Opto 22 introduces self-powered G4 digital input modules

Temecula, CA—To help reduce installation costs, Opto 22 has introduced its new G4IDC5-SWNO and G4IDC5-SWNC self-powered digital input modules, which supply their own power to external dry contact switches and other simple contact sensors.

By Control Engineering Staff May 18, 2004

Temecula, CA— To help reduce installation costs, Opto 22 has introduced its new G4IDC5-SWNO and G4IDC5-SWNC self-powered digital input modules, which supply their own power to external dry contact switches and other simple contact sensors. Opto 22 develops and manufactures hardware and software for industrial automation, remote monitoring, enterprise data acquisition, and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.

Part of Opto 22’s G4 Direct product line, G4IDC5-SWNO and G4IDC5-SWNC modules are single-channel input units used in remote monitoring and M2M applications, which involve monitoring digital (on/off) signals and dry contact relays, such as sensing whether a door is open or closed. Traditional input modules used in these situations require a power source for the contact closure circuit. However, G4IDC5-SWNO and G4IDC5-SWNC provide their own loop power, and require no external power source. Providing one isolated channel of contact status input, each module supplies 15 V, with the G4IDC5-SWNO sensing normally open contacts and the G4IDC5-SWNC sensing normally closed.

Besides sensing contact closure, G4IDC5-SWNO and G4IDC5-SWNC are reportedly ideal for use in applications involving limit switches; are often used with industrial conveyors; and for connecting to and monitoring alarm outputs on industrial and commercial machines, systems, and equipment. The modules are also used with switched status sensors (level sensors, pressure indicators, etc.), magnetic reed switches (used on doors or windows for burglar alarms), snap-action micro switches, auxiliary switches on motor starters, and relay contacts. Because G4IDC5-SWNO and G4IDC5-SWNC generate their own power, they’re particularly cost-effective due to traditionally high labor costs for wiring external power.

“Currently, we have an installed base of more than 15 million I/O points for our G4 hardware, and that figure continues to grow every year,” says Bob Sheffres, Opto 22’s VP. “The development of the G4IDC5-SWNO and G4IDC5-SWNC self-powered modules provides yet another example of our commitment to the venerable G4 product family and toward addressing the specific application needs of our customers, particularly in machine-to-machine applications.”

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com