M-System’s R6 Series Remote I/O is designed to support DCS/PLC/HMI systems by expanding their I/O flexibility and capabilities. The R6 provides an ideal wiring saving solution using Modbus RTU, Modbus/TCP, DeviceNet, and CC-Link protocols to efficiently transmit a small number of I/O signals scattered around users’ remote locations.
1. Overview
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| Figure 1. Remote I/O R6 Series External Appearance |
The R6 system consists of a backplane (base), power supply module, network interface module, and various I/O modules (see Figure 1).
The R6 Series is available with the three I/O and power supply module terminal types listed below, distinguished by model code. All modules are available with each terminal type and can be combined as desired (however, modules with different terminal types cannot be combined for use with the same base).
- Euro terminal: R6D-x
- Screw terminal: R6N-x
- Tension clamp: R6S-x
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Figure 2. I/O Module External
Dimensions (R6D-x) |
2. Features
(1) Space-saving design
The most striking feature offered by the R6 Series is its size.
- ‘Building-Block’ Construction
For the R6 Series, the minimum footprint is available by selecting Network Module, Power Supply Module, and one I/O module. This minimum footprint allows the user to take advantage of the series’ space-saving size and as an economic solution. A horizontal mounting base can be used just like a relay terminal board in a typical instrumentation panel.
- Hot-Swappable I/O Modules
Removing or replacing I/O modules does not affect other modules on the same backplane. It is possible to replace them without removing the power supply.
Ultra-slim I/O modules are just 5.9 mm/0.23” wide (screw terminal type R6N-x modules, 7.5 mm/0.3” wide) and provide 2 analog I/O points as well as 4 discrete I/O points (see Figure 2). Based on a comparison of the smallest device configuration, the new R6 Series can accommodate 14 points in a width of 78 mm/3.07”, whereas the R5 Series could accommodate 10 analog points in a width of 157 mm/6.18”. Since the R6 Series can accommodate more points in about half the space of previous models, these devices can now be installed in small, confined spaces–for example, inside panels–where installation was not viable in the past.
Also, an extension base can be connected to easily expand the number of I/O modules to a maximum of 31 (maximum number of connectable modules varies with network module type), giving the R6 Series the flexibility to accommodate the expansion of installed systems.
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Figure 3. Base External Dimensions (R6D-BS8A) |
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| Figure 4. Example Software Screen |
(2) Simple configuration
The I/O module address, I/O range, and other basic settings can be configured easily using DIP switches located on the side of each module (see Figure 5). Since there’s no need to make complex settings using a computer or other means, configuration work can be completed quickly and conveniently.
(3) Suitability for complex applications
Recognizing that configuration using DIP switches as described above may not be sufficient for some applications, M-System provides dedicated PC Configurator software (model: R6CON)* that allows R6 Series units to be connected to a computer using a cable (model: COP-US, etc.) and configured with a high level of detail (see Figure 4). For example, this software allows you to set parameters, such as the conversion speed and zero-span scaling value for analog input modules.
(4) Extension selection of I/O ranges
The DC Voltage Input Module (R6x-SV2) and DC Current Input Module (R6x-SS2) each provide a total of 15 input ranges, while the DC Voltage Output Module (R6x-YV2) and DC Current Output Module (R6x-YS2) each provide a total of 9 output ranges. Since the range can be changed with each module’s DIP switches, there’s no need to keep a large number of models on hand for maintenance purposes.
3. Product Types
Table 1 lists R6 Series product types. |
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| Table 1. R6 Series Product Lineup |
| Model |
Points |
Overview |
Functionality |
| R6x-BS8A |
– |
Base |
8 I/O slots + Network Module (18 mm wide) |
| R6x–BS8P |
– |
Base |
8 I/O slots for extension |
| R6x-DM |
– |
Blank filler module |
Blank filler module |
| R6x-SV2 |
2 |
DC voltage input |
-10 to 10V DC, -5 to +5V DC, 1–5V DC etc. |
| R6x-SS2 |
2 |
DC current input |
-40 to +40mA DC, 0–20mA DC, 4–20mA DC etc. |
R6x-TS2 |
2 |
Thermocouple input |
K, E, J, T, B, R, S, C, N, U, L, P, PR |
| R6x-RS2 |
2 |
RTD input |
Pt 100 (JIS’97, IEC), Pt 100 (JIS’89), JPt 100 (JIS’89), Pt 50Ω (JIS’81), Ni 100, Cu 10, Cu 50 |
| R6x-YV2 |
2 |
DC voltage output |
−10 to 10V DC, −5 to 5V DC, 1–5V DC etc. |
| R6x-YS2 |
2 |
DC current output |
4–20mA DC |
| R6x-DA4 |
4 |
Discrete input |
Positive or negative common (NPN/PNP) |
| R6x-DC4A |
4 |
NPN transistor output |
Negative common (NPN) |
| R6x-DC4B |
4 |
PNP transistor output |
Positive common (PNP) |
| R6x-PF |
– |
Power supply module |
Power input: Operational voltage 24V DC |
| R6-NM1 |
– |
Network module |
Approved for Modbus, analog 32 points |
| R6-NE1 |
– |
Network module |
Approved for Modbus/TCP(Ethernet), analog 32 points |
| R6-NC1 |
– |
Network module |
Approved for CC-Link Ver.1, analog 16 points |
| R6-NC2 |
– |
Network module |
Approved for CC-Link Ver.2, analog 64 points |
| R6-ND1 |
– |
Network module |
Approved for DeviceNet, analog 64 points |
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4. Panel Diagram
Figure 5 provides an I/O module panel diagram.
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| Figure 5. Panel Diagram (Contact I/O Module) |
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