Industrial I/O is software-configurable for automation and control
Analog Devices claims to have developed the industry’s first software configurable industrial I/O for building control and industrial automation. The AD74412R and AD74413R are intended for building control and process automation, allowing manufacturers and industrial operators to achieve greater control system flexibility while reducing product complexities.
Traditional control systems require costly and labour-intensive manual configuration, with an array of channel modules, analogue and digital signal converters, and individually wired I/Os to communicate with the machines, instruments, and sensors on the operating floor. The AD74412R and AD74413R enable flexible control systems to be designed with reconfigurable module channels remotely and without requiring extensive re-wiring, explained Analog Devices. This not only increases the speed of implementation, but increases flexibility to make changes without incurring significant cost and system downtime.
The AD74412R and AD74413R will allow manufacturers to adopt industry 4.0, and adapt to changing requirements, driven by changes in consumer behaviour and demand. Flexible systems will react quicker than fixed, large-scaled systems as they can be reconfigured quickly with minimal downtime and capital investment, said Analog Devices. ADI’s software configurable I/O can be used by manufacturers to efficiently implement new projects and achieve more flexible automated control, reduce design and installation costs, as well as commissioning delays.
Software configurable I/O also allows manufacturers to develop a platform that replaces multiple aging fixed function I/O modules or be applied across multiple customer applications where the I/O dynamic changes with each installation.
For systems traditionally reliant on control cabinets with multiple I/O modules and specified wiring for each channel type, users can reduce hardware by installing a single module type programmable from the control room, which decreases logistic, manufacturing and support costs, added ADI.
Software configurable I/O also acts as a bridge to Ethernet-based control networks, as it can further be applied to brownfield installations requiring updates to 10BASE-T1L industrial Ethernet systems. It enables development of standardised, configurable field I/O units capable of translating between installed HART-enabled 4-20mA sensors and actuators and 10BASE-T1L or 100M Fibre backhaul.
Both the AD74412RBCPZ and AD74413RBCPZ are available, both in a 64-lead LFCSP, measuring 9.0 x 9.0mm.
