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Press Release
Moeller Electric Adds Intelligence to I/O
![[picture of XI/ON and gateway]](images/xion-gateway.jpg)
A programmable gateway, which combines PLC-like functionality
with a CANopen fieldbus interface, is the latest addition to
Moeller Electric's comprehensive XI/ON range of remote input/output
products. The new gateway makes it easy to add intelligence to
remote I/O assemblies, simplifying system design, reducing fieldbus
loading and improving fault resilience.
Capable of supporting up to 74 I/O modules from the XI/ON range, Moeller's new gateways are programmed using the company's XSOFT Professional software package, which is based on the popular CoDeSys programming system. Programs are stored in Flash memory which requires no battery back up, and are accessed via the gateway's integral serial port or over the network.
By allowing simple control functions to be implemented in the gateway without the need for sending signals back and forth to a central PLC, the new modules substantially reduce fieldbus traffic and, therefore, improve system response times. The availability of local control also makes it possible to implement routines for a safe controlled plant shutdown in the event of a fieldbus failure.
XI/ON modules which can be used with the new gateways include digital and analogue inputs and outputs, serial ports, counters and thermocouple inputs. Available with small convenient combinations of inputs and outputs, the modules allow the production of I/O assemblies which accurately and economically match the user's needs.
All XI/ON modules feature a DIN-rail mounting base unit with convenient screw or cage-clamp terminals for field connections, and a separate plug-in electronic module. This arrangement allows modules to be "hot swapped" to save time during commissioning and fault finding, and it also means that modifications can be made quickly and easily.
In addition to the new programmable gateways with CANopen connectivity, Moeller Electric offers standard (non-programmable) XI/ON gateways for all popular fieldbus systems, including CANopen, Profibus-DP and DeviceNet. This wide range of connectivity options allows users of the XI/ON system to standardise on just one series of I/O modules, even if their activities involve multiple fieldbus types.
