Distributed I/O System is suited for use in fieldbus systems.
Press Release Summary:
FD67 modular distributed I/O pneumatic system includes debugging facility with single channel diagnosis and shut down. Starting with fieldbus coupler, I/O layer is distributed close to sensors and actuators and not concentrated in one place. System is connected by one hybrid cable for supply and communication. Fully encapsulated electronics and IP67 rating makes system suitable for washdown environments.
Original Press Release:
Norgren Launches Fully Featured Modular Distributed I/O Pneumatic System
Littleton, Colorado, USA - April 2004. Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, has unveiled the new FD67 distributed I/O system suitable for use in Fieldbus systems such as DeviceNet and Profibus. The modular FD67 has been developed to deliver real competitive advantage to OEM's who are looking to simplify and reduce costs of the entire electrical installation of machines and systems. Offering such benefits as reduced cost of installation in terms of time/money, shorter commissioning cycles and simplified fault diagnosis, the FD67 is suitable for use in a wide cross sector of industrial applications within the packaging, assembly, handling and general machine building industries.
The modular concept means that starting with the fieldbus coupler the I/O layer is distributed right in the heart of the machine close to the sensors and actuators and not concentrated in one place such as the control cabinet. The system is connected by one hybrid cable for supply and communication. This results in short I/O lines to the sensors and actuators thus ensuring a reduction in cabling and cutting down on installation costs and time.
Within I/O systems 95% of faults occur due to incorrectly customer wired cables. A key requirement of any manufacturing facility is to ensure maximum machine uptime so that production levels can be maintained. Norgren addresses the problem of incorrectly wired cabling by offering a full suite of pre-wired and pre-tested cables for greater system reliability thus ensuring that machine up time is kept to a maximum. The FD67 also features a comprehensive debugging facility with single channel diagnosis and shut down. The single channel diagnosis will only shut down the affected plug position not the whole module and will point to the faulty unit. This allows the machine operator to fix the problem fast thus minimizing machine down time.
Featuring low bus node count the FD67 offers low node cost thus reducing total build costs. The fully encapsulated electronics and the IP67 rating makes the system suitable for wash down environments and is extremely resilient to shock and vibration. Dimensions of the system have been kept to a minimum allowing the machine builder to save on valuable space when designing the machine. Delivering the highest system flexibility through the use of multifunctional I/O's there are no separate input and output modules, this means free parameterization of the two signals on each plug position thus again reducing system costs.
The FD67 allows the engineer to universally standardize the machine design around one I/O system. The machine is completely independent from the controls and the fieldbus. If the end user requires a different fieldbus the machine builder need only change the bus coupler; there doesn't need to be any modifications to the I/O periphery. This method means that the machine builder can offer quicker delivery response times to individual customer specifications.
Company information
Norgren is one of the world's leading manufacturers of pneumatic components and automation systems. It is the principal member of the Fluid Controls group within the $2.4 billion IMI plc.
From plants in Europe, America and the Pacific, Norgren manufactures and distributes a wide range of pneumatic components including cylinders, valves, air line equipment, tube fittings and associated fluid power components for use in pneumatic and electro-pneumatic automation and control systems. Norgren's customers can also make use of its associated services including technical advice, training and complete systems engineering assistance.
In the US, Norgren has a unique network of almost 100 distribution outlets operated by independent distributors. All Norgren's US manufacturing sites have ISO9001 approval.
