ISA Expo 2003: Acromag launches Ethernet I/O modules

Houston, TX—Featuring higher density, lower installation costs and easier web-based con-figuration, BusWorks 900 EN Series Ethernet I/O modules from Acromag (Wixom. MI) also have a direct network interface on each inch-wide module to eliminate expensive buscouplers, large I/O racks and special software.

Houston, TX— Featuring higher density, lower installation costs and easier web-based con-figuration, BusWorks 900 EN Series Ethernet I/O modules from Acromag (Wixom. MI) also have a direct network interface on each inch-wide module to eliminate expensive buscouplers, large I/O racks and special software. Acromag is exhibiting at Booth #2529 during ISA Expo 2003, Oct. 21-23, at the Reliant Center.

BusWorks I/O modules interface analog and discrete I/O signals directly to a 10/100-Mbps Ethernet Modbus/TCP network. The 12-channel I/O modules operate independently of any bus-coupler device or I/O rack, and don’t require any special system power supply. Acromag adds that its self-contained I/O modules are more cost and space-efficient for applications requiring fewer I/O channels by offering lower startup costs and higher density mounting.

Setup is also faster and easier with embedded web pages enabling configuration using any standard web browser. No other software is required. Flexible power requirements support operation on standard 15-36 V dc power supplies. The company adds that its 12-channel discrete I/O modules are ideal for on/off monitoring and control of industrial devices. Analog I/O modules interface dc voltage or current input signals to the network controller.

BusWorks modules also provide an isolated Modbus/TCP 10Base-T/100Base-TX network interface. Each module supports up to 10 sockets, allowing communication with multiple masters. Automatic negotiation arbitrates 10/100 Mbps and full/half-duplex communication. Built-in watchdog timers monitor for communication problems. The watchdog timer can reset the unit under a “lock-up” condition, and a failsafe mode ensures outputs are sent to a safe state if a failure occurs.

Two analog I/O models accept 0-20 mA (963EN) or

Three discrete I/O models are available: 12 input channels (981EN), 12 output channels (982EN), and 12 bi-directional input/output channels (983EN). Individually selectable bi-directional channels let users mix inputs and outputs on one unit to use fewer modules and reduce costs. Input modules transmit discrete level data to other network devices or controllers.

The input channels are active-low with a 0-35 V dc range and are TTL-compatible. Output modules can activate alarms or provide on/off switching. Output channels are open-drain DMOS mosfet switches with a 0-35 V dc range for current sinking applications. On 983EN models, input buffers are connected in tandem with the open-drain outputs for convenient loop-back verification of the output state.

Other features help the BusWorks modules ensure dependable operation. An internal microcontroller has integrated non-volatile memory for reliable storage of configuration parameters, and can be reprogrammed repeatedly. And, to visually confirm proper operation, LEDs indicate power, network activity and individual channel status.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
[email protected]