Description
The 2600 is a low-cost, modular measurement and control system designed for applications such as machine control, industrial process control, building automation and remote data acquisition. It uses low cost Ethernet to connect a LAN to a virtually limitless number of I/O measurement and control points.
All modules are DIN rail mountable.
A basic system is made from a model 2601 Communication Module, a 24VDC power supply and an Ethernet connection. The Communication Module distributes operating power and communications to as many as sixteen satellite I/O modules. It also monitors interlock signals and routes power to I/O modules through an innovative daisy chain. As an added bonus, each Communication Module includes four RS-232/422/485 communication ports for connecting to serial devices such as barcode scanners.
More complex systems are formed by connecting two or more Communication Modules to a network switch, which in turn is connected to a LAN. Each Communication Module is then connected to satellite I/O modules as required.
I/O Modules
A wide range of I/O module types are available. Each I/O module type has a specialized function such as analog I/O, thermocouples, relays, digital I/O, etc. A low-cost category-5 patch cable connects each I/O module to its Communication Module. Any combination of I/O modules may be connected to a Communication Module.
All I/O modules have on-board DC/DC converters to power module circuitry. This feature helps to prevent ground loops and associated common mode voltage problems when the I/O modules are distributed over long distances. In addition, the inter-module communication circuits are optically isolated so as to eliminate communication ground loops.
Peripheral Modules
Field Wiring
I/O modules employ two-piece mating connectors for quick connections to all field wiring. External termination boards are not required, as all field wiring connects directly to the I/O modules. This helps to minimize intermediate termination systems and wiring, thereby reducing both material and assembly costs.
Mechanical
Series 2600 modules are supplied as open-frame circuit boards mounted in robust, uniform 100-mm wide DIN rail mountable frames. These are designed to quickly attach to and detach from standard 35-mm-wide DIN rails. Unlike panel mounted products, DIN rails do not require precise mounting hole positions and time-consuming assembly, thus lowering overall installation costs.
Open-frame design has been applied to all modules in the 2600 family. Field wiring connectors are conveniently located at module edges for easy cable routing into adjacent wiring ducts. This eliminates the expensive module enclosures that are often required by competing products.
Power Daisy-Chain
Most I/O modules require only the 24VDC operating power that is supplied from the Communication Module through the category-5 patch cable. Exceptions to this are the relay module (model 2650) and digital I/O module (model 2610). These modules obtain their I/O circuit power from a separate power daisy-chain connector. This enables each I/O point to be powered from any of six different power sources.
In the case of digital I/O circuits, for example, some channels can operate from 5V power while others operate from 12V power (requires external 5 and 12 VDC power supplies).
Interlocks
Daisy-chain power sources may be constant voltages, or they may be switched by interlock and/or emergency stop circuits. When switched power is used, each relay and digital output can be configured to unconditionally deactivate when the switched source is powered down (i.e., when a safety interlock or emergency stop contact opens). This guarantees fail-safe deactivation when safety conditions require it.
Multiple Ethernet Clients
The 2600 system is simultaneously accessible from multiple LAN hosts. For example, a laptop can be connected to the LAN to monitor the I/O system and obtain diagnostic information without interrupting the control computer. Or two or more control computers can be connected, each controlling its own private I/O resources.