With increased industry requests for smaller gateway serial interface units using less wiring and offering easier installation, development engineers from SMC, the world´s leading automation control experts, could not resist the call. The result of their endeavours can now be seen with the launch of their latest decentralised gateway type Serial Transmission System – Series EX510. Designed for use across a broad range of applications, the EX510 is ideal for processing both input and output commands from a PLC across a field bus network. Benefits of its decentralised design include a reduction of system wiring and PLC size, when compared to similar parallel type wired systems, and the fact that I/O units can be placed up to 20 metres away from the gateway unit to get even closer to the application. Compatible with CC-Link, DeviceNet and Profibus network protocols, the Series EX510 gateway unit can also accommodate up to 64 inputs and 64 outputs. Additional design features include the provision of 4 input and 4 output branches which effectively means that it’s possible to connect several distributed valves and sensors including pressure, flow and auto switches to one gateway unit.Series EX510 has also been designed with ease of installation in mind, so all the units can be DIN rail mounted and include press fit connectors that don´t require the connecting wire to be stripped. Further time saving benefits can also be made as the EX510 is also available with pre-wired and mounted manifold units using SMC´s popular SY, SYJ or VQZ valve ranges.
