New Ethernet I/O Has Both Analog Inputs & Outputs

Acromag further extends their EtherStax™ line of rugged, high-density Ethernet I/O blocks for distributed I/O and SCADA applications with the release of new combination analog input/output models. The ES2151 and ES2152 feature 16 DC current inputs, 16 voltage inputs, and either 16 current or voltage output signals, respectively, to interface sensors and actuators to an Ethernet control network. Modbus TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocol communication, as well as peer-to-peer messaging are supported. A DB25 input port connects a rack of 7B or 8B signal conditioning modules to monitor a wider variety of sensors including temperature, frequency, and load cells. ES2152 models also have a DB25 output port to control 7B/8B analog output modules. Fast, high-resolution 16-bit A/D and D/A scanning updates all channels in under 10mS. Units are available in a variety of configurations with prices starting at $1950.

Two models, both with 16 analog current and 16 voltage inputs, support a variety of I/O ranges. The current inputs accept ±20mA, 0-20mA, or 4-20mA ranges. Voltage inputs handle ±5V and ±10V ranges. A DB25 port allows alternate voltage inputs from a 7B or 8B signal conditioning module rack supporting nearly 100 additional input types with channel-to-channel isolation. Dual-format data registers support 16-bit integer and 32-bit floating point formats. Scaling registers are configurable on a per-channel basis. The ES2151 has 16 analog current outputs while the ES2152 provides 16 voltage outputs and an alternate DB25 interface for use with isolated 7B/8B analog output modules.

The inputs have a configurable sample averaging function and each channel has a non-volatile integrator/totalizer for additional signal processing tasks. On-demand self-test verifies calibration and a built-in loop-back circuit provides output validation for dependable results. Acromag's i2o^™ technology enables fast peer-to-peer updates based on percent change or at set intervals (0.1%, 100mS resolution).

EtherStax I/O units are designed for high-reliability operation. Numerous features help prevent downtime, improve performance, and withstand harsh industrial environments. Dual network ports provide a redundant communication path for critical applications with support of 100Base-FX fiber-optic and/or 10/100Base-TX copper connections. Dual DC power terminals permit redundant power sources. Internal diode coupling delivers a "bump-less" transfer to the backup power source. A failsafe relay provides alarm output on a power or link-loss failure. A hardware watchdog timer can send outputs to a failsafe state or hold the last value if there is a communication failure. To further minimize downtime, the I/O circuitry features over-temperature, over-voltage, and over-current protection. Continuous 250V AC (354V DC) isolation - with a peak 1500V AC rating - safely separates I/O signals from the power, relay, and Ethernet ports. Other industrial-grade specs include extended -40 to 70°C operating temperatures.

The stackable, high-density packaging enables installation of nearly 150 I/O points in a space-saving 8 x 7" footprint. A high-strength aluminum enclosure gives IP20 protection with shock and vibration resistance. This rugged design is ideal for mounting on DIN rails, walls, or directly on machinery. Pluggable terminal blocks make for easy installation and servicing. A stackable open board version (no housing) simplifies mounting in alternative enclosures with lower costs for OEMs and system integrators.

EtherStax are well-suited to many applications for both end-users and OEMs. The remote I/O abilities are perfect for monitoring, supervisory control, and data acquisition tasks at water, power-gen, and oil/gas facilities. On the plant floor, the rugged construction delivers dependable performance for a variety of distributed I/O functions. And in a control panel, the compact design permits mounting in tight spaces. Low power, high efficiency, fanless system designs can be accommodated. CE and UL approvals are pending. EtherStax are suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Group ABCD, Zone 2 locations.

Acromag is an international corporation that has been developing and manufacturing measurement and control products for more than 50 years. They offer a complete line of industrial I/O products including process instruments, signal conditioning equipment, data acquisition boards, distributed I/O systems, and network communication devices.

For more information about Acromag products, call the Inside Sales Department at (248) 295-0880 or Marketing Communications at (248) 295-0865, FAX (248) 624-9234. Write Acromag at P.O. Box 437, Wixom, MI 48393-7037 USA. Our web site address is http://www.acromag.com.