Bonfiglioli Vectron EM-IO-01 Expansion Module Installation and System Bus Configuration Guide

Bonfiglioli Vectron EM-IO-01 Expansion Module Installation and System Bus Configuration Guide

In modern frequency converter drive systems, the scalability of functions and the flexibility of communication have become the core considerations for equipment selection and system integration. The Bonfiglioli Vectron ACTION and ACTION Cube series inverters provide users with rich I/O expansion capabilities and powerful CAN system bus communication functions through the EM-IO-01 expansion module, enabling seamless integration of inverters into distributed control architectures and achieving efficient data exchange and collaborative control.

This article is based on the EM-IO-01 expansion module technical manual and provides a systematic technical operation guide for the core concerns of on-site engineers in installation, configuration, and system integration processes. It covers hardware installation, electrical connections, system bus configuration, PDO/SDO communication mechanisms, and I/O parameterization applications.

Overview and Preparation Before Installation of EM-IO-01 Expansion Module

1.1 Module Function Positioning

EM-IO-01 is an optional hardware expansion component designed by Bonfiglioli Vectron for the ACTION and ACTION Cube series frequency converters, supporting software versions 4.1.0 and higher for the ACTION series and all ACU series devices. This module achieves the following functional extensions by inserting it into the expansion slot at the bottom of the frequency converter:

CAN system bus interface: compliant with ISO-DIS 11898 (CAN High Speed) standard, supporting a maximum communication rate of 1 MBaud

Second bipolar analog input: 12 bit resolution, configurable for ± 10V voltage or ± 20mA current input

Second bipolar analog output: ± 10V voltage output, overload and short circuit protection

Three channel digital input: PLC compatible, 24V level, supports up to 150kHz frequency signal

Two relay outputs: normally open contacts, 24V AC/DC, 1A (resistive load)

1.2 Safety confirmation before installation

Danger Warning: The installation and removal of the EM-IO-01 expansion module must be carried out with the frequency converter completely powered off. The main power supply, DC bus, and motor terminals of the frequency converter may still carry dangerous voltage even after a power outage, and must wait for the DC bus capacitor to discharge completely (several minutes) before operation can be carried out.

Anti static precautions: The module is pre installed in a dedicated housing when it leaves the factory. During installation, do not touch the PCB board on the back of the module to avoid electrostatic discharge damaging sensitive electronic components.

Mechanical installation steps

2.1 Disassemble the lower cover plate

Confirm that the frequency converter has been completely powered off and discharged.

Find the plastic cover plate under the frequency converter (position 1) and carefully remove it.

After removing the cover, the expansion slot (position 3) is exposed.

2.2 Inserting Expansion Modules

Take out the EM-IO-01 expansion module (position 2), be careful to hold only the housing part and avoid touching the back PCB.

Align the module with slot (position 3) and apply even force to fully insert it.

Reinstall the lower cover plate (position 1) to complete the mechanical installation.

Attention: The module insertion direction has a foolproof design. If insertion is difficult, do not apply force forcefully and check if the direction is correct.

Definition of Electrical Connections and Terminals

3.1 Overview of Terminal Layout

The EM-IO-01 module provides two sockets: X410A and X410B.

Socket X410A (terminals 1-7):

Engineering Description of Terminal Signal Technical Parameters

1 20V output Imax=180mA to power external sensors

2 20V ground - corresponding to terminal 1 ground

3-digit input 1 (EM-S1IND) Umax=30V, 10mA@24V , PLC compatible response time is about 16ms

4-digit input 2 (EM-S2IND) can be used as the speed sensor Track A as above

5 digital inputs 3 (EM-S3IND) can be used as the speed sensor Track B as above

6-7 Relay Output 1 (EM-S1OUTD) 24V AC/DC, 1A normally open contact

Socket X410B (terminals 1-7):

Engineering Description of Terminal Signal Technical Parameters

1-2 relay output 2 (EM-S2OUTD) 24V AC/DC, 1A normally open contact

3 Analog inputs (EM-S1INA) ± 10V (Ri=100k Ω)/± 20mA (Ri=250 Ω) 12 bit resolution

4 Analog Output (EM-S1OUTA) ± 10V, Imax=2mA Overload and Short Circuit Protection

5 CAN_Low - System Bus CAN Low Line

6 CAN-High - System Bus CAN High Line

7 CAN_SND - System Bus Ground

Key Tip: The maximum load current for the 20V output of terminal X410A. 1 is 180mA, and this current shares the total capacity with other control outputs of the inverter body. When designing external circuits, power budgeting is required.

3.2 Analog Input Voltage/Current Mode Switching

The module is equipped with a dip switch S3 for configuring the analog input signal type:

S3=OFF (right side): The analog input is configured as a voltage signal (± 10V)

S3=ON (left side): Analog input configured as current signal (± 20mA)

Note: S1 and S2 switches are used for configuring the terminal resistance of the system bus (see System Bus chapter for details).