Exclusive: Opto 22 launches 32-channel, digital input module

Temecula, CA— Opto 22 has introduced its new 32-channel digital input module, Snap-HDIDC-32, which is used with Opto’s Snap Ethernet systems for applications involving local and remote monitoring, discrete manufacturing, process control, and data acquisition.

Snap-HDIDC-32 reportedly offers a new level of density for Opto 22’s customers with applications that have high digital I/O point counts, or those requiring more than 64 points in one location or I/O rack. The module also reduces per point costs of digital I/O systems by providing up to eight times as many I/O channels in the same space.

In addition, Snap-HDIDC-32 is a digital input module that provides 32 optically isolated channels of status input. The module can be used to sense on/off status for low ac or dc voltages from sources, such as proximity switches, limit switches, pushbuttons, and pilot switches. Snap-HDIDC-32 is also ideal for detecting low-voltage auxiliary contacts. Other features include automatic latching.

Also, Snap-HDIDC-32 is fully compatible with Opto 22’s Snap Ethernet components, including the Snap Simple, Snap Ethernet, and Snap Ultimate brains; the Snap LCE controller; and Snap B- and M-series mounting racks. Unlike most other Snap I/O modules, however, connection to field devices is accomplished using a special wiring harness (available separately), which attaches to the top of Snap-HDIDC-32, instead of using the usual removable terminator connectors.

“Our new high-density modules were developed in direct response to end-user and OEM customer needs for higher density I/O solutions,” says Mark Engman, Opto 22’s engineering VP.

One customer using Snap-HDIDC-32 is Cascade Controls, located northwest of Portland, OR. The company embeds hardware from Opto 22 and other manufacturers in many of the motion control, sensing, communication, and enclosure systems it develops for users in the automotive, food processing, transportation, semiconductor, and other industries. Most of Cascade’s semiconductor customers have strict cost and space requirements for the systems they source.

“The clean rooms used to manufacture semiconductors are very expensive to build and maintain. As a result, all clean room space is very valuable, costing more than $2,000 dollars per square foot. We’re very excited about the density that Opto 22’s new 32-input digital module provides because you’ve suddenly got hundreds of I/O points available on one rack. We’re going to be able to consolidate an unprecedented number of I/O points in the panels we build for our semiconductor customers, while also using some of the smarter functions available at the I/O level like latching.”

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

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