Universal Remote I/O

Our Universal Remote I/O Link connects our SLC and PLC processors to remote I/O chassis and a host of intelligent devices such as operator interfaces and ac and dc drives. I/O chassis and other devices can be mounted up to 10,000 feet from the PLC or SLC processor.

Our PLC and SLC processors access the Remote I/O Link through built­in scanners (as in our enhanced PLC­5 processors) or through separate scanner modules (as with our SLC processors and the 1747­SN scanner module). I/O products communicate with these scanners over the link through separate adapter modules (such as the 1771­ASB adapter for the 1771 I/O chassis, 1747­ASB adapter for the 1746 I/O chassis, and 1794­ASB adapter for FLEX I/O), or through built­in adapters (such as our 1791 I/O Blocks).

In addition to our I/O, A­B operator interfaces, ac and dc drive systems, intelligent sensing products, CNCs, and other devices are compatible with this link. Some products, such as PanelView Operator Terminals, have built in "adapter" capability, while other products, such as our 1336 drives, require optional "adapter" modules to put them on the link. Products such as our VIM2 Vision System are installed in the 1771 I/O chassis and communicate over the chassis backplane to a Remote I/O Adapter, which communicates to the programmable controller's scanner. In addition, our 1784­KTS communication interface card lets an ISA/EISA bus PC communicate directly with A­B remote I/O devices.

Other companies offer products such as robotic and welding controllers, scales, and wireless modems, that are compatible with the Universal Remote I/O Link as well. In total, there are approximately 100 devices available that can communicate on this link. By using these devices on the link, you speed communication and allow the devices to work together to help improve quality while lowering integration, maintenance, and training costs.

For distributed processing, you can put a PLC­5 processor in "adapter mode" and install it in an I/O chassis where it can monitor its own resident I/O while communicating to a supervisory PLC­5 processor over the Universal Remote I/O Link. You can also distribute SLC processors on the link where they can control I/O while communicating with a supervisory processor via a 1747 Direct Communication Module.

For high­speed processing applications, an extended­local I/O link is available, which provides a parallel I/O link (the practical equivalent of processor­resident­chassis performance for I/O modules not placed in the processor's chassis). In addition, the A­B ControlNet network, which gives you deterministic, repeatable transfers of control data, is suitable for real­time, high­throughput applications.

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, 1 Allen-Bradley Drive. Tel: 216-646-5000; Fax: 216-646-3525.