-9.1.1.3. 
While the 21MTC connector is considered to be a standard, the NMRA does not recommend its use. Unfortunately, a multifunction decoder which fits may not be the correct multifunction decoder for the application. There are technical issues, in that the decoder may be compliant, while the interface or the model is not compliant to the specification.
The NMRA standard provided for an open collector AUX3, which some manufacturers, such as Zimo, TCS and others follow. The NEM 660 standard requires a Logic Level output on AUX3 and higher. A voltage is always present on these pins.
The "open collector" output performs a switching function, which relies on voltage supplied by the common connection on the decoder.
These issues came about when the 21MTC connector was introduced, and manufacturers made changes to the output functions before the plug became standardized. The interface was declared obsolete in 2009, manufacturers were supposed to cease designing new multifunction decoders or models using the interface. The PluX interface as designed to provide a common standardized interface between the locomotive and the multifunction decoder. Unfortunately, many manufacturers have not embraced the PluX interface and continue to use the MTC21.
== The 21MTC Connector ==
The 21MTC interface can be used with AC motors (2 field coils), DC motors or Coreless motors. The interface provides up to eight function outputs as well as two Sensor inputs. 
=== Mechanical Details ===
The interface on the system (mother) board consists of a male 22-pin, two-row pin header. The dimensions of the decoder are a maximum of 30 (L) x 15.5 (B) x
6.5 (H) mm. 
On the system board, the installation space must be such that the decoder can be inserted without jamming. Pin and socket strip are arranged in two rows of 11 contacts. Alignment coding is by the omission of the 11th pin and blocking the associated socket.
==== Multifunction Decoder Interface ====
The multifunction decoder module carries a female socket. The socket is located on the flat side of the PCB, facing away from the motherboard.
==== Compact Version ====
As with the Plux type decoders, there is a smaller version described. It is designed to be the smallest profile possible for a multifunction decoder.
==== Rotated Variant ====
If space is at a premium, the standard allows for a multifunction decoder with the socket facing the locomotive interface, to reduce the vertical clearance.
=== 21MTC Pin Assignments ===
From the NEM 660 Standard Aug 2015. 
Note: Many of the NEM Standards available in English are outdated by 10 or more years! This table was taken from the German Version. 
Pin #	Name 	Colour	Function 	Group
1 	Input 1	 	Sensor Input 1, alternate AUX 7 	4
2 	Input 2	 	Sensor Input 2 alternate AUX 8 	4
3 	AUX 6 	 	AUX Output 	8
4 	AUX 4 	 	AUX Output 	8
5 	ZBCLK 	 	Train Clock Bus, alternate AUX 9 	7
6 	ZBDATA 	 	Train Data Bus, Rx/Tx, alternate AUX 10 	7
7 	F0r 	Yellow	Reverse light 	5
8 	F0f 	White 	Headlight 	5
9 	LS/A 	Brown 	Loudspeaker 	6
10 	LS/B 	Brown 	Loudspeaker 	6
11 	INDEX 	 	Alignment Pin, not used 	
12 	Vcc 	 	Decoder Internal VoltageVcc is 1.8 to 5.7V	2
13 	AUX 3 	 	AUX Output 	8
14 	AUX 2 	Violet	AUX Output 	5
15 	AUX 1 	green 	AUX Output 	5
16 	V+ 	Blue 	Decoder Positive, connection for capacitor	2
17 	AUX 5 	 	AUX Output 	8
18 	MTR2 	Grey 	Motor, Negative 	3
19 	MTR1 	Orange	Motor, Positive 	3
20 	Ground 	 	Decoder Ground, tapped at rectifier 	2
21 	Power 	Black 	Left Rail pickup 	1
22 	Power 	Red 	Right Rail pickup 	1
==== Groups ====
 AC: Pin 21 is the power take-off for the wheels and pin 22 is connected to the center conductor.
 Pin 12 is not mandatory.
 AC Motors: Pin 19, Field Coil A, 18 is B.
 Pins 1 and 2: Open collector inputs switched to GND. The input resistance should be approx. 100 kΩ. Sensor input 1 should be used on steam locomotives for wheel synchronization.
 If forward and reverse lights are wired separately, the rear lights of the driver's cab 1 with pin 15 and that of cab 2 with pin 14 switched.
 Impedance of the speaker is determined by the manufacturer of the decoder.
 The processor pins of the train bus are connected through a resistance in series with a maximum impedance of 470 Ω.
 The outputs may be used with max. 0.5 mA and lead logic level against GND. OFF: ≤0.4V at decoder output, ≤ 0.8V at locomotive interface, ON: ≥2.4V at decoder and ≥2.0V at locomotive interface.
:Group 8 (AUX3 – 6) are Logic Level, the motherboard in the locomotive should contain any additional circuitry required to interface the logic to external functions.
==== NMRA Exceptions Prior to S-9.1.1.3 ====
The previous NMRA Standard does not follow the NEM standard exactly. There are some differences.
* For basic operations, the motor and speaker connections are consistent with the NEM standard. The lower Function outputs are also compatible.
* Incompatibilities arise with the FX5-8 connections. The NMRA standard allows a direct connection to LEDs or lamps for lighting effects. The NEM standard requires a logic level output with additional components for the lighting circuits.
* Most manufacturers have adopted the NEM pinout for their locomotives equipped with an OEM multifunction decoder. Swapping in another decoder will usually work without any issues. Some manufactures such as those from Athearn follow the older, obsolete NMRA standard. Be aware that not all decoder manufacturers follow the NEM standard, and may offer products for either standard.
==== Additional Compatibility Notes ====
A number of manufacturers have also began adding a custom motherboard to their locomotives with a co-processor to control the FX functions. This leads to issues when replacing the multifunction decoder, as they have been designed to work together. Programming can be difficult as a result.
=== Operation Without a Multifunction Decoder ===
With the installation of a suitable plug, operation of the locomotive without a decoder is possible.
== Adaptors ==
=== Decoder Buddy ===
The Decoder Buddy is an adapter board manufactured by NixTrainz which makes installation of a 21-pin multifunction decoder easier.
It is 56 X 17 X 1 mm PCB that will fit most locomotives and allows easy installation of a 21 pin decoder such as those from TCS, SoundTraxx and ESU. Full details are on their website. 
Once a Decoder Buddy is installed, it must be used with a decoder. It is not possible to remove the decoder for analog operation. Be aware that the Decoder Buddy must be compatible with the decoder pinout.
=== TCS ===
TCS offers two adaptors for 21MTC connections.
* 21-HW 
* 21HWM
The 21HW is a PCB with a female connector meant to be used to adapt a multifunction decoder with a harness to a 21MTC motherboard in a vehicle.
The 21HWM is a small PCB with an 21MTC (male) connector, meant to be used with a 21MTC multifunction decoder. 
=== ESU ===
ESU offers the 51967 21MTC adapter board (LokPilot/LokSound V3.0 and V4.0), which features a male connector to allow you to install a 21MTC multifunction decoder in a vehicle. Solder pads are provided for wiring.
=== Soundtraxx ===
Soundtraxx offers their JST-21PNEM Adapter to connect a Soundtraxx 21PNEM decoder to an NMRA 9-Pin DCC equipped model. Can also be used with the SoundTraxx 9-Pin JST power harness.
* Dimensions: 22.5 x 16 x 7.5mm
* Support for up to 8 functions
* Solder Pads for CurrentKeeper, speaker connections and extra lights
== Further Reading ==
* Multifunction Decoder
* Locomotive Interface
* NEM
* MOROP
* NMRA
=== External Sites ===
==== Updated NMRA Standards ====
* 21MTC Decoder Interface S-9.1.1.3
* 21MTC Decoder Interface Technical Note TN-9.1.1.3
== How to Plug in a Tsunami2 Decoder with a 21PNEM Connector ==
Category:Multifunction Decoder Features
Category: Multifunction Decoder
Category:Electrical
Category:Decoder Interface