To address the growing customer need for smaller, more easily customized I/O drops, GE Fanuc has created a new product family that fully embraces open system designs. Using the design for Six Sigma process, we conducted extensive research to determine customer requirements for this new system. The result is VersaPoint I/O.

Modular and Scaleable: The defining attributes of the VersaPoint I/O system are modularity and scalability. Contrary to traditional I/O structures that require I/O to be installed in multiples of 8, 16, or 32 point modules, VersaPoint provides the ultimate in flexibility with modules designed for as few as 1, 2, or 4 points. When these are coupled with VersaPoint’s 8 and 16 point modules, users are able to install precisely the number and mix of I/O required for each application. This flexibility allows OEMs and end users alike to save money and panel space when building their automation systems.

• Snap-together modules: VersaPoint modules snap together on a 35mm x 7.5mm DIN rail, eliminating the need for a rack and cable interconnections.
• Up to 1008 points of local I/O supported: Each Network Interface Unit supports a maximum of 63 I/O modules.
• Small footprint: In addition to the space savings afforded by selecting only the I/O required for a system, the VersaPoint modules themselves are also quite small – many of them are only 12mm wide!

Easy to Use: VersaPoint I/O was designed with quick installation and low mean time to repair in mind.

• No tools: The installation of an I/O module is a simple two-step process: First, engage the I/O module with the adjacent I/O module or Network Interface Unit and slide it towards the DIN rail until it snaps securely in place. Second, attach the wiring terminal block, snapping it into place and locking the I/O module onto the DIN rail.
• Automatic addressing of I/O: I/O modules connected to a Network Interface Unit have their reference addressing assigned automatically upon power up -- no programming required.

Wide Range of Discrete I/O: VersaMax^® I/O is available in a wide range of discrete modules.

• 12 modules: 5 discrete input modules, and 7 discrete output modules.
• 2, 4, 8, and 16 point densities: Modules are available in a variety of point densities, enabling you to save cost and space.

Analog I/O Options: A wide variety of analog I/O options are also available.

• 6 modules: 3 analog input modules, and 3 analog output modules.
• Thermocouple and RTD inputs: VersaPoint offers a Thermocouple input module and an RTD input module. Each module supports 2 channels and offers 16 bit resolution.
• 1 and 2 channel analog: Standard analog I/O modules are available in 1 and 2 channels.

• Support for 2, 3, and 4 wire devices: Unlike traditional I/O systems which require additional terminal strips to accommodate 3 and 4 wire devices, VersaPoint modules are designed to support these devices out of the box.

* GE Fanuc is also in the process of developing NIUs for Ethernet and Genius.

Intuitive Diagnostics:

• Electronic short circuit protection on all DC output modules.
• Each VersaPoint I/O module provides status indication via a diagnostics LED.
• The Network Interface Units include LEDs to display network status, fault type, and power.
• NIU Fault information is available via the network, including fault type and fault location.

* Target availability is 2Q 2001

As a universal I/O system, VersaPoint is ideal as an I/O structure for host controllers that communicate on DeviceNet, Profibus-DP and soon, Genius^® bus and Ethernet. These controllers include PLCs, PC Control, and DCS systems. The flexibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness of VersaPoint I/O make it particularly attractive to OEMs. The features built into VersaPoint are also well suited for customers in the general machinery, manufacturing, semiconductor, and water/wastewater industries.

 

GFK#	Description
GFK-1911	VersaPoint™ I/O System, Profibus-DP User’s Manual
GFK-1912	VersaPoint™ I/O System, Devicenet User’s Manual

Genius and VERSAMAX are registered trademarks, and VersaPoint is a trademark of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc. DeviceNet is a trademark of the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.