Hardware26.03.2014

Digital I/O module available from RS Components brings simple remote monitoring and control to industrial automation

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the world’s leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, is stocking the new ED-588 industrial specification input/output (I/O) module from Brainboxes, a leading developer and manufacturer of PC communication cards.

The ED-588 is a remote Ethernet to digital I/O (DIO) device featuring eight non-isolated digital input channels and eight digital output channels, with an integral DIN rail mount and slim shape (22.6mm wide) that uses minimal space. The module contains a powerful ARM 80 MHz 32-bit CPU, offering robust, intelligent control capability to enable system interface on the factory floor. The ED-588 has a gateway RS485 serial port that can be used to connect to industry-standard NuDAM, eDAM and ADAM modules – a staple of process control systems.

A wide range redundant dual power input (+5VDC to +30VDC) accommodates variation in the +24VDC factory floor supply and allows alternative power sources. A second power supply can be fitted as a back-up to prevent down time should one power source fail. Power can also be sourced using 5 Volt power from any computer USB port for configuration away from the installation site. A watchdog feature allows independent known good states to be set for power up, comms link watchdog, and hardware watchdog. Programmable time range allows full control. Removable, individually numbered colour coded blocks and ports ease installation and simplify wiring.

Capable of driving high current and high voltage loads, the ED-588 is ideal for inductive, capacitive and resistive loads such as CNC machines, stepper motors, heating ventilation and air conditioning. Operating at an extended temperature range of between -30ºC and +80ºC enables the device to cope with extreme changes of temperature in harsh environments. The CPU temperature and power supply status can be monitored via the web interface or programmatically through ASCII commands.

The ED-588 is implemented using a Microsoft® Windows® COM port driver that is compatible with industry standard software packages such as LabView, MATLAB®, and Agilent VEE, and supports a range of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) including Microsoft .NET – C#®, Visual Basic®, C++ and JavaScript. Drivers are available for the latest operating systems including Windows® 8, and the user interface enables monitoring and control from Android devices.

Eamonn Walsh, Managing Director of Brainboxes, said, “Brainboxes started in the industry making DIO cards, and they are so reliable we have customers still using them nearly 30 years on. We are returning to our roots in offering solutions for Digital In/Out, keeping the same reliability and quality of build but with new features that meet the needs of the modern process and control environment. The ED-588 is the first of many products in our upcoming range of remote I/O devices.”

“The ED-588 will benefit process control engineers who need real-time status updates of devices in the field. It is simple to use, can be installed in minutes, and meets the increasing demand for devices that are capable of remote monitoring and control via a network using any device,” said Kevin Shield, Global Head of Automation and Control, RS Components.

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