I/O systems continue to incorporate new technology

By Control Engineering Staff May 1, 2001

Product lines are evolving with time partially because end-users are requesting features that would take them to the next level of functionality. Through a recent online survey conducted by Opto 22, the company was interested in knowing how customers used their I/O systems, and what advantages and capabilities were most important for various applications.

Ben Hougland, director of technical marketing, Opto 22 (Temecula, Calif.) says, ‘Based on a survey administered on the Opto 22 web site, we have discovered that our customers are using I/O as much more than a slave device to a PLC or PC. Intelligent functionality has migrated to increasingly lower levels, to the point where customers are now implementing I/O as standalone units.’

Mr. Hougland adds, ‘Prior to the web customer survey, we believed customers were very concerned with how to build an Ethernet network for their I/O systems. However. Based on survey results, a large percentage of our customers already have fully switched to 100 Mbps networks installed, leading us to conclude that they have overcome any concerns over Ethernet and its use in their applications.’

I/O Device Products

For a wider listing of manufacturers, go to Control Engineering Buyer’s Guide at www.controleng.com/buyersguide .

To see archived Control Engineering Technology Webcast on ‘Next generation I/O,’ go to www.controleng.com/webcast .

Alternative for fieldbus interface

Burgaw, N.C. -Designed for applications where the operational enhancements of the standard ricos buscoupler are not needed, the economy buscoupler may be linked with up to six analog or digital expansion modules. The economy buscoupler is available for Profibus-DP, Interbus-S, DeviceNet, and CANopen protocols and can be DIN-rail or panel mounted for added flexibility. Wieland Electric Inc.

Blocks streamline DeviceNet connections

Columbus, O. -DN50 I/O blocks, part of Cutler-Hammer’s DeviceNet compatible intelligent devices, streamline the connection of devices to the DeviceNet network. DN50 is used as a standalone I/O block in conjunction with the DeviceNet. Programming and configuration can be done with NetSolver and NetView software packages. This enables users to troubleshoot, set at-tributes and gather diagnostic information through the system’s industrial personal computer of PLC. It is said to be expandable from 14 to 56 I/O and configurable via the DeviceNet master PC. Cutler-Hammer

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