Description

VersaMax™ I/O Frequently Asked Questions

Resolution

• Are the I/O modules hot insertable?
  Yes. If external power to a module’s field devices is removed, the module itself can be removed/inserted in an operating system (backplane power and CPU or Network Interface Unit active) without affecting the rest of the system.
• Can I configure the I/O connected to a Network Interface Unit (NIU)?
  Yes. I/O modules connected to an NIU support autoconfiguration default values. These values are outlined in the VersaMax Modules, Power Supplies, and Carriers Manual (GFK-1504). In addition the I/O module parameters (Analog range, etc.) may be configured from GE Fanuc’s Remote I/O Configuration or Emerson's PAC Machine Edition software.
• Can I configure the I/O connected to a Genius Network Interface Unit with the Genius Hand Held Monitor?
  No. Configuration is accomplished using GE’s Remote I/O Configuration or Emerson's PAC Machine Edition software or the NIU’s autoconfiguration capability.
• How is the I/O addressed?
  I/O modules connected to a Network Interface Unit can have reference addressing assigned automatically upon power up. The addresses of these I/O modules can also be set using GE’s Remote I/O Configuration or Emerson's PAC Machine Edition software. I/O reference addressing for modules connected to a CPU can be assigned automatically upon power up or may be assigned through the use Emerson's PAC Machine Edition Software.
• Do I need a wiring carrier for each I/O module?
  Yes. Each I/O module is supported by an individual field wiring carrier that connects the I/O electronics to the I/O bus.
• What types of I/O carriers are available?
  There are four styles of I/O carrier wiring terminations – IEC box style, barrier style, spring clamp style, and connector style. The I/O carriers are universal and accept any discrete or analog I/O modules.
• Are I/O carriers hot insertable?
  No. Hot insertion or extraction of I/O carriers is not supported.
• What is there to prevent the wrong I/O module from being inserted into an I/O carrier?
  Keying dials on the I/O carriers are used to assure that the correct module type is installed on that carrier.
• What is the maximum amount of local I/O per station?
  A total of 256 I/O points can be supported locally per station, without expansion. With expansion a VersaMax system (CPU or NIU) can theoretically support a maximum of 2048 local I/O points. The actual maximum depends on the capabilities of the connected CPU or Network Interface.
• Can I connect VersaMax I/O to a Series 90 - 30 PLC?
  Yes. VersaMax I/O can be connected to a Series 90-30 PLC as remote I/O through the Genius, Profibus-DP, DeviceNet, or Ethernet NIU's.
• What resolution is supported by analog I/O?
  Standard analog I/O modules support up to 16 bit resolution. In addition, RTD and thermocouple modules also support 16 bit resolution.
• Can I connect VersaMax I/O to an Allen Bradley PLC talking DeviceNet ?
  Yes. VersaMax I/O can be connected to any PLC that communicates on DeviceNet. The DeviceNet NIU interfaces up to eight VersaMax I/O modules to a host PLC or computer on DeviceNet. The VersaMax DeviceNet NIU has passed testing with ODVA conformance test software.
• Can I connect VersaMax I/O to a Siemens PLC talking Profibus-DP?
  Yes. VersaMax I/O can be connected to any PLC that communicates on Profibus-DP. The Profibus-DP NIU interfaces up to sixty-four VersaMax I/O modules to a host PLC or computer on Profibus-DP. The VersaMax Profibus-DP NIU is PTO certified.
• Can I leave an empty slot between I/O modules on a remote I/O drop?
  If the remote I/O drop is configured using the GE Fanuc Remote I/O Configuration or Emerson's PAC Machine Edition software empty slots may be inserted between I/O modules. If the remote I/O drop is configured with autoconfiguration the empty slots may not be included - the auto-configuration algorithm stops at the first empty slot.
• How do I upgrade firmware for intelligent I/O modules in a CPU station?
  Upgrades to intelligent I/O modules in a CPU station are handled through the programmer ports.
• How do I upgrade firmware for intelligent I/O modules in an NIU station?
  Upgrades to intelligent I/O modules in an NIU station are handled through the expansion port located on the left side of the NIU module using cable IC200CBL002.
• Can I make my own I/O cables?
  Yes. Kits are available. Specifically, if you who want to build your own cables, part number IC200ACC304 is a connector kit for two cables. In addition, if you require a cable of a unique length, part number IC200CBL230 is a 3M cable with a connector on only one end.
• Where can I find terminal assignments for the IC200CBL230?
  Terminal assignments for the IC200CBL230 are given in VersaMax I/O Modules, Power Supplies, and Carriers User’s Manual (GFK-1504). Termination assignments are given for both Alpha and Belden versions of the cable.
• What are some key features of the high-speed counter module?
  The high-speed counter module (IC200MDD841) provides 20 24VDC Inputs and 12 24VDC outputs. Up to 4 of the 20 inputs are configurable as high-speed counter inputs. The other inputs are available for use as discrete inputs. Up to 4 of the 12 discrete outputs may be configured as Pulse Width Modulated outputs or Pulse Train outputs. As a high-speed counter, the module is configurable as four independent counters counting either up or down (uni-directional), one independent bi-directional counter and two uni-directional counters, or one bi-directional counter that can perform a homing sequence.
• What is the default configuration for the high speed counter?
  The high speed counter default is set to 4 type A inputs.
• Is there a PCM module for the VersaMax?
  No.