Your system is running, but is it also running optimally? Or: You know: Your machine has a problem, but you do not know the problem. These questions and problems are probably well known to everyone who supervises complex technical processes or is responsible for the installation of new production lines or systems. The technical staff would also like to handle this topic, but they do not really have the courage to change the existing measurement and control technology or even to modify the PLC program. Therefore, it is better to have separate measurements of a few critical or suspicious process parameters in addition, take a close look at them and then use these results to improve the process.

If only temporarily or even permanently, such an additional instrumentation of I/O channels must be universally applicable, allow a fast and uncomplicated installation and commissioning and follow a common standard regarding interface and protocol.

The Ethernet I/O modules ET-7017 and ET-7052 fulfil all these requirements and are the most popular of the ET-7000 series due to their range of standard I/O channels.  With the RJ-45 Ethernet interface and the Modbus TCP protocol, they can easily be combined with a wide range of automation hardware and software. With the fast clip-on rail mounting, the 24VDC power supply and the configuration via web browser, the modules are installed and ready for operation in a few minutes.

The ET-7052 is equipped with 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs. The inputs can be used in PNP or NPN technology and can also be configured as 32-bit counters. The isolated and short-circuit protected digital outputs operate as open collector with max. 650mA.

A special highlight, which can make sense especially in decentralized applications, is the "pair connection" of two ET-7052 modules.  The input and output channels of one module are mirrored to the other module. In this way, digital signals can be copied from one physical location to another (worldwide). Pairing is also possible with analogue channels, but in this case, an analogue output module such as the ET-7028 is required as partner of the input module ET-7017-10.

The versions with Dual-LAN are also preferred in decentralised installations. The ET-7217-10 and ET-7252 modules can be easily installed in a daisy chain, which considerably reduces the installation effort if the next Ethernet switch is far away.

The characteristics of the input and output channels of the ET-7017 and ET-7052 Ethernet I/O modules fit a wide range of different applications. For special sensors and actuators such as thermocouples, PT100, thermistor, counter/encoder, power relay, analog output, etc., there are additional modules of the ET-7000/ET-7200 series available.