Getting down and dirty in tough environments

Designed specifically to provide reliable operation in the wet and dirty environments associated with mobile applications, such as refuse vehicles and earth-moving equipment, modules in the new ioControl range from ifm electronic are said to offer “a convenient and cost-effective way of connecting sensors, actuators and indicators to a central control system via a CAN bus communication link”. The modules also feature an integrated mini-controller, which can be used to provide local intelligence.

Each ioControl module supports connections for up to 16 I/O devices in various combinations, according to the model. Each also has two CAN interfaces that are used for programming the mini-controller, using the CODESYS system, and for data exchange with the connected modules, controllers, displays or an engine controller. The modules also have an integrated keypad and a colour LED display to provide local access to important system messages.

Three versions on offer

Three basic versions are available. The first has 16 input channels, the second 16 output channels and the third 8 input channels and 8 output channels. Input types supported, in various combinations according to the module type, are digital, analogue, frequency and resistance. Supported output types are digital, PWM and PWMi, with ratings of 2.5 A and 4.0 A. All three module versions are available with either standard M12 connectors or DEUTSCH connectors.

“Featuring compact construction, the modules have tough fibreglass bodies with an IP65/67 ingress protection rating and operating temperature range of -40 to +85 ºC,” adds ifm electronic. Available accessories include pre-terminated connecting cables, programming cables and a CAN/RS232 adaptor.