I/O Modules February 2006 Product Research

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’applications and needs regarding I/O modules.

By Control Engineering Staff February 2, 2006

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding I/O modules.

Executive Summary

  • Among those specifying, recommending, and/or buying I/O modules, 74% do so for in-plant requirements and 46% buy for OEM needs.

  • Over one-third of respondents primarily use I/O modules for both continuous and batch processing, while 28% cite discrete products manufacturing.

  • Discrete input, analog input and discrete output represent the top tier of I/O modules used. Although usage of these modules will drop over the next 12 months, they will continue to represent the top tier. In fact, survey results suggest usage, of every individual module under evaluation, will decline over the next year.

  • Eighty-one percent of respondents apply their I/O modules within PLC systems.

  • The most widely used communication networks are, and will continue to be, Ethernet and 4-20 mA.

  • The most widely used protocol over Ethernet are, and will continue to be, TCP/IP and EtherNet/IP. o Nearly one-fifth of respondents either use or plan to use in the next 12 months an 802.11 (any mention) wireless protocol.

  • Nearly two-thirds of respondents bought I/O modules from Allen-Braldley/Rockwell Automation in the past 12 months. On average respondents purchased 155 I/O modules during the past 12 months. The average spending per respondent on I/O modules in the past year was $111,737.

  • Forty-seven percent of respondents say their purchase of I/O modules will increase in the next 12 months. Only 6% predict a lower demand.

  • Most important to survey participants when buying I/O modules is technical support. Availability of stock and communication capabilities round out the top three criteria.

  • Fifty percent of Control Engineering subscribers responding do not receive Control Design. Sixty-four percent do not receive Control.

I/O Modules Research 2006