Digital Distributed I/O Saves Money, Provides Cabinet-Free Protection

There's an age-old challenge for industrial machine builders. They have to reduce costs while, at the same time, enhancing production performance. Every component and subsystem of the machine is examined and reexamined to look for opportunities to provide economy, efficiency, and reliability.

That certainly includes taking a close look at the I/O strategy. Siemens Energy & Automation suggests having a look at a new I/O when you do.

The company unveiled Simatic ET 200eco, an economical digital distributed I/O block solution for machine builders who require IP-65/67 protection for cabinetless designs. The product has two components: a basic I/O module and a terminal block for fast Profibus connections.

According to Ed Rogin, Siemens distributed I/O product marketing manager, the the product was introduced to accommodate a growing trend toward distributed I/O without control cabinets. "The Simatic ET 200eco addresses customer requests for affordable distributed I/O protection in cabinetless designs," says Rogin. "At the same time, it provides the high level of flexibility, protection, and ruggedness needed near the machine in demanding industrial settings."

This product is designed for use in harsh environments where customers want I/O connections localized. "In the case of large machines or conveyor systems with many sensors, the need for localized connectivity is even more important because of the space cabinets take up and the cost associated with the installation of these cabinets" says Rogin.

The IP-65/67 ratings make the new I/O solution ideal for tough washdown or dust-tight environments.

The ET 200eco I/O module is available in various configurations: eight digital inputs or eight digital outputs up to 2 A, 16 digital outputs to 0.5 A, 16 digital inputs, or eight digital inputs/eight digital outputs to 1.3 A, and eight digital inputs/eight digital outputs to 2 A.

The module LEDs provide visual confirmation regarding diagnostics, including bus and system errors, as well as incoming power. Each I/O channel also has an LED to provide confirmation of channel status.

The ET 200eco is available with two different terminal blocks styles: M12 and Ecofast. The M12 terminal block uses standard 12-mm connectors found in an increasing number of industrial environments. The Ecofast heavy-duty terminal block incorporates the I/O module power supply and Profibus connectivity in one connector. Both versions offer an integrated T-function for Profibus. As a result, the need for a T bus connector is eliminated and uptime is increased because I/O modules may be quickly exchanged without interruptions to the power supply or bus line.

"The fact that the T-connection is built-in does make the ET 200eco a lower-cost solution, because the customer doesn't need to supply the external T as well as an additional cable for each I/O block connection," stresses Rogin. "This saves the customer initial costs associated with the extra parts as well as the cost of maintaining these parts."

Siemens believes it's found the right solution to a recurring problem for machine builders. "We expect it will be well received by cost-conscious customers demanding high a high level of protection in the vicinity of the machine," Rogin says.