Alternatives to 19 Inch Systems

Related Vendors

TURCK GmbH

DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

TRM Filter d.o.o.

Turck India Automation Pvt. Ltd.

...DIN-rail technology is suitable. Turck also offers numerous solutions for the separation, forming, processing, converting and adapting of analog signals fornearly all operational areas. However, this option demands more time for installation, and problems with the packing density and the documentation may occur – if there are too many signals in the old 19 inch base frame.

To avoid this issue, Turck provides an Interface Module Backplane (IMB) solution. It can process up to 32 I/O channels on a backplane with an area of 175 x 210 mm.

The Interface Module Backplane combines a high channel density with a galvanic division and redundant power supply within a small space, thereby creating more space within the control cabinet. Analog cards – that are previous to Hart and measurement amplifiers for temperature that are able to be parameterised via DTM – complete the I/O solution, and allow integrated asset management concepts for the physical layer. However, the use of the IMB system requires some structural alterations of the already existing 19 inch installations.

Remote I/O in 19 inch rack

Excom system is a viable alternative for users who want to replace the classic pointto-point technology with a remote I/O solution. The modular rack is 19 inch compatible, and easily installed into preexisting frames. Only a fieldbus cable needs to be laid, which forwards all signals to the control system.

Excom is quite user-friendly, as it is possible to run a signal transmission test during startup without requiring the connection to a PLC (Masterclass 1). As to the chosen redundancy method, complete stations can be added/ removed from the bus.

The excom system can be operated by 24 VDC, 115 or 230 VAC. The rack has space for two power packs, two Profibus gateways and up to 16 I/O cards. This equates a maximum expansion of 128 binary (Namur) or 64 analog signals. All cards are hot-swapable, and have an additional LED status display on the front of the card. All Zone 0 and Zone 1 signals can be operated from the field. The connection of the system to the controls is carried out by Profibus-DP V1. This can be configured to be redundant if needed – just like the feed-in. The connection via Profibus has the advantage of additional enhanced diagnostics, and direct and automatic Hart access to the field devices is possible.

* The author is the Managing Director, Turck India.

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