The Reliance Electric 0-60067-A is an essential communication interface specifically developed for the AutoMax Distributed Control System (DCS). In the complex ecosystem of modern industrial automation, the ability for different system components to "speak" to each other with absolute reliability is the difference between a high-efficiency plant and costly downtime. The 0-60067-A serves as the high-speed gateway that bridges the central processor intelligence with remote field devices and other control nodes.
Built upon a multi-layer logic board, the 0-60067-A is designed to execute deterministic communication cycles. This means that the time required to send and receive a data packet is predictable and constant—a mandatory requirement for applications such as coordinated motor drives and high-speed synchronized manufacturing lines. This module eliminates the "jitter" often found in standard commercial networking, providing a stable foundation for the most demanding real-time control applications.
| Category | Technical Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Reliance Electric (Rockwell Automation) |
| Model Number | 0-60067-A / 060067A |
| System Platform | AutoMax Distributed Control System (DCS) |
| Interface Type | Network Communication Interface Module |
| Data Transmission Rate | High-speed Deterministic Serial Link |
| Isolation | Opto-coupled Galvanic Signal Isolation |
| Diagnostics | Integrated LED Status Array (Active, Fault, Link) |
| Mounting | Backplane Chassis Mounted |

At the heart of the 0-60067-A is a dedicated communication coprocessor that offloads networking tasks from the main AutoMax CPU. This architecture ensures that even during periods of heavy network traffic, the main control logic remains unaffected. The 0-60067-A manages the lower layers of the communication protocol, including error detection and packet retransmission, ensuring that only "clean" data is presented to the application layer. This is particularly vital in sectors like metal rolling or paper machines, where synchronized motion is dependent on every node receiving the correct command at the correct millisecond.
Industrial environments are plagued by Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) caused by high-power variable frequency drives (VFDs) and large motor contactors. The 0-60067-A addresses this through advanced galvanic isolation. By separating the electrical grounds of the communication link and the sensitive backplane logic via optocouplers, the module prevents ground loops and voltage spikes from damaging the central processor rack. This hardware-level protection significantly increases the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of the entire control system.
Maximizing system uptime requires the ability to quickly identify and resolve network faults. The Reliance Electric 0-60067-A features an array of diagnostic LEDs on its front panel. These indicators provide instant visual feedback on the health of the communication link, the status of data transmission, and any internal module faults. When integrated with the AutoMax programming software, the 0-60067-A also provides detailed error codes and traffic statistics, allowing maintenance engineers to perform predictive analysis and resolve issues before they lead to a system halt.
The 0-60067-A is highly versatile in its network configuration. It supports both star and daisy-chain topologies, allowing plant engineers to design the network layout that best fits the physical geography of the factory floor. Whether connecting to a local I/O rack or a remote bridge across the facility, the 0-60067-A maintains a high signal-to-noise ratio over long cable distances. Its modular design means that as the plant grows, additional communication nodes can be added to the AutoMax backplane without the need for a complete system overhaul.
The robustness of the 0-60067-A has made it a standard in several high-demand sectors:
Steel and Metallurgy: Coordinating high-speed data between drive systems and rolling mill stands where timing is safety-critical.
Pulp and Paper: Managing decentralized I/O clusters along the entire length of a paper machine section for precise tension control.
Automotive Assembly: Facilitating communication between robotic cells and supervisory PLCs in high-speed manufacturing environments.
Material Handling: Driving large-scale automated conveyor and sorting systems where data integrity across large distances is required.
To ensure the maximum lifespan of the Reliance Electric 0-60067-A, it should be installed in a clean, ventilated industrial enclosure. While the module is built for industrial durability, the accumulation of conductive dust can degrade the insulation over time. Proper grounding of the communication cable shield at a single point is essential to maximize the noise immunity features of the card.
During maintenance cycles, visual inspections of the terminal connections and the status of the diagnostic LEDs are recommended. Due to the high-density nature of the backplane connectors, standard anti-static (ESD) protocols must be followed during module handling. By adhering to the original Reliance Electric engineering standards and following the prescribed wiring configurations, the 0-60067-A will continue to provide dependable, high-speed communication for decades, protecting your investment in the AutoMax DCS infrastructure.



