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Essentials of field I/O system

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Avinash Mittal
Essentials of field I/O system

Whether at the packaging machine or at the robot's arm, the I/O System Field Modules mount exactly where you need them – at the heart of the action, close to sensors and actuators. The WAGO I/O System Field for cabinet-free automation merges a remarkable variety of functions with robust IP67 housings. It can be used for applications in different industries such as Automotives, Packaging, Textiles Machinery, Rubber and Plastic Machinery, Woodworking Machinery etc.

Let’s analyze the essentials of a WAGO I/O system field, which are:-

Extended network connectivity

WAGO developed it’s new I/O System Field with IP67 protection as automation solutions for modern, decentralized production facilities to ensure the highest level of connectivity while providing maximum performance outside of the control cabinet.

The new system combines fast ETHERNET-based fieldbuses (e.g., PROFINET), technologies such as OPC UA, Bluetooth® and Webserver, and MQTT as a protocol for cloud connectivity. The centerpiece is a powerful processor core that combines integrated security features with secure field and cloud connectivity. It is the basis for all ETHERNET, fieldbus and Industrial IoT standards (including TSN), offering maximum flexibility for a wide variety of requirements.

Benefits:-

  • Platform-independent data exchange through OPC UA
  • System information provided via MQTT
  • Fast and distributed access to module information via Bluetooth®
  • Access to system information via integrated Webserver

Functionality and Aesthetics in One System

The IP67-rated I/O System Field is optimized for dependable, cabinet-free automation.  As mentioned above, the modules mount close to sensors and actuators. This adaptability not only reduces the cabling required, but it also simplifies commissioning, maintenance and diagnostics.

Sensors and actuators are connected via standard M8 and M12 cables. The system is powered via an L-coded high-current M12 connector, providing up to 16 A and packing more power in less space. The modules can accommodate WMB Inline markers or marking strips from the WAGO’s standard program.

The modules operate at temperatures from −25 to +70°C (−13 … +158°F. The slim housing variants and lateral mounting lend themselves well to detecting signals in the smallest of spaces and, for mounting both modules and connection cables in a protected manner.

Benefits:

  • Fully encapsulated IP67 metal housings for extreme environments
  • Non-encapsulated, lightweight IP67 plastic housings for mobile applications
  • Detailed identification, convenient marking options and clearly visible LEDs

Integrated power management

Innovative load management ensures that the system’s power is fully utilized via supply current load management. Current and voltage can be recorded and evaluated per channel. Overload limits can be set for individual channels. As a result, errors can be detected faster and more clearly differentiated in the event of faults, which is essential for future trends such as predictive maintenance.

Benefits:

  • High-capacity power supply with up to 2 x 16 A and up to 4 A per IO-Link Port
  • Adjustable output current limitation
  • Power consumption monitoring
  • Definition of pre- and main alarms
  • Monitoring voltages and currents (per channel and module-wide)
  • Channel-based temperature monitoring

All-in-one solution via IO-Link

In amalgamation with IO-Link, the I/O System Field fully demonstrates it’s strengths as a flexible “IO distributor” for both data collection and distribution.  And, the prominent communication standard enables seamless data flow from the control to the sensor and actuator level. This considerably simplifies configuration and cabling. Additionally, completely new possibilities arise for diagnostics, parameterization and device identification.

Benefits:

  • End-to-end cloud and fieldbus communication with IO-Link
  • Simplified wiring eases planning and device exchange
  • Up to 8 IO-Link hubs per module, up to 4 A per port and up to 128 digital IOs on one master
  • Star topology for short line paths
  • Fewer IP addresses

To sum up:-

All the crucial features and benefits of IP67-rated I/O System created by WAGO, suggest that it is a highly effective solution for automate and network modular machines available today and even in the future.

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Avinash Mittal
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