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New Ethernet I/O blocks isolate, monitor, and control 48 discrete signals with redundant communication.

Acromag expands its EtherStax™ I/O series with new channel-isolated discrete I/O providing high channel density plus redundant communication and power for use in critical applications and harsh environments.

Acromag has extended their EtherStax™ line of rugged, high-density Ethernet I/O blocks for distributed I/O and SCADA applications with new channel-isolated discrete I/O. Channel-to-channel isolation adds further protection from transients and noise.  ES2116,  ES2117, and  ES2118 models process 32 discrete inputs and 16 outputs with a Modbus TCP/UDP/IP interface to a host controller. Acromag's i2o® technology enables peer-to-peer communication between I/O units. Dual network ports support 10/100Base-TX copper and 100Base-FX fiber-optic connections with a redundant communication path for critical applications. Dual DC power terminals enable use of redundant power sources. An embedded web page provides configuration menus accessible with any web browser to eliminate programming. The compact, stackable aluminum enclosure resists shock and vibration making it ideal for mounting directly on machinery. Multiple units can stack in an 8 x 7" footprint. An open board version is available for custom mounting. Prices start at $950.

Three models, each with 32 input channels and 16 output channels, support a variety of I/O ranges. The ES2116 has a 97-132V AC input range, the ES2117 accepts 20-60V DC, and the ES2118 takes 105V-135V DC signals. All models provide 5A @ 250V AC or 30V DC SPST outputs. Each unit also has an alarm with a 5A @ 250V AC or 24V DC SPST. Continuous 150V AC channel-to-channel isolation safely separates each I/O signal from the others, from power, and from the network. - Read more

Acromag's 630T series of multi-channel isolators provide an economical and space-efficient solution to eliminate ground loops, filter signal noise, and block high voltage surges. These inch-wide single/dual-channel isolators receive 4-20mA inputs and provide fully isolated 4-20mA output signals. Signal splitter models provide two identical outputs from a single input. A built-in excitation supply delivers power for 2-wire transmitters or other input loop devices to eliminate the cost of external power supplies. The isolator power requirement is very flexible, operating off either 90-250V AC or 15-36V DC with a 4-wire connection.

There are many uses for the 630T isolators. The following application notes demonstrate just a few uses.

Application note #1: How to isolate input and output signals to and from a controller. Also, how to use the built-in excitation supply to drive 2-wire field devices.

Application note #2: How to use a 4-wire isolator "splitter" to excite a field device and re-transmit the 4-20mA signal to two different locations.

Application note #3 : How to re-transmit a 4-20mA signal to three locations.

Application note #4 : Series 600T isolator and splitter application notes.

See the full Series 600T product line

See our full list of technical support solutions Website.

Congratulations to Mr. Alan Meilach of Datacard Corporation. He was the winner of the February 1, 2007 iPod drawing. To enter our next drawing for an iPod and receive product literature, please  enter here and use "iPod" as your ID number.

Solution #1: Automatic control/selection
1pc, Model  892M-0500, Math Module with 2AI's and 1 AO.

This product can accept two 4-20mA inputs and provide one 4-20mA output. You could enter a simple "excel spreadsheet type equation" that automatically selects the higher of the two inputs. So, if one is lower or drops down to 0mA in case of failure, the other channel will kick in automatically. Example Equation: Output=Max(A,B,4) {with this equation, you'll clamp the lowest output of the 892M to 4mA)

1pc, Model  800C-SIP, Software Configuration Kit for 892M

Solution #2: Digital control/selection

Same as above except you use a SPST N.C. mechanical relay output from the backup PLC wired directly across the "B" channel Input to 892M (ie; in parallel). This will always "short out" the current input to channel B causing the 892M CH B reading to be 0mA. In the event of a failure on ch A (ie; 0mA), channel B relay could be programmed to "open" and allow ch B to begin reading the 4-20mA signal. Same equation as above will work for this solution. Note, you will probably see a very brief "transitional" glitch with this solution (ie; 500mS or less typically).

Solution #3: Go Ethernet Modbus TCP/IP or Ethernet IP if Allen Bradley

1pc, Model  972EN-4004 (MB TCP/IP) or  972EN-6004 (Ethernet IP): 4ch AO-I module, Ethernet. Acromag's Ethernet Modules support "multi-master" communications (ie; up to 10masters typically). So, you could have this 4ch AO-I module being driven from either of 2 PLC masters. You need the interlock logic between the PLC's to determine who takes control of the module (ie;token ring passing, simple relay command between plc's, or thru the comm. Port communications)

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Signal Conditioning and Distributed I/O Solutions Product Summary Guide, 20 page brochure  Download now (PDF, 1.5MB)

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