What is eIO?
PiXtend eIO is the I/O extension system for those who are looking for low-cost, general-purpose inputs and outputs - digital & analog.
The data connection is made with the robust RS485 bus. If not available, it can be retrofitted to any computer system. The eIO modules and their inputs and outputs comply with the industry standard IEC 61131-2 and are therefore intended for use in rough environments as found in laboratories, the industry and manufacturing companies. Compliance with the worldwide acknowledged industry standard has great advantages in terms of stability and immunity to interferences. All common sensors and actuators can be easily connected to the eIO devices.
Innovative features, such as the particularly fast digital "Hyper Logic", bring additional added value to your project. Simple logical connections between inputs and outputs can be carried out by the modules themselves without the need for data transmission via the bus. Digital inputs can also be used to count events.
A watchdog timer monitors the data transmission secured by a CRC checksum and, if necessary, puts the outputs in a user pre-set safe state.
The eIO system blends optically, haptically and functionally peferct with our PiXtend V2 controllers (-S- and -L-) - but can also be connected to almost any other computer system & embedded system that has an RS485 interface or can be retrofitted with it (eg via USB).
Devices on the picture: PiXtend V2 -L- Pro and PiXtend eIO Analog One Pro
Also in terms of communication and protocols, PiXtend eIO is simple and user-friendly. With Modbus RTU support, eIO devices also integrate well with existing systems. The protocol is safe and industry-proven for years. In addition, the eIO devices can be used with the particularly simple and slim "PiXtend eIO Protocol", which transmits the data in plain text (ASCII). We offer open source example programs for C, C#, Python, CODESYS (61131-3), Java and Node-RED. The integration into your own applications is a breeze.
The basic settings can be carried out directly and uncomplicated on the device itself - without software or any tool and without previous knowledge of the local service personnel.
Intended uses
- Machine, plant and equipment construction
- Testers in production companys
- Laboratory and production automation
- Home Automation / Smart Home
- Prototyping in industry (development departments)
- Use in education (technical schools, colleges and universities)
- IoT (Internet of Things), IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) concepts and solutions
- Industry 4.0 concepts and solutions
- Mobile applications - auxiliary functions in the automotive sector
PiXtend eIO Infoflyer:
Variant: PiXtend eIO Digital One Pro
The PiXtend eIO Digital One "Pro" devices are complete units (ready-to-use) which, in addition to the scope of the "Basic" variant, also have a stainless steel cover and DIN rail housing. This version is particularly suitable if the devices are to be installed in a control cabinet and the industrial application is in the foreground. This eIO Digital One variant is aimed at customers with the highest demands on optics, stability and security.
Digital One has 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs.
Would you like to mount the devices in your own special housing and you do not need a DIN rail housing and metal cover? Then the "Basic" variant is exactly what you are looking for - at the best price!
Software Details:
- Protocols
- Modbus RTU
- PiXtend eIO ASCII protocol
- High Speed Digital Logic "HyperLogic"
- AND, OR and NOT (negation) between inputs and outputs
- Fast response time under a millisecond
- Counter functionallity (16 bit) of all eight inputs
- Up/down counter
- 2-channel counter
- Independent from the bus system
- Safety functions
- Watchdog timer with alarm output
- CRC checksum (Modbus) and Parity check
- Possible programming languages and systems
- CODESYS
- C, C++, C#
- Java
- Python
- FHEM
- Node-RED
In general, PiXtend eIO devices can be integrated by any programming system and any programming language that allows access to a serial interface.
Hardware Details:
- 8x digital inputs (3.3V / 5V / 12V / 24V)
- 8x digital outputs in two groups (0.5A, 5/12/24V, HyperLogic <1ms)
- Communication: EIA/RS485
- Onboard voltage regulator
- Bus termination resistor switchable by mechanical switch
- Dimensions without housing (Basic): 96.3 x 101.8 x 21mm
- Ambient temperature (in operation): 0°C...+60 °C
- Industrial device according to IEC/EN 61131-2 (PLC standard)
- Conformity: CE, RoHS, Modbus over Serial Line V1.02
- Developed, produced & tested in Europe
* with restrictions also with 12V DC usable. Please note the information in the
hardware manual of PiXtend eIO.
Scope of Delivery:
- PiXtend eIO Digital One Pro - professional variant with housing
- DIN rail housing & stainless steel hood - assembled
- Set of jumpers for configuration
- Multilingual safety data sheet
Sample programs are always available in our
download area as well as manuals with further interesting details, 3D data for easy integration into your application and much more!
Please find further information on our
homepage and in our
PiXtend eIO flyer.