Safety and automation I/O

The Allen-Bradley Point I/O range has been expanded with the Point Guard I/O module, which is designed to fit into standard Point I/O systems, offering both automation and safety functionality.

The module employs common industrial protocol (CIP) safety communications functionality, enabling simultaneous transmission of safety, control and diagnostic data using EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet protocols over one CIP network.

The device is suited to safety applications up to SIL3 and Cat 4 and is DIN rail mountable. It features eight inputs, eight solid-state outputs — rated at 1 A each — and four test-pulse sources.

Sold separately to the adapter, it enables the user to purchase the adapter for the required network and add the number of modules necessary to meet the application requirements.

Existing Point I/O systems can be upgraded by retrofitting the system with the modules, so long as an appropriate safety controller is in place.

The module is suitable for many machine safety applications including robotic cells, general guard monitoring and distributed control applications.