Epic new modules address demands of specialty and low-cost applications, including dry contact monitoring, temperature control and mixed voltage.

Opto 22 have announced the release of three new groov EPIC® input/output modules, further extending an already comprehensive industrial I/O portfolio. For system integrators and engineers, the new I/O modules provide more options for bringing existing devices into groov EPIC, as well as meeting precise requirements for temperature control applications. They also include budget-beating designs for mixed signal types, signal isolation, and channel density:

GRV-IDCSW-12 (discrete input, 12 channels, DC contact switch status) monitors the open/closed status of dry contact switches, and provides the necessary excitation voltage to power the circuit. This module is ideal for monitoring distributed IT equipment, benchtop analysers, motor run/stop relays, or any device that offers only a dry contact for status. As there is no need to install separate power supplies to drive these dry contacts—since wetting and monitoring are both provided—this module can save considerable time, money, space, and installation effort.

GRV-IVI-12 (analogue voltage input, 12 channels, ±1.25 to ±160 V, channel-to-channel isolation): With 12 isolated channels, each configurable to one of eight ranges from ±1.25 to ±160 V, this module eliminates the need to segregate I/O signals over multiple modules, providing significant cost and space reduction for mixed voltage applications. The GRV-IVI-12 has 20-bit resolution and is accurate to 0.1% of the configured range. It includes options for scaling, filtering, averaging, and more, speeding development time and distributing computation functions down to the I/O module.

GRV-IRTD-8 (analogue input, 8 channels, temperature/RTD or resistor) increases options for accuracy and I/O density in temperature applications. It provides 8 channels for 2- and 3-wire RTD inputs, with a maximum range of –200 °C to 850 °C. Users can take advantage of multiple fixed ranges or one of two auto-ranging methods to simplify configuration. GRV-IRTD-8 can also be used for high-resolution resistance measurements, with accuracy ranging from 4.2 Ohms at the 8K Ohm input range to 0.058 Ohms at the 10 Ohm range for 3-wire RTDs.

PAC Project 10.2003 or the Opto 22 Library Package for CODESYS v1.0.2.0 are required for full support of these modules.

Opto 22 designs groov I/O modules with the end user in mind, including many features to make   them easy to specify, install, configure and support for even the most challenging applications. These, guaranteed for life, new modules continue that tradition with their two-position, hinged LED module cover that indicates module status and covers field terminations and touch-sensitive pad to trigger module information display on the groov EPIC processor. The modules also feature a removable top-mounted connector with single, captive retention screw and spring-clamp field wiring terminals. They are individually calibrated and factory tested twice with no statistical testing and perform at a wide operating temperature range of –20 to +70 °C. The groov EPICs have UL approval for hazardous locations as well as ATEX compliance and are hot swappable for installation and removal without turning off or stopping the system

With this latest module release, users can choose from almost 40 types of groov I/O modules to support their application requirements. Combined with its variety of embedded software tools for control, visualization and connectivity, this extensive I/O family makes groov EPIC one of the most versatile tools for industrial automation and IIoT (industrial internet of things) systems.