Modular open I/O fieldbus technology

Moeller has introduced a new generation of compact, modular fieldbus I/O products, representing a quantum leap in user friendly, high-performance fieldbus technology. Featuring individual hot-swappable electronic I/O modules and software for station design and diagnostic reporting, the new XI/ON family provides fast response I/O communication via all the common fieldbus protocols, including Profibus DP, CANopen, InterBus and DeviceNet. The slice-and-block I/O approach offers customised solutions, and the open design ensures continued compatibility as system requirements change.

The Moeller XI/ON family concept provides each I/O terminal station with a gateway which acts as the interface between the fieldbus and the I/O modules.

The gateway handles the process data on the bus, and also generates diagnostic information for the higher-level control system and for the XI/ON software, I/Oassistant.

Connection to the network is either via a sub-D connector, or by direct wiring.

A change of fieldbus protocol involves a simple change of the gateway module: all the rest of the XI/ON units and their wiring need no alteration.

Thus a user's investment in product and installation time is safe in the event of fieldbus protocol changes at a later date.

I/Oassistant software is used to configure, visualise and validate XI/ON station designs before installation.

It documents the design and produces a bill of materials, so that only the exact products required are ordered.

I/Oassistant also analyses diagnostics when run on a laptop PC plugged into individual stations via the gateway module.

Connection to the field I/O is via a base element slice or block, which simply clips onto a DIN-rail next to the gateway.

I/O resolution is such that users can order the exact number of connections they need.

I/O slices are just 12.6mm thick and offer one, two or four channels, while I/O blocks offer 8, 16 or 32 channels in 100.8mm wide units.

These base elements are available with two-, three- or four-wire technology, with either screw or tension clamp wire connection.

Each slice or block features an LED to provide visual diagnostic information.

Individual electronic modules simply plug into each base element providing the desired I/O functionality.

Hot-swapping ensures that, in the event of a fault occurring or the need for maintenance, an electronic module can be removed and replaced while the rest of the units on the station continue to operate.

The station and adjacent base terminals are supplied with 24V via a power supply slice.

I/O such as relays, that require different voltages, can be powered from a power separation module.

This is inserted within the same station next to the relevant base elements.

All the modules within the station are designed to provide accurate and clear labelling and colour coding which ties in with the system design developed on I/Oassistant.