Control Network Newsletter
Configurable I/O Modules Now Available
For those installations that require expanding the number of I/O points in the field, cost-effective configurable I/O modules are now available with analog and digital inputs and outputs in varying combinations. The configurable I/O modules support two of the most popular communication protocols: Modbus (ASCII, RTU, TCP/IP) and BACnet (MS/TP, IP). By providing support for these open communication standards, configurable I/O modules provide solutions to both new and existing Building Management Systems (BMS). Modbus or BACnet operation is easily selectable with a dipswitch.
The configurable I/O modules provide universal inputs that support temperature, analog, resistance and binary in a single module. For applications not requiring universal inputs, modules with discrete inputs that support contact closure and retentive pulse counting at 100 Hz are available. Additional modules supply a mix of universal inputs and/or discrete with relay outputs and analog outputs.
"The word configurable is the key to the product," said Joe Stasiek, Sales Manager of Contemporary Controls. "A single module can support the various input types and also may have some outputs like contact closure, or analog 0 to 10 VDC at 20 mA. Because of this flexibility a single module may be able to handle the points at a single location. In fact, modules that have analog outputs have the ability to trigger relays in applications that might require an output to control higher voltage or higher current applications."
With typical I/O modules, a point just signals an on/off condition. With configurable I/O modules, the point also has an accumulator function that can be used as a high-speed counter (up to 100 Hz) with the value being retained during a power failure. The accumulator function can also be used to count the number of times the input has been turned on. Think of it as an inexpensive way to know the number of times a piece of equipment has been required to operate.
Software designed to perform configuration, firmware updates and diagnostics on the configurable I/O is also available. The free downloadable software provides communication with the module over USB, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus RTU, BACnet IP or Modbus TCP. The free downloadable software provides communication with the use of USB, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus RTU, BACnet IP or Modbus TCP. It allows monitoring the device's operating parameters, remote change of I/O module output states and input modes. This simple and intuitive to use software is the convenient tool for every configurable I/O user.
To learn more, visit the I/O modules page.