Mount this compact I/O block right on your machine

For those automation engineers who have to machine mount extra communication gateways, switches and wiring more control cabinets, Siemens has something new for you to check out. Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. has added the new compact, cost saving, and rugged ET 200eco PN Ethernet I/O blocks to its SIMATIC® ET-200 distributed I/O product line.These IP67 rated machine mount input and output blocks are only 30mm or 60mm wide They can accommodate 8 or up to 16 digital I/O points, making it one of the smallest I/O blocks available with a PROFINET/Ethernet connection. This compact size allows these blocks to be installed closer to controlled devices. Completely sealed, they are ideal for processes requiring frequent washdowns or in dusty, humid conditions. They directly connect to devices with standard M12 cord-set connectors. All this saves significant machine wiring and electrical cabinet costs. They are available with two types of housings, both made of die-cast zinc, making the ET 200eco PN extremely robust, resistant to vibration and suitable for operation in extended temperature ranges. Many comparable I/O blocks in the market are either plastic or rolled steel, which are not as strong. The new block periphery can be flexibly extended via PROFINET/Ethernet and it supports line and star networking topologies within a plant. The ability to daisy chain network and supply voltage connections in a “line” eliminates the need for external communication hubs, switches, or additional power supplies. A two-port Ethernet switch is built right into the ET200eco PN, making it ideal for plants with long conveyor systems, commonly found in the machine-building, tool-making and automotive industries.They can mount from the top or side, allowing easy, flexible installation. Their bright LEDs alert maintenance staff to any line problems without requiring a multimeter or logic probe to troubleshoot. The two housings include these sizes: Long and narrow housing: L 200 mm x W 30 mm x D 37 mm with 4xM12 for digital signals; Short and wide housing: L 175 mm x W 60 mm x D 37 mm with 8xM12 for digital signals.The Simatic ET 200eco PN is available with 8 or 16 digital inputs and with 8 or 16 digital outputs. All inputs and outputs, power supplies and communications networks connect via industry-standard M12 connectors. The Simatic ET 200eco PN is designed for distributed installation direct at the machine and supports both PROFINET star and line topologies within a system. PROFINET makes module expansion flexible and permits solutions specifically tailored for automation. The supported “fast start-up” function allows for a quick re-establishment of the PROFINET network in less than 500ms after any maintenance or power shutdown. This is essential in all manufacturing applications where every second counts. Additionally, users can benefit from an integrated diagnostics concept—from PROFINET down to the individual channel on the module, which helps reduce maintenance time and lower Total Cost of Ownership.The ET 200eco PN Ethernet I/O blocks support 100Mbit/sec full duplex transmission speed and are certified with industry standard agency approvals including cUL US, CE, and C-Tick. The units also are recyclable because of their low-pollutant composition.For more information, visit http://www.sea.siemens.com/ET200.