Expanded connectivity, enhanced diagnostics and industry-specific options and certifications combine for greater design flexibility and application reliability
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio, September 30, 2004 — By expanding its family of AllenBradley FLEX modular I/O products, Rockwell Automation has given system designers and end users more connectivity, enhanced diagnostic capabilities and new options and certifications that meet the specific needs of hazardous-location applications. “We’re continuing to add new options, certifications and capabilities to the FLEX I/O platform that allow system designers to closely match the I/O to the specific needs of the application,” said Pat Moyer, product marketing manager, Rockwell Automation.
“These new options reduce installation and maintenance costs, and improve overall system reliability.” 1797-IE8H HART and 1797-OE8H HART — Eight-point input (IE8H) and output (OE8H) HART analog modules allow for communication with “smart” field devices that support the popular HART protocol. Modules can access the HART digital signal in parallel to the module’s 4 to 20 mA analog signal with no effect on the processing of theanalog.
These modules allow users to connect to ControlNet or EtherNet/IP networks, HART field devices, HART handheld programming terminals, Rockwell Automation controllers and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) products, as well as the ability to communicate with Field Device Tool (FDT)-compatible software.Digital Diagnostics — New FLEX I/O digital diagnostic modules allow the control system user to quickly identify operating conditions that may result in system failure, improving maintenance response rates and reducing downtime. When the modules detect faults such as open wires, short circuits or reverse polarity of external power, they turn on the module fault LED and the corresponding channel’s red LED and set the corresponding module error bit (open wire, short circuit, or reverse power bit).
The module’s reporting function then sends the diagnostic report to a controller for distribution to the application program, HMI terminals, and other annunciators. Conformal Coating — FLEX I/O now offers conformal coating — a one-to-two-millimeter-thick polymeric film that encapsulates printed circuit assemblies — on several of its products. Conformal coating is a state-of-the-art technology that protects assemblies from airborne contaminants and corrosion by sealing out harmful agents. 1797-BCNR UL/cUL Certification — In addition to its existing CE/ATEX certifications, the FLEXEx ControlNet coax barrier module (1797-BCNR) now has UL/cUL hazardous location certification.
This certification allows users to mount the 1797BCNR in safe, Zone 2 or Division 2 areas with connections into Zone 1 or Division 1 areas. Users can now connect to FLEXEx ControlNet adapters in hazardous areas via coax directly from the safe area without having to convert to fiber media and hubs. This gives users architectural flexibility and a more cost-effective method for using FLEXEx in intermediate point count applications. All of the FLEX I/O family additions are now available. Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives.
The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley controls and services, Dodge mechanical power transmission products, Reliance motors and drives, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
For more information on the latest extension to the Flex family of I/O products, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1758.