B&R X67DM1321 Digital Mixed Module

The B&R X67DM1321 is a digital mixed input/output module from the X67 series, designed for distributed I/O applications in harsh industrial environments. This module features 16 digital channels, each configurable as either an input or output via software, providing maximum flexibility for machine automation. With IP67 protection and industrial-grade M12 connectors, the X67DM1321 is suitable for field mounting directly on machinery.

Channel Configuration

The X67DM1321 offers 16 digital channels that can be individually configured through the automation software. The inputs use a sink circuit design according to EN 61131-2 Type 1 characteristics, while outputs are source circuit FET-based. The module provides 8 M8 connectors for I/O termination, and an M12 connector is used for the X2X Link bus interface, with an additional M8 connector for I/O power supply. An M12 B-coded connector handles fieldbus communication, and the I/O power supply uses an M8 4-pin connector. Input current at 24V DC is typically 4.4 mA with an input resistance of approximately 5 kΩ.

Input Specifications

Digital inputs accept 18-30V DC with a switching threshold of<5v dc="" for="" low="" and="">15V DC for high. Hardware input filters are configured with ≤10µs for channels 1 through 4 and ≤70µs for channels 5 through 16. Software filters are configurable between 0 and 25 ms in 0.2 ms increments, with a default setting of 0 ms. The inputs support event counter functions: two channels feature 50 kHz event counting with negative edge evaluation and cyclic counter operation. A separate gate time measurement function uses a 48 MHz internal counter frequency with 16-bit resolution, supporting inputs 2 and 4. Minimum pulse length accepted is 20µs.

Output Specifications

Each digital output can deliver up to 0.5A at the I/O power supply voltage, with a total nominal current of 8A across all outputs. Residual voltage at 0.5A nominal current is less than 0.3V. Switching delays from 0 to 1 and 1 to 0 are below 400µs. Output characteristics include thermal shutdown for overcurrent or short-circuit conditions, integrated protection for switching inductive loads (with braking voltage limited to 50V DC when switching off inductive loads), and reverse polarity protection on the output power supply. Leakage current when the output is off is 5µA maximum. The outputs automatically attempt to switch on approximately 10 ms after overload shutdown, depending on module temperature. Peak short-circuit current is limited to under 12A. Maximum switching frequency for resistive loads is 100 Hz.

Power Supply and Performance

The module operates on a nominal 24V DC supply with insulation voltage of 500 Veff between channels and the bus. Sensor and actuator power supply provides 0.5A summation current. Short-circuit protection is included, with a voltage drop at 0.5A of up to 2V DC. Internal I/O power consumption is 3W, while X2X Link power supply consumes 0.75W. The X67DM1321 supports X2X Link fieldbus communication with status indicators for I/O function per channel, supply voltage, and bus function. Output diagnostics are available via both LED status indicators and software, with output monitoring featuring a 10 ms delay.

Environmental Protection

The X67DM1321 is rated IP67, providing complete protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion in water. This high degree of protection allows the module to be installed directly on machines without the need for an additional control cabinet. Operating temperature range extends from -25°C to +60°C, suitable for cold storage to hot industrial environments. The module is ATEX certified for Zone 2 hazardous areas (II 3G Ex nA IIA T5 Gc) and carries cULus and HazLoc (cCSAus) approvals for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups ABCD, T5 hazardous locations.

Certifications

The module complies with CE and UKCA standards and is prepared for CRA compliance (Cyber Resilience Act). UL certification (cULus E115267) qualifies the module as industrial control equipment. The X67DM1321 is part of B&R's X67 series, which meets the requirements of modern distributed control architectures.

Applications

The B&R X67DM1321 is ideal for distributed I/O applications in automotive assembly lines, food processing equipment, packaging machinery, and material handling systems. The configurable channel architecture and IP67 protection make it suitable for mounting directly on moving machine components or in washdown areas.

Conclusion

The B&R X67DM1321 digital mixed module offers 16 configurable I/O channels in a rugged IP67 package, with high-speed event counters, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, and flexible fieldbus integration via X2X Link. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions while providing precise I/O control makes it a reliable choice for decentralized automation architectures.