Banner Launches Remote Safe I/O Block, Configured Using Studio 5000

Banner Engineering has released a new remote safe input and output (I/O) block. The RSio offers up to six channels, which can support up to 32 devices per channel, for a total of 192 devices. In addition to managing many devices, Banner has designed its RSio to be rugged for industrial use and easy to configure using Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 software via an Add-On Profile EDS file.

Banner’s RSio remote safe I/O block supports both standard and safety-rated devices. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering

RSio Remote Safe I/O Block

The RSio Remote Safe I/O features up to six I/O ports, each of which can support up to 32 in-series diagnostic (ISD) devices. This means a single I/O block can support up to 192 devices. Each port is also a hybrid port, meaning safety devices or regular devices can be used for a more flexible system design. Dry contacts and solid-state devices, including emergency stop buttons, light curtains, pull cords, alarms, and more, can be easily connected and configured with the RSio.

In terms of setup and configuration, Banner says these devices have “no learning curve” due to their simplicity. These terminal blocks can be easily configured in Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 software via an Add-On Profile EDS profile. From there, each port can be configured using user presets or customized as needed. Some of these presets for common devices are already included.

Users can connect up to 192 devices with a single RSio block, simplifying wiring and configuration. Video used courtesy of Banner Engineering

Ethernet and Power Pass-Through

The RSio block can be used to configure safety systems in virtually any design. They can be daisy-chained together, built into a ring, a star, or a hybrid configuration between the two. This flexibility allows system designers to build their safety system around existing hardware.

Physically, these blocks can be mounted directly on the machine and accessed elsewhere, living up to the “remote” part of their name. Also, the device is IP67-rated, meaning Banner has built the block for rugged industrial use, including dusty environments or places where it may encounter water spray.

Depending on the application, the RSio can be ordered with Mini power (up to 10 A pass-through) or M12 L-Code power (up to 16 A pass-through). For I/O, both models use M12 A-code I/O ports and function identically otherwise.

Users can configure the RSio in Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering

Machine-Mountable Safe I/O

There are advantages to separating safety control hardware as a stand-alone system. When designing these safety systems, devices like the Banner RSio can make this process much easier. With the ability to connect up to 192 safety devices per safety block, the RSio is scalable and can reduce system complexity and wiring. These features are not industry- or machine-specific and can be applied to any operation that requires safety enhancements.

The ability to support multiple configuration options means these I/O blocks can be used for new installations or built around existing hardware with equal ease. Also, the RSio's ease of integration with Rockwell Automation's Studio 5000 enables quick setup and configuration with minimal training.

Featured image used courtesy of Banner Engineering