Latest modular I/O approach supports distributed machine control
RELATED PRODUCTS
PRODUCT INFORMATION
MANUFACTURED BY Trio Motion Technology
PUBLISH DATE
February 6, 2026
RELEASE DATE
February 6, 2026
CATEGORY
I/O Systems, I/O Modules
Trio Motion Technology has launched Trio MS I/O system for Motion-PLC controller range. The system integrates high-speed I/O with Trio Motion-PLC controllers using modular I/O slices.
The MS I/O System connects I/O slices to a Motion-PLC controller using the MS-Bus interface, a local communication protocol for MS I/O slice connection. The system supports combinations of digital inputs and outputs and analog inputs and outputs.
The I/O slices use forward insertion and mount on a DIN rail. Wiring connections use spring clamp connectors with push button wire removal. Each slice is 12mm wide.
Up to 16 I/O slices can connect directly to a Motion-PLC controller. The system can be expanded using MS EC (EtherCAT) couplers. Each MS EC coupler supports up to 16 additional I/O slices and a Motion-PLC controller can be expanded to 1,024 digital ports and 128 analog ports.
Using MS EC couplers, the system can be configured for distributed I/O by placing I/O close near sensors and connecting the coupler to the Motion-PLC controller with a single cable. Multiple MS EC couplers can be connected to one EtherCAT controller, including third-party controllers.
I/O slices connect to the MS EC coupler via the MS-Bus and the MS EC coupler connects to an EtherCAT network. The system supports update rates down to 125us., The MS EC coupler includes EtherCAT IN and OUT ports for network placement.
The Motion-PLC controller I/O slice interface and the MS EC I/O coupler are synchronized with Trio’s Motion-iX motion engine for deterministic behavior. I/O integration and management is handled through Trio’s MotionPerfect software for motion and machine set up.
The MS I/O system is offered alongside Trio’s Motion-PLC controllers, which combine motion control over EtherCAT with PLC logic and I/O expansion. The controllers are available with configurations supporting s up to eight axes.
Trio Motion Technology
Edited by Puja Mitra, WTWH Media, for Control Engineering
