GE Fanuc also supports a growing number of open I/O standards. These are popular wherever the end-user wants to purchase I/O devices from a variety of vendors. All of the devices compliant to a particular standard can talk to one another, regardless who makes them. These products usually carry a higher price tag due to their enhanced inter-operability and intelligence.
I/O Link The FANUC I/O Link provides high-speed serial data transmission between a CNC or Power Mate and a large range of networked devices. It supports up to 2048 inputs and 2048 outputs on each I/O Link network. Cabling consists of a simple pair of wires which may be supplemented by fiber-optic links to cover larger distances. Typical I/O devices are I/O Model A and Connector Type I/O, used for I/O devices distributed throughout the bed of the machine tool, and specialty I/O interface cards such as Connection Units used for interfacing to Machine Operator Panels.
Auxiliary devices may also be connected to the CNC via the I/O link, performing functions such as loading and unloading, bar feeding and inspection stations, to list just a few. Typical auxiliary devices are Power Mates, Beta Motors with I/O Link Interface, 90-30 PLCs, and Loader Robots from Fanuc Robotics.
The I/O Link provides a highly reliable network for controlling I/O within the machine tool bed as well as throughout the associated Machining Cell or Transfer Line. AS-i Converter for I/O Link Additional I/O links are now available for the Fanuc Series 16i, 18i and 21i CNCs. They will benefit machine builders and users alike.
Of special interest to European machine tool builders is the news that an I/O link AS-i converter can now be supplied for use in-line with the operators panel module, and connector panel module, for communicating with such AS-i modules on the market as: actuator sensors, solenoid valves, limit switches and similar devices. Its features permit the distributed positioning of small waterproof I/O modules which makes for less wiring and smaller cabinets. Furthermore, the actual wiring itself is easier, with a single, two-wire, cable for both data communications and Fanuc power supply. It can be branched-off at any position and simple pin-piercing connections made.
AS-i is an I/O level network which communicates between a controller and sensors and/or actuators. Of the 256/Input and 256/Output points of the I/O link the specification allows for up to 124/124 Data Input/Data Output points leaving the rest free for status observation. Maximum line length is 100m, but this can be extended to 300m if repeater/extenders are used, and there can be up to 31 slaves on one line.
With a maximum cycle time of only 5 ms, and the ability to connect to third party sensors and actuators etc, machine designers are afforded greater flexibility than ever before in their ability to offer equipment which will match a wider range of end users specific needs. The 24V DC unit can be DIN rail or screw mounted. Profibus DP is an open standard high-speed fieldbus-level LAN that is popular in Europe.
Built-in I/O Older CNCs and Power Mates come equipped with an I/O circuit board built-in to the CNC or Power Mate chassis. The outputs may be either sink or source type. The number of I/O circuits is limited by the capacity of the I/O board supplied.
The GE Fanuc PLC Series 90-70 family of controllers is designed to meet the most complex applications, such as advanced batch processing, triple modular redundancy, high speed processing, and applications requiring large amounts of I/O and memory. The Series 90-70 can handle applications requiring up to 12,000 I/O and up to 6MB of memory.
GE Fanucs Series 90-30 PLCs are a family of controllers, I/O systems, and specialty modules designed to meet the demand for a versatile industrial control. The variety and flexibility of I/O and specialty modules make automation integration easy. There are 14 powerful CPUs to choose from, over 100 different I/O module types, a wide range of intelligent modules, high level communications options, and a variety of bus interfaces. Programming options for the Series 90-30 are Ladder Logic, SFC, "C", or State Logic? . "C" programming enables users to handle complex calculations that were once only handled by large PLCs.
