How does a POINT I / O?

[robert_ 1]

Hello friends, I want to know How does a POINT I / O?, and if its inputs are programmed as any other major PLC input thanks!

[Ken Roach 194]

My guess is that you meant 'what is', rather than 'how does'. POINT I/O is a modular field I/O platform from Allen-Bradley that connects to several different industrial networks, including EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, and Profibus DP. There are a wide variety of small I/O count modules available for common industrial signals like 120V AC, 24V DC, 0-10V and 4-20 mA analog, and speciality modules like RS-232 and thermocouples. http://ab.rockwellautomation.com/IO/1734-POINT-IO In general, yes, POINT I/O modules are similar to other distributed I/O systems and are used in a similar way in ControlLogix and other PLC control systems.

[robert_ 1]

Sorry, I meant how does it work... I know that POINT I/O is a safety inputs system, but is all that I know, so I want to know about this safety input cards of Rockwell

[Ken Roach 194]

Only a few special POINT I/O modules work with GuardLogix safety controllers. There are many more general-purpose POINT I/O modules. Because safety systems are special devices that are very application-dependent, I cannot give you a personal summary of 'how they work'. For the modules themselves, the User Manuals are a better resource. For the safety system overall, it is inappropriate for me (or anyone, really) to provide advice or tutorial on an Internet website. Rockwell Automation provides a great deal of information on GuardLogix and their safety I/O products on their website, and they have substantial representation in Mexico. If you are considering implementing a GuardLogix control system with POINT Safety I/O, you need to be in touch with RA's specialists. Rockwell Automation GuardLogix Safety Control System website Rockwell Automation de Mexico (16 offices)

[waterboy 7]

Would you consider these point I/O an economical alternative to another rack of modules or just a smaller package which is just as costly?

[Shawn Tierney 2]

Personally, I've found Point IO less expensive than other remote IO products from Rockwell (like Flex IO.) However, the network adaptor runs around $500 so if you have an existing plc rack in the same area it would likely be less expensive to add I/O to it versus adding a new rack of Point IO. To know for sure you can use Rockwell's free IAB program to compare the cost of different racks of IO. PS - Beware of the Point IO 8 point modules - since they only have 8 terminals you'll typically need to add additional terminal blocks to complete the circuits, or use the convenient but more expensive VTM or CTM Point IO modules. Hope this helps,

[robert_ 1]

so...How does it work a POINT GUARD I/O? like a normal input module or what makes it special???. I'm working in a project where we use POINT GUARD I/O and FLEX I/O, but all safety inputs like emergency stops and door safety switches are connected to a POINT GUARD I/O. I would like to know, what is special about POINT GUARD I/O. Why not connect this safety inputs to another flex I/O ????

[Ken Roach 194]

Safety I/O modules typically have features that general-purpose I/O modules do not. These features include detection of short-circuit to 0V or 24V, detection of open-circuit conditions, dual-channel input discrepancy detection, pulse testing (for outputs), and special CIP Safety protocol connections across Ethernet to the controller. These features allow failures of the circuitry to be detected before a dangerous failure on demand occurs.