Flexible Fieldbus for pneumatic systems

Register for the FREE Engineeringtalk email newsletter now! News about Pneumatic Valves and Controls and more every issue. Click here for details.
Rexroth Mecman has developed a new Fieldbus system that offers greater flexibility and economic benefits to automation specialists

The system can be used with a wide range of protocols, including PROFIBUS-DP, INTERBUS-S, CANopen, devicenet and AS-Interface. The concept is based on a separate Bus Module (node) that is connected to the fieldbus system and that communicates internally with a modular valve unit via a unique 'intelligent contact bridge'.

This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 12 June 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories

Slides combine in pressure testing machine
Pneumatically operated linear slides simplify the design and construction of a new pressure testing machine produced by hydraulic testing expert Curtis Assemble and Test

Valve terminals enable flexible configurations
AS-i valve terminals accommodate any two valves from the Bosch-Rexroth MC range, including double-solenoid 4/2-way types

The valve unit consists of subplates and contact bridges that can be fitted with a maximum of 16 valve positions and solenoid valves.

The contact bridges are interconnected by means of plug contacts.

This modular concept offers the flexibility to make modifications at any time, enabling individual valve units to be extended by adding extra outputs and inputs.

Unlike other pneumatic Fieldbus systems, the Rexroth Mecman bus node can also support a combination of valve types and sizes.

System capacity depends on the Fieldbus protocol, but generally the node offers double the capacity of a conventional system.

Rexroth Mecman's new Plug-In valve range also offers significant advantages to Fieldbus networks.

With this valve, both electrical and air connections are made simultaneously when it is plugged into the base - completely eliminating wiring.

The Type Plug-In is pre-wired and tested to reduce design, purchasing and installation time.

The valve is also faster and easier to replace because no electrical knowledge is required to change it.

The Type Plug-In valves provide excellent design flexibility as they can be used in manifolds or single valve units, connected with centralised or decentralised serial links and used with a variety of electrical connections.

In addition, different-sized valves can be combined in one unit.

Customers can configure valve manifolds, obtain a product number and approximate prices through the company's web site.