Introduction to EMEROSN FX-316
Product Description
The EMEROSN FX-316 is a compact, high-density industrial I/O expansion module designed to extend the input/output capabilities of EMEROSN’s automation controllers (e.g., A6110, A6500) and third-party PLCs. As a flagship model in EMEROSN’s FX-series—specialized for small-to-medium automation systems—it solves the common challenge of limited native I/O in controllers, enabling seamless integration of more sensors and actuators without replacing the core control unit.
What makes the FX-316 stand out is its balance of density and versatility: it packs 16 configurable digital I/O channels into a DIN-rail form factor smaller than a standard smartphone, making it ideal for space-constrained cabinets (e.g., in packaging machines or compact robotic workcells). Unlike rigid I/O modules, its channels can be individually set to input or output (via software), and it supports both PNP and NPN logic—adapting to diverse sensor/actuator types (e.g., photoelectric eyes, solenoids, limit switches).
The model designation “FX-316” encodes key attributes:
- FX: Denotes EMEROSN’s “Flexible I/O” series (focus on configurable, expandable I/O).
- 3: Indicates 3rd-gen hardware (enhanced noise immunity, faster communication).
- 16: References 16 total digital I/O channels (configurable as 0–16 inputs or 0–16 outputs, or a mix).
Typical use cases include:
- Adding 8 photoelectric sensor inputs and 8 solenoid outputs to an EMEROSN A6110 controller for a 4-station packaging line.
- Expanding a third-party PLC’s I/O to monitor 12 limit switches and control 4 small motors in a material handling conveyor system.
- Integrating 16 status sensors (e.g., door interlocks, temperature alarms) into a compact industrial oven control system.
Technical Parameters
To simplify navigation, specifications are organized by functional category, with practical relevance highlighted for clarity:
1. I/O Configuration & Performance
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Parameter
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Details
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Total Channels
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16 digital I/O channels (individually configurable as input or output via software).
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Input Type
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24V DC, PNP/NPN selectable (per channel); dry contact compatible.
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Input Response Time
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≤1ms (for fast detection of sensor signals, e.g., high-speed conveyor triggers).
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Output Type
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24V DC, sinking/sourcing selectable (per channel); max current per channel: 0.5A.
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Output Protection
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Overcurrent protection (auto-recovery after fault clearance); short-circuit protection (up to 2A).
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I/O Isolation
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2.5kV AC galvanic isolation between channels and power supply (prevents ground loops and EMI damage).
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2. Communication & Integration
- Host Compatibility: Works with EMEROSN controllers (A6110, A6500) via proprietary EMEROSN bus; compatible with third-party PLCs (Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix) via Modbus RTU (RS485) or Modbus TCP/IP (Ethernet, optional).
- Communication Speed: Up to 1 Mbps (EMEROSN bus); 115.2 kbps (Modbus RTU); 100 Mbps (Modbus TCP/IP, optional).
- Configuration: Web-based interface (via Ethernet, if equipped) or controller software (e.g., A6110 Config Tool) for channel setup—no specialized programming required.
3. Environmental & Mechanical Ratings
- Temperature Range: Operating: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F); Storage: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F) — matches EMEROSN controllers for seamless co-installation.
- Vibration/Shock: 10–500Hz, 1g peak (IEC 60068-2-6); 20g peak (11ms duration, IEC 60068-2-27) — withstands factory floor vibration from motors or conveyors.
- Protection: IP30 (DIN-rail housing); optional IP65 enclosure (for outdoor use, e.g., solar farm sensor integration).
- Power Supply: 24V DC (18–36V DC wide range); Power consumption: ≤3W (typical, even with all 16 channels active).
4. Certifications
- Industrial: CE (EMC compliance: EN 61000-6-2/4), UL 508 (industrial control), RoHS 2.0.
- Safety: IEC 61508 SIL 1 (suitable for non-safety-critical I/O, e.g., status monitoring).
System Overview
The EMEROSN FX-316 acts as a “flexible I/O hub” in automation systems, integrating three core functional layers to extend controller capabilities and streamline sensor/actuator integration:
1. Signal Acquisition & Actuation Layer
This layer is the module’s core—collecting sensor data and driving actuators based on controller commands. For example, in a 4-station packaging line:
- Inputs: 8 channels are set to PNP input to read photoelectric sensors (detecting product presence at each station).
- Outputs: 8 channels are set to sourcing output to control solenoid valves (activating label applicators and product ejectors).
The module’s fast input response time (≤1ms) ensures no delays in detecting products, while overcurrent protection prevents damage if a solenoid shorts.
2. Communication Layer
This layer bridges the FX-316 to the host controller, enabling real-time data exchange. For integration with an EMEROSN A6110 controller:
- The module connects to the A6110 via a single EMEROSN bus cable (up to 10m), eliminating the need for separate wiring for each I/O channel.
- The A6110 sends commands (e.g., “activate Output 5”) and receives status updates (e.g., “Input 3: Product Detected”) in ≤1ms, ensuring synchronized operation.
For third-party PLCs (e.g., Siemens S7-1200), the FX-316 uses Modbus RTU over RS485 to communicate—simply map the module’s I/O registers to the PLC’s memory for easy access.
3. Configuration & Diagnostics Layer
This layer simplifies setup and troubleshooting, reducing downtime:
- Software Configuration: Use EMEROSN’s FX Config Tool (web-based or desktop) to set channel types (input/output), logic (PNP/NPN), and fault thresholds (e.g., overcurrent alert at 0.4A). No physical DIP switches—changes take effect immediately.
- Diagnostics: The module provides real-time status via LEDs (per-channel green = active, red = fault) and sends alerts to the host controller (e.g., “Output 7: Short Circuit”). This lets technicians quickly identify issues without disconnecting wiring.
Example: Material Handling Conveyor System
A small conveyor system uses the FX-316 to expand an Allen-Bradley Micro850 PLC’s I/O:
- Inputs: 12 FX-316 channels are set to NPN input to monitor limit switches (conveyor start/stop, product jam detection) and photoeyes (product position).
- Outputs: 4 channels are set to sinking output to control conveyor motors (main belt, divertor) and alarm buzzers.
- Communication: The FX-316 connects to the Micro850 via Modbus RTU (RS485), with I/O mapped to the PLC’s ladder logic—e.g., “if Input 2 (jam detected) is high, stop Output 1 (main belt) and activate Output 4 (alarm).”
Related Models in the FX-Series
The FX-series offers variants tailored to different I/O types and use cases—here are key alternatives to the FX-316:
- EMEROSN FX-308:
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- 8 digital I/O channels (instead of 16) in a smaller form factor.
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- Ideal for ultra-compact systems (e.g., a single robotic end effector with 4 sensors and 4 actuators) where space is critical.
- EMEROSN FX-332:
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- 32 digital I/O channels (double the FX-316) with dual communication ports (EMEROSN bus + Modbus TCP/IP).
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- Designed for larger systems (e.g., an 8-station assembly line) needing more I/O and redundant communication.
- EMEROSN FX-316A:
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- 16 analog I/O channels (8 inputs/8 outputs, 4–20mA/0–10V) instead of digital.
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- Suitable for process control applications (e.g., monitoring pressure/temperature sensors and controlling valves in a water treatment system).
- EMEROSN FX-316-EX:
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- Explosion-proof variant (ATEX Zone 2, IECEx) with reinforced housing and intrinsic safety barriers.
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- Safe for hazardous environments (e.g., chemical packaging lines or oil refinery sensor arrays) where flammable gases are present.
- EMEROSN FX-316-W:
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- Weatherproof (IP65-rated) with surge protection (10kA) for outdoor use.
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- Optimized for solar farms (monitoring irradiance sensors) or outdoor conveyor systems (controlling motors in rain/dust).
- EMEROSN FX-316-M:
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- “Mixed I/O” model (8 digital + 8 analog channels) for systems needing both signal types.
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- Ideal for hybrid applications (e.g., a food mixer that uses digital inputs for safety interlocks and analog outputs to control mixing speed).
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