Two new series of I/O modules have been made available for Control Techniques’ drives, designed to enable applications to be managed without the need for a PLC or SCADA system.

Process control applications often involve a PLC, using I/O to communicate with sensors attached to the machines involved. For Control Techniques drives, communications protocols are supported for almost all the fieldbus and Ethernet networks that are common in industry, either on-board as standard or with user-fitted modules. The modules have direct, high speed access to all drive parameters.

Now, two series of I/O modules are available for Control Techniques drives, which are designed to enable applications of moderate complexity to be managed directly by the drive itself, without the need for a separate PLC. 

RTMoE or Modbus TCP Remote I/Os

In the first configuration, add-on RTMoE or Modbus TCP Remote I/O modules connect directly via the on-board Ethernet port of the M7XX series drives, or via the on-board Ethernet port of the MC210 Machine Control option modules. A typical configuration would include MCi2XX Machine Control option modules, Machine Control Studio software and the MCh040/MCh070 HMI Panels. 

EtherCAT Remote I/Os

In the second configuration option, add-on EtherCAT Remote I/O modules connect via the on-board EtherCAT port of the MCe or MCz controllers. They can also connect through any EtherCAT port on any PLC or controller.

In both versions, all sensor inputs and outputs can be controlled, including LEDs, pushbuttons, temperature controls, machine status indicators and fluid flow sensors. Applications are expected to solve relatively straightforward automation problems in a very wide range of market sectors, including irrigation systems, machinery safety doors and printing equipment.