October 6, 2009 — Bellevue, Washington, USA —Data-Linc announced today the release of its new “CIX” Communication Interface Extender System for both the 900 MHz (CIX6400) and the 2.4 GHz (CIX6500) ISM bands. The CIX provides a cost effective, easy-to-implement, industrial grade I/O extender that directly connects a PLC's communication ports to I/O points without complicated PLC programming or proprietary software. “The CIX System goes beyond standard I/O devices,” said Karen Perlbachs, Marketing/Communications Manager for Data-Linc. “Both the CIX Master and the CIX Remotes utilize our robust SRM radio board. The CIX6x00/M can interface with a PLC or PC via its Ethernet or its serial port. The Master transmits commands to up to 16 CIX6x00/R Remote I/O units allowing simple I/O to PLC communication. The CIX works seamlessly with Ethernet/IP, DF1 or Modbus RTU. We've been hearing from our customers that they need this type of device, so we expect it will be received with great enthusiasm.” The Comprehensive Interface Extender is ideal for data acquisition and control applications such as tank level monitoring, pump control, and the like.

The CIX6x00/M Master has an Ethernet and a serial port for connection to a PC or PLC. The Ethernet interface supports Ethernet/IP or Modbus TCP/IP and the serial interface supports full duplex DF1 or Modbus RTU protocols. The CIX6x00/M communicates with up to 16 CIX6x00/R Remote I/O units to form a single wireless I/O network for seamless protocol integration. Protocol communications with the Master is as documented by the equipment manufacturer to utilize Data-Linc's point addressing model.

With a ratio of up to 16 Remotes for each Master, a full network with 16 CIX Remotes provides a total of 384 I/O points. Each CIX6x00/R Remote provides 8 discrete inputs, 8 discrete outputs, 4 analog inputs and 4 analog outputs. Discrete inputs are self-sensing dry contact. Discrete outputs are open collector common emitter (sinking), and the 12 bit resolution analogs can be configured for 0-20ma, 4-20ma and 0-10VDC.

Additional advantages of the CIX are the features designed to increase confidence in data accuracy and integrity. The CIX is capable of utilizing Data-Linc's powerful, proprietary LincViewTM OPC RF network diagnostics and management software tool. It also offers 12bit analog resolution for increased data precision. Furthermore, should a communication failure occur, an “alarming bit” alerts the operator, and the output states of the discrete and analog channels retain the last known value or a configured, predefined state.

“The guys in the field are going to love the setup and maintenance,” said Perlbachs, “All I/O connections are via pluggable terminal blocks to simplify initial wiring. With the supplied configuration software or a web browser, the CIX Master connected to a PLC is ready to operate after structuring the message as if reading and/or writing to an integer at that node. The CIX completes the setup. That means a short interval between open-the-box to up-and-running. And if there is ever a problem with a Remote unit, the pluggable terminal blocks allow maintenance to unplug the block and plug it into the replacement unit without having to reconnect each individual wire. That is a huge timesaver.”

Another plus is the ease of expanding the network. Expansion requires merely adding another Remote without exceeding the ratio of one Master for up to 16 Remotes. If an additional unit is needed at or near an existing wireless Remote location, any CIX6x00/R can be wire-connected to a less expensive non radio CIX/EXP expansion unit Remote via RS232 or RS485 wiring- a cost-effective way to achieve I/O point expansion. Further removing the hassle of network expansion or replacement of a unit is the capability of remote units to be configured as a Remote, Repeater or a Repeater/Remote which also reduces the number of “spares” required.

Data-Linc's Communication Interface Extender System provides extremely robust and reliable I/O communication in-plant or in the field. Backed by Data-Linc Group's extensive experience and knowledge of PLCs and industrial applications, selecting Data-Linc products for a wireless I/O network is a safe and excellent choice- especially when customers expect reliable performance, excellent tech support, long-term operation and/or future growth. Whether an installation requires only a few discrete points or is a full and expanding network of discrete and analog I/O, the CIX wireless I/O system is a cost-effective solution that meet the challenge.