Omron has introduced SmartSlice, a modular, intelligent and easy to use remote I/O system that is designed to minimise engineering, troubleshooting and maintenance in a machine, line or plant, resulting in significantly reduced downtime. SmartSlice connects to any control system via open communication standards such as DeviceNet and Profibus-DP.

More compact than any other modular I/O system - with a height of only 80 mm - SmartSlice takes up very little space in a control cabinet. With a 3-wire input connection there is no need for additional power distribution rails; all field wiring, including sensor power supply, can be directly connected to the units.

All SmartSlice modules have a 3-piece construction. Interlocking bus blocks build the backplane of the system. The electronics module and removable terminal block plug into the backplane, enabling the replacement of electronic modules while the bus structure and field wiring stay intact. During hot-swapping, all other I/O units continue to operate. All contact surfaces between the electronics module and connectors are gold-plated for 100% reliable connections.

The SmartSlice terminal blocks provide fast and reliable screwless clamp connections with 'push-in' design that allows toolless insertion of terminated wires. Each individual connection is equipped with a test point to help verification of connections during commissioning and troubleshooting. And each terminal block has a pull-out label holder showing the terminal assignment of the unit.

All SmartSlice I/O units autonomously collect and store the information that helps plan machine maintenance. Timely detection of reduced performance will minimise unplanned downtime and keep machine performance fast and reliable. Each unit remembers its last maintenance date, allowing maintenance personnel to check per unit if there have been any replacements or repairs.
Every SmartSlice unit has its own built-in early-warning functions, enabling maintenance to be scheduled to prevent breakdowns. Warnings include supply voltage out of safe range, preset maintenance interval exceeded and maximum allowed delay between two I/O signals is exceeded.

The SmartSlice remote I/O series was developed as a part of Omron's Smart Platform. Designed to make machine automation easy, Smart Platform provides seamless, drag-and-drop integration of all automation components in a machine. From sensor to controller, from HMI to drive, all devices are accessible through one connection using a single software suite, CX-One. Moreover, built-in distributed intelligence in Omron devices means that less time is spent programming and troubleshooting.

For more information: www.SmartSlice.info