Figure 1. Remote I/O R7 Series (R7ML)

1. Overview

The R7 Series (see Figure 1), features a compact module having power supply, network and I/O cards all in one assembly. This provides an ideal wire-saving system using open network communication with PLCs to efficiently transmit small number of I/O signals that are scattered in user’s remote locations. Each basic module can be attached to either an extension contact input module or an extension contact output module. The extension modules are available with 8 or 16 points, making it easy to implement a variety of I/O signals.

2. MECHATROLINK-I and -II supported by R7ML

The R7ML supports MECHATROLINK-I and MECHATROLINK-II (see Table 1).

In addition, the use of dedicated USB cables makes it extremely easy to add modules to existing systems and equipment.

3. Features

(1) Compact design

• Basic module:
  115 (W) x 50 (H) x 54 (D) mm (see Figure 2)
• Extension module (16 points):
  94 (W) x 50 (H) x 54 (D) mm (see Figure 2)
• Extension module (8 points):
  65 (W) x 50 (H) x 54 (D) mm (see Figure 2)

(2) Contact I/O extension function

The basic module can be attached to either an extension contact input module or an extension contact output module. This architecture makes it easy to implement mod-ules that combine thermocouple input and contact input, for example, or analog output and contact output. Extension modules are also available with either 8 or 16 I/O points.

(3) Two-piece terminal blocks

The R7 Series’ use of separate communications/power supply and I/O terminal blocks provides superior ease of maintenance by enabling individual terminal blocks to be replaced without needing to disconnect all of the modules wiring.

(4) Simple Configuration

The R7ML requires only the station number and operation mode setting changes to be completed using rotary switches on the front panel to connect to MECHATROLINK, thus eliminating any additional setting changes in the PLC. In addition, input sensor types or ranges are also selected by the DIP switches on the front of the module. PC Configurator Software is not needed if all channels in the module have the same setting.

(5) Support for complex applications

The PC configurator cable (model: MCN-CON or COP-US) and PC configurator software (model: R7CON) can be used to set 4 points of input ranges individually using a PC (e.g. 4 different type of thermocouples and input ranges).

Similarly, the DC voltage input range can be set separately for each input.

For example, you can set channel 0 to DC -10 V to + 10 V, channel 1 to DC -1 V to +1 V, channel 2 to DC 1 V to 5 V, and channel 3 to DC 4 mA to 20 mA.

(6) Extensive selection of input ranges

The DC voltage/DC input module (model: R7ML-SV4) comes standard with 7 DC voltage and 3 DC current input ranges. Since input range settings can be changed simply using the module’s DIP switches, therefore no need for a large number of models.

4. Product Types

Table 2 lists R7ML types.

5. Panel Diagram

Figure 3 illustrates the R7ML’s panel.

* PC Configurator software is available for download from M-System’s website (https://www.m-system.co.jp/)

Figure 3. R7ML Panel Diagram