These modules, which will also be launched in the Americas and Asia this quarter, feature die-cast zinc housings that meet IP67 industrial-class protection requirements, enabling galvanic isolation between the sensors, actuators, and the bus system at the highest level. This ensures the controllers are protected from interference. Anti-vibration M12 connection technology and short-circuit-proof outputs guarantee a high level of functional safety. Each of the three modules offers 16 digital channels, configurable as inputs, outputs, or a combination of both.
Since they are also equipped with a two-port switch (10/100 Mbit/s), they can be used to implement both linear and ring topologies. They also support DLR (Device Level Ring protocol), which means that if a connection fails, the modules immediately switch to another ring segment, allowing connected systems to continue operating without interruption. The easy-to-diagnose design enables rapid troubleshooting.
The EtherNet/IP ports are equipped with four-pin M12 connectors with D-coding, and the 16 I/O slots, each capable of sending or receiving two digital signals, have five-pin M12 connectors with A-coding. The output current rating reaches up to 1.6 A per channel, with a maximum total current capacity of 9 A per module. The optimized slot arrangement facilitates use even with T-splitters.
To avoid confusion, both the I/O connectors and network ports are color-coded. IP addresses are configured using rotary switches. Both modules are configured directly via the control unit's user interface. Easy diagnostics allow for accurate diagnostics by channel and bus.
The I/O modules are encapsulated in a die-cast zinc housing measuring 261.4 mm long by 59.6 mm wide and 17.6 mm high. Including the power slots, the units are only 26.3 mm high. All versions are designed for a temperature range of -10°C to +60°C. Power, connected via two 7/8" four-pole slots, has a nominal voltage of 24 V and a voltage range of 15 to 30 V.
With this new LioN-R series in the Lumberg Automation range, Belden is launching its first robust, metal-enclosed I/O modules for EtherNet/IP applications.
