GE Fanuc expands its 8000 Process I/O line

Three new I/O modules extend flexibility of GE’s main controller platform.

By Control Engineering Staff December 3, 2008

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has released three new modules to add to its 8000 Process I/O line. These modules expand the range of devices usable with this process control system platform.

The new modules include:

8129 supervised discrete I/O module;

8132 universal analog input module; and

8133 HI-TX analog input with HART module.

The 8000 Process I/O line is modular distributed I/O product for general purpose and hazardous area applications, says Dave Reynolds, product marketing manager for GE Fanuc’s process solutions. Unlike most process control equipment, it is built to be mounted in all plant environments. “It’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures of -40 to + 70 °C allows it to work in the frozen tundra, or the desert. With ISA G3 corrosion resistance and extended shock and vibration capabilities it can handle a user’s most demanding applications.”

GE Fanuc says its 8000 Process I/O modules are available for almost all process signals, including analog, thermocouple, RTD, potentiometer, discrete, high-speed counter, frequency and quadrature. For hazardous applications, it provides cost-effective intrinsically safe I/O by integrating intrinsic safety and sensor signal conditioning in one package.

“Three new modules provide customers with the freedom and flexibility to configure their I/O to suit their applications, and with advanced diagnostics, the ability to improve the reliability and uptime of their processes,” says Jim Leatherby, product manager. “The HART capability of the 8133 HI-TX allows them to take advantage of their smart field devices.”

The 8129-IO-DC supervised discrete I/O module provides flexibility with eight channels by allowing any combination of discrete inputs and outputs to be configured. The module’s internal diagnostics monitor inputs, check for line faults, and check for proper operation. Each channel has an input transition counter and optional latching. When configured as an output, the channel can switch up to 2.0 A, with a maximum of 6.0 A continuous per module. Comprehensive diagnostic tests are conducted on each channel, including test for stuck ON and stuck OFF output switches. Each output channel is short circuit protected and offers a pulsed output option.

The 8132 universal analog input module provides for 8 isolated, universal input channels. It is configurable by channel basis for 4-20 mA, THC, RTD, and resistance and voltage inputs. The 8132 interfaces to a broad range of standard input types, including support for 10 Ohm Cu RTDs, bipolar voltage inputs, and current inputs down to 0 mA. By supporting 250 V ac rms channel-to-channel isolation, multiple thermocouple and RTD types, and multiple voltage input types, it provides flexibility for analog inputs.

The 8133 HI-TX supervised analog input module with HART provides an interface for eight channels of 4-20 mA input signals. HART capability allows acquisition of up to four secondary variables per channel which can be used by a standard application program. The module also interfaces to several asset management packages and can communicate with any HART field device using HART pass-through.

—Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com , Process & Advanced Control Monthly eNewsletter Register here and scroll down to select your choice of free eNewsletters .