Understanding the Basics of Remote I/O - Antaira Technologies

Understanding the Basics of Remote I/O

In the realm of industrial control and automation, the term I/O, which stands for input/output, is frequently encountered. Grasping the concept of I/O is essential for navigating the industry effectively. There are primarily two types of input/output systems: local I/O and remote I/O, with the latter being more common in industrial settings. This guide aims to enhance your understanding of remote I/O, helping you determine if it suits your specific application.

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What Is Remote I/O?

First, it’s crucial to understand what I/O is in general. I/O refers to devices that transfer data to or from a computer, playing vital roles in monitoring and managing various instruments in industrial control and automation. Remote I/O, also known as distributed I/O, refers to an I/O device that operates at a distance from a programmable logic controller (PLC). For instance, a PLC might be safely located near a control room, while the remote I/O system is placed closer to the instrumentation being monitored, such as sensors and actuators. This setup allows for flexible utilization of I/O technology.

How Remote I/O Works

A remote I/O system relies on a PLC to function. The PLC processes multiple data points, including inputs and outputs, by reading and receiving data from the I/O sections connected to it. These sections can range from separate I/O cards like digital input cards to integrated sections within the PLC hardware. The PLC interprets the data, sends commands, and the remote I/O acts as a pathway for the data. Often, the PLC and I/O hardware are in different locations.

To facilitate substantial data transmission between the remote I/O and the PLC, Ethernet protocols or specialized transmission technologies are commonly used. The remote I/O device uses an adapter module attached to the backplane in the PLC rack to communicate with the PLC.

Benefits of Remote I/O

When examining the benefits of remote I/O systems, several advantages stand out:

• Less Wiring: Remote I/O systems significantly reduce the amount of required wiring. Locating I/O close to the PLC in situations where the PLC cannot be close to the devices requires extensive wiring. By placing remote I/O near the devices and instruments, the need for long wiring runs is minimized.

• More Diverse Hardware Configuration Options: The flexibility of remote I/O systems allows for a greater variety of hardware configurations, offering more freedom to choose an optimal setup for your network.

• Facilitating Communication in Harsh Environments: In environments with extreme temperatures, severe weather, or strong vibrations, placing a PLC close to field devices is impractical. In such scenarios, the PLC is located in a protected area, while the remote I/O is placed near the field devices, ensuring safe communication.

Disadvantages of Remote I/O Systems

While remote I/O systems offer notable benefits, they also have disadvantages to consider:

• Vulnerability: Remote I/O systems rely on a single point of communication between the PLC and the hardware. If this point fails, data transmission and control capabilities can be lost. Implementing redundant communication channels can mitigate this risk.

• Potential Hidden Costs: Although remote I/O can reduce wiring costs, hidden expenses may arise. Configuring additional I/O modules in large systems is time-consuming, especially if one module changes. This reconfiguration process must be done carefully to avoid unexpected costs and complications.

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What is Remote I/O?

In industrial control, the term I/O is common. This discussion will focus on Remote I/O and also touch on Local I/O.

In this article, we will:

• Explain I/O, Local I/O, and Remote I/O
• Discuss why Remote I/O is used in industrial applications
• List transmission mediums for connecting local PLCs and Remote I/O
• Enumerate transmission protocols for communicating between local PLCs and Remote I/O

What I/O Refers to in the Industrial World

I/O stands for Input/Output. It refers to devices transferring data to or from a computer like a PLC. I/O devices are connected to field devices such as sensors and actuators. The sensor signal is converted and stored in the PLC memory, while the actuator receives operating signals from Output I/O modules.

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Local I/O VS Remote I/O

Local I/O involves I/O modules housed in the same cabinet, connected to the controller backplane in the PLC rack. Remote I/O means the I/O module is physically distant from the control PLC, communicating via an Adaptor Module in the PLC rack.

Why Do We Use Remote I/O?

1) When PLCs can't be near field devices

In some industrial settings, harsh environments prevent placing PLCs with Local I/O Modules near field devices.

2) To eliminate long multi-conductor cables

Remote I/O allows placing I/O modules close to field devices, reducing the need for long cables. Signals can be received from distant sensors, and control signals sent long distances to actuators.

Remote I/O Transmission Protocols

Signals can travel long distances over high-speed mediums like twisted-pair wires and fiber optics using protocols like Ethernet and Profibus.

Summary

Let’s review:

• I/O stands for Input/Output
• I/O refers to devices transferring data to/from a computer like a PLC
• Field devices like sensors and actuators connect to I/O modules
• Local I/O is connected to the controller backplane in the PLC rack
• Remote I/O is located far from the control PLC

Remote I/O is used:

• When harsh environments prevent placing PLCs near field devices
• To reduce long multi-conductor cable lengths
• To receive signals from distant sensors and send control signals long distances
• Using high-speed mediums and protocols like Ethernet and Profibus

Want to Learn More?

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