Posted to News on 11th Dec 2006, 21:55
Ethernet I/O blocks handle 96 signals on fibre or copper
Amplicon is introducing the new Acromag EtherStax ES2113, which features 96 discrete I/O channels that can be configured for any mix of digital inputs and outputs. These new Ethernet I/O blocks feature a copper or fibre-optic interface and support Modbus TCP/IP and peer-to-peer i2o communication. Housed in a rugged, stackable aluminium enclosure, they include dual power connections and a communications watchdog for enhanced system reliability.
Each model includes a built-in switch that provides dual Ethernet ports. This enables redundant communications compatible with STP, RSTP and proprietary schemes with two 10/100 Base-T copper ports. Alternatively, one copper and one multi-mode fibre port can be selected for communications over longer distance.
Like the Acromag 900EN series of Ethernet-based distributed I/O modules, the EtherStax I/O uses Modbus/TCP for communication with LANs or WANs. Peer-to-peer i2o communication allows the inputs of one EtherStax I/O device to automatically update the outputs of another over the Ethernet. A change of state detection can be transmitted in less than 5ms between EtherStax I/O blocks.
Amplicon is the sole UK distributor for Acromag's range of process instruments. John Hayward, Product Manager, Measurement and Control Group, comments: "The new EtherStax I/O provides an extremely fast process interface for monitoring and control of 96 discrete I/O lines, at a very competitive price per channel."
