Manufacturers in a broad spectrum of industries will be able to share information across the enterprise, separate and isolate field power inputs and outputs, and better distribute their I/O as a result of new enhancements by Rockwell Automation to its Allen-Bradley ArmorPoint line of I/O products.The EtherNet/IPI/O adapter features a D-keyed M-12 connection, providing a disconnect that's similar to the technology used in traditional IT applications. A total of 63 I/O modules can be assembled on a single EtherNet/IP node. The adapter allows operators to communicate directly from a PC or other computers for data monitoring and collection capabilities in addition to controlling the system.An expansion power unit passes 24V DC field power to the I/O modules to the right of it, extending the backplane bus power and creating a new field voltage partition segment for driving field devices for up to 17 I/O modules. The unit also separates field power from I/O modules to the left of the unit, effectively providing functional and logical partitioning for separating field power between input and output modules; separating field power to the analog and digital modules; or grouping modules to perform a specific task or function. Users can add more modules, segregate AC from DC, and isolate outputs from inputs.A backplane extension cable allows users to consolidate their I/O modules on a single node, eliminating the need for users to spend time configuring distributed I/O. Available in one- or three-meter lengths, the extension cables allow users to connect the same I/O modules to the same single node, yet allow the modules to be located physically farther apart. Users can add up to four cabling segments, or up to 12 meters total.For more information on the ArmorPoint product enhancements, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Ave. South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1768.
