Bellevue, Washington, USA October 10, 2011 Data-Linc has updated its “CIX” Communication Interface Extender System for both the 900 MHz (CIX6400 System) and the 2.4 GHz (CIX6500 System) ISM bands. The updated CIX products offer new internal logics that will extend product longevity and future support. They also feature a faster processor, increased security with AES-256 encryption and provides greater firmware capacity for increasing features in the future without the need to purchase new units.
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. This product is backward compatible with the prior CIX version. The CIX System goes beyond standard I/O devices. Both the CIX Master and the CIX Remotes utilize DATA-LINC's robust SRM radio board. The CIX6435 and CIX6535 Masters can interface with a PLC or PC via the Ethernet or its serial port. The Master transmits commands to up to 16 corresponding band CIX6430 or CIX6530 Remote I/O units allowing simple I/O to PLC communication. With this ratio of 16:1 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 security and 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.
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. This 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 meets the challenge.
