Ethernet Modules Talk Directly

Aug. 1, 2005
As an enhancement to the vendor’s BusWorks 900EN Series Ethernet I/O Modules, i2o technology allows input modules to send measured signal data directly to output modules without a PLC, PC or other controller in between.

This i2o (input-to-output) function is well suited for simple remote I/O applications in which sensor signals at one location must be displayed, recorded or monitored across the plant or around the globe, but programming a controller is not desirable. Analog input modules measure the current, voltage or temperature signals at point A and transmit the data to analog output modules that provide proportional 4-20mA or 0-10VDC output at point B. Wiring costs are minimal, because input and output modules can communicate between IP addresses across existing Ethernet network infrastructure, CAT5 cable, fiber optic lines or via wireless radios. No software is required because the setup uses a standard Internet browser to configure an embedded Web page. A pair of 12-channel I/O modules starts at $750.