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Industrial
Automation Feature - Remote I/O
Top Hex was
approached by a leading industrial machinery manufacturer
to supply a range of remote i/o modules. The client was
designing a large machine with hundreds of inputs and
outputs, and wanted to distribute the i/o around the
machine, rather than wiring everything back to a central
point. The idea of using one of the numerous fieldbuses
had been discussed, but these were deemed too expensive
and far too complicated! Their service engineers,
although experienced and well qualified, did not carry
laptops and would not be able to devote the time to
training on a new system.
Top Hex went back to first principles and
designed a range of i/o modules operating on an RS-485
bus, using the Modbus protocol. If you are looking for a
solution with a clever name, a trendy logo and using the
very latest technology, this is not it. If, like most
engineers, you want well-proven technology, universal
compatibility and something that is ultra-reliable; we
have an excellent solution.
Wiring is easy. Simply
daisy chain a two wire comms cable between the modules.
Configuring the modules is even easier, turn the dial to
the required address – no laptop, no expensive hand-held
programmer, no worries. Top Hex i/o modules have been
installed in a range of manufacturing industries,
including aerospace and automotive. The range is
expanding progressively; modules are available for
temperature input (RTD, thermistor, or thermocouple).
There are also digital input modules, and both relay and
solid-state output modules. So far the modules have been
mainly used with a Top Hex Master controller, but they
are compatible with any 485/Modbus system.
More information,
including datasheets, is available on our website www.tophex.co.uk.
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