I/O terminals replace switches and potentiometers in control cabinets

05 July 2009

Beckhoff Automation GmbH has an idea for bringing more efficient manual operation into the switch cabinet: by incorporating the manual concept into its Bus Terminals. These four new terminals, equipped with switches and potentiometers, function as operating devices for changing process data independently of the controller.

Beckhoff manual terminals
Beckhoff manual terminals

By integrating these manual operating components into a Bus Terminal format, space requirements inside control cabinets can be reduced; additional switches and their wiring can be eliminated.

There are special circumstances when manual operation is needed, such as when a new automation system is being installed. Manual control is invaluable for troubleshooting or commissioning during the assembly phase of a machine or plant, because it allows engineers to test the function of subassemblies before the control system has been fully installed.

In the field of building automation, the terminals can be used, for example, in sub-distributors for manual light switching or in the HVAC area for switching individual units (pumps or dampers) for measurement, troubleshooting or commissioning—independent of the controller.

There are four manual bus terminals in the series, as follows.

KM1644 four-channel manual operation module—The four switches and four LEDs in the KM1644 terminal module are available in the control system as digital inputs or outputs and enable the direct input and display of process parameters.

KM2614 four-channel relay module—Up to four consumers rated at up to 230 V AC, 16 A, can be connected directly to the KM2614 relay module in order to switch the consumers via the changeover contact both manually and automatically by the controller.

KM2642 two-channel relay module—Two consumers rated at up to 6A, 230 V AC, can be switched manually or in automatic mode using the KM2642.

KM4602 two-channel analogue output terminal—This is the corresponding equivalent for analogue signals from 0 to 10 V. The mode of operation (manual/automatic) is selected by a toggle switch on the front panel and the analogue value is set via a potentiometer.



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