Eaton’s Electrical Sector has added six new input/output modules to its SmartWire-DT communication system, helping to eliminate the need for conventional wiring in panels. Two of the new modules are for use with digital signals and three are for analogue signals. The sixth new module is a universal type that makes it easier for users to provide for future expansion of SmartWire-DT installations.
The new digital modules added to the range are a four input type with three wire connection and an integrated short circuit-proof power supply, and an eight channel output module that provides outputs rated 24V DC at 0.5A.
For analogue applications, Eaton is now offering a four channel input module suitable for use with industry standard 0-20mA and 0-10V current and voltage signals, and a combined I/O module with two input and two output channels, which is once again designed for 0-20mA and 0-10V signals. The third new analogue module added to the SmartWire-DT range has five inputs for use with resistance type temperature sensors. The module supports two and three wire connections, and is compatible with Pt100, Pt1000 and Ni1000 sensors.
Eaton’s universal module for SmartWire-DT is primarily intended to be used as a ‘placeholder’ in systems where future expansion is planned. The module is typically fitted in place of SmartWire-DT enabled devices such as motor protective circuit breakers and I/O modules, which will be added to the installation at some future date.
This allows users to design and program the full configuration of the installation without having to spend money on hardware that is not yet needed. And, when the time comes to put the expansion in place, all that’s needed is to replace the universal modules with the appropriate new hardware – no changes to the program or the system configuration are necessary.
The new modules can be connected to the SmartWire-DT system at any point which allows users to optimise space usage within the control panel and, in the case of the I/O modules, to minimise the amount of wiring needed for the connection of sensors and actuators.
