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Molex (NASDAQ: MOLX) has introduced its Brad HarshIO Ethernet I/O Modules featuring the proprietary QuickConnect (QC) and Fast Start-Up (FSU) technologies, designed to provide reliable interconnect for industrial controllers to I/O devices in harsh environments where liquids or vibrations may be present. The Brad HarshIO Ethernet I/O Modules deliver significant operational advantages over conventional I/O modules, claims the company, having been successfully tested with Rockwell controllers conforming to EtherNet/IP Quick Connect Class A and Siemens controllers conforming to PROFINET Fast Start-Up, requirements to start and operate in less than 500ms.
With the introduction of the QC for EtherNet/IP and FSU for PROFINET, the Brad HarshIO Ethernet I/O Modules bring interconnect speed and versatility to all industries using robots for repetitive tasks with precision, says Molex. The company says its QC and FSU technologies enable the module to start and operate in less than 500ms to meet the requirements for industrial applications in factory automation and complex machines such as in the printing, packaging or textile industries.
“As Ethernet flows from the office management level down to the factory floor, automation device manufacturers need to adapt products to the constraints of industrial applications,” says Eric Gory, global product manager, Molex. “When Ethernet is used to control sensors or actuators on robot tooling – such as on a welding robot – it is sometimes necessary to perform a quick change of tools. In the automotive industry, for example, manufacturers have defined that the swapped Ethernet field devices must be able to start and operate in less than 500ms.”
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Additionally, Molex says the Brad HarshIO Modules support safety automation architectures using separate power supplies to power the inputs (sensors) and the outputs (actuators). The HarshIO Ethernet power connector includes separate grounding isolation between the input/logic ground and the output ground. This feature allows powering the module with two distinct power supplies, a scenario commonly used in safety applications.
“System designers often use safety relays that regularly perform pulse tests to be able to detect short-circuit, ground fault or an earth fault,” explains Gory. “If an error is detected, the safety function is triggered, so unwanted and dangerous plant conditions can therefore be avoided. However, if the separate grounding for safety is not required by the system designer, the HarshIO Modules can operate using a single power supply where the ground of both logic/input and output is identical.”
The Brad HarshIO Modules are complemented by a wide range of Molex products, including cordsets, receptacles, field-attachable connectors, Ethernet switches, PC interfaces, gateways, diagnostic tools and simulation software. For additional information, please visit: www.molex.com/link/harshio.html.
