Prosoft Adds Wireless Ability To Point I/O Adapter

The Wireless Point I/O Adapter (ILX34-AENWG) is a high-speed, standards-based 802.11g wireless I/O adapter. It has the same compact size of the 1734 Point I/O systems (distributed input/output modules) from PLC/PAC manufacturer Rockwell Automation, combined with the Prosoft Technology Integrated Wireless Architecture. The Wireless Point I/O Adapter is ideal for collecting data from and for controlling moving systems (such as robots, automated carts, overhead cranes and earthmovers) and fixed-position racks in hard-to-reach areas of the process plant.

Non-tethered link to distributed I/O is requested in applications with moving or remote equipment, or where it is difficult or costly to wire devices or control panels. Applications include: tank farms (oil and gas and water treatment); cranes; stackers/reclaimers (material handling); rotating filling; spooling; moulding machines (food and beverage); and robotics/multi-axis machining, including remote monitoring, condition monitoring and other remote/moving distributed I/O applications.

The ability to wirelessly connect Point I/O modules allows automation engineers to design high-performance, scalable and low-latency systems in cases where wired I/O is problematic. The Wireless Point I/O Adapter provides a familiar programming environment to users by utilising the connection-based Ethernet/IP protocol and configuration with RSLogix 5000 programming environment to simplify configuring and communication with Point I/O racks scattered throughout the process facility. The Wireless Point I/O Adapter can be used in networks with Radiolinx Industrial Hotspots or third-party 802.11g access points to provide high-speed, low latency 802.11g client communication over widely spaced plant areas.

This ability to work with existing standards-based wireless technology protects and leverages the end-user investment. For security, the Wireless Point I/O employs 802.11i WPA2 with AES Encryption. The Wireless Point I/O Adapter provides users with the flexibility and scalability (up to 63 modules) offered by the many standard Rockwell Automation Point I/O modules, including analogue I/O, digital I/O, Point Guard I/O, Devicelogix, relays, RTD and counters. All Prosoft Technology products come with a three-year warranty and unlimited technical support.

Pepperl+Fuchs Announces Remote I/O Systems

Designed to facilitate the connection of traditional input and output signals onto a bus network, Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced the LB/FB remote I/O systems. LB/FB systems support general-purpose or intrinsically safe applications with modules that can be mixed and matched on the same backplane. These systems facilitate connection to Profibus DP, Modbus and Foundation fieldbus for all traditional signal types, including discrete, analogue, frequency and temperature.

Redundancy for the communication interface and power supply ensures high reliability. 'Anyone using a traditional intrinsic safety barrier can benefit from LB/FB remote I/O systems, as they allow barriers to be pushed into Division 2 and Zone 1 hazardous areas,' said Brian Traczyk, Pepperl+Fuchs product manager. 'These remote I/O systems are also suitable for upgrades and expansions and can be beneficial when devices such as thermocouples or RTDs do not have a fieldbus interface,' he added.

LB/FB remote I/O system users are said to benefit from: reduced wiring; fewer DCS control cards; fewer terminations for reduced installation costs; and reduced control cabinet space requirements. Faster commissioning LB systems are rated for Division 2 mounting with inputs and/or outputs mounted in a Division 1/Zone 0 area. FB systems are designed for intrinsically safe or increased safety applications and rated for Zone 1 mounting with inputs and/or outputs mounted in a Zone 0 area.

With LB systems, IS and general-purpose modules can be mixed and matched on the same backplane. LB systems include a backplane, communication interface, power supply and I/O modules. They can be DIN Rail mounted or Pepperl+Fuchs' Systems and Solutions Group can pre-mount the system in an enclosure specified by the user.

With FB systems, IS and increased safety modules can be mixed and matched on the same backplane. FB systems include a backplane/enclosure, communication interface, power supply and I/O modules. The system comes installed in the user's choice of enclosure with GRP, fibreglass and stainless steel as standard options. FB systems are available with a number of optional accessories that can be mounted within the enclosure to extend its functionality, including terminal blocks, fuses and disconnect switches.

Addon Expands Servo Controller I/O

QuickSilver Controls has developed a simple 24V breakout that can be attached directly to the SMI port of a SilverDust MG, IG, IGF, IGC or IG8 servomotor controller, providing access to power, communications (RS232/485) and I/O. The breakout also converts the controller's TTL level I/O to five 24V isolated inputs and two 24V open collector outputs.

With a list price of US $75, this breakout is an easy way of adding extra 24V I/O to a SilverDust controller.