In the field of process industry automation, the reliability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance of I/O systems are directly related to the return on investment and operational efficiency of the entire control system. Emerson's DeltaV ™ The S series traditional I/O modules in distributed control systems (DCS) have become an ideal choice for process control applications due to their modular design, robust and durable environmental adaptability, and plug and play convenience. This article is based on DeltaV ™ A comprehensive interpretation of the technical characteristics, hardware specifications, redundancy mechanisms, and system integration of the S series traditional I/O product data sheet.
Product Overview and Core Advantages
DeltaV ™ On the basis of inheriting the mature characteristics of M-series I/O, the S series traditional I/O modules further enhance installation convenience and environmental adaptability. This subsystem is designed specifically for harsh on-site environments, supports online expansion, and aims to maximize the protection of user investments. Its core advantages are reflected in the following five aspects:
Modular and flexible construction: Each controller can support up to eight I/O carriers, forming a powerful passive bus that provides communication and power for up to 64 I/O interfaces. Each interface is equipped with a corresponding I/O terminal block, which can be installed in any I/O slot on the bus. Both carrier and interface support online addition without interrupting existing I/O communication. This design allows users to purchase I/O cards on demand and flexibly expand as the system grows.
Shorten installation time and cost: The S series I/O interface is designed for fast assembly and error free maintenance. All carriers are installed on T-DIN rails using a snap fit, and the interface can be directly inserted into the I/O slot without the need for any tools. The independent terminal block ensures that the insertion and removal of I/O cards does not affect on-site wiring at all. Some cards support fuse terminal blocks, and their built-in online fuses can be pulled out to isolate the on-site circuit power supply. The unique I/O function key mechanism ensures that only the correct card can be inserted into the corresponding terminal block, fundamentally eliminating the risk of incorrect installation.
Convenient online expansion capability: The S series I/O carriers and interfaces can be easily added online without affecting existing I/O communication. The new carrier can be directly connected to the right side of the existing carrier or installed on different DIN rails through extension cables. The controller automatically detects new hardware and senses it in the configuration database, greatly simplifying the system expansion process.
On site installation capability: All S series traditional I/O interfaces support an extreme operating temperature range of -40 to 70 ℃ and can be directly installed in the on-site junction box. This can not only significantly reduce the equipment footprint and free up valuable control room space, but also save a lot of wiring costs by eliminating long-distance multi-core cable wiring. The integrated design of the I/O subsystem can even eliminate intermediate terminal cabinets, further reducing the total capital cost.
1: 1. Redundancy and Plug and Play: For critical field circuits, the S series offers four types of I/O cards that support redundant terminal blocks. Simply install a pair of cards on the designated redundant terminal block, and DeltaV DCS will automatically recognize them as redundant pairs without the need for additional configuration. All components are plug and play type, automatically sensed by the controller, without any addressing switches or jumpers.
System composition and hardware architecture
The S series traditional I/O subsystem consists of the following core components:
I/O interface carrier: Installed on a DIN rail, it provides physical support, power bus, and communication backplane for all I/O components. The carrier integrates bus based on-site power distribution, divided into primary and secondary power supplies for odd and even slots, and each slot is equipped with an independent fuse to protect other cards from faults.
I/O interface: composed of I/O cards and matching I/O terminal blocks. The card adopts a unified external packaging, clearly identifies the type, and is equipped with LED indicators for power supply, internal errors, and channel status. All cards are coated with three proof paint, meeting the ISA G3 corrosive gas standard.
I/O terminal block: Provides on-site signal wiring interfaces and supports multiple types (such as standard, fuse, redundant, and large-scale wiring) to meet different functional and environmental requirements. Its unique rotation locking key mechanism ensures a unique match with the corresponding I/O card.

Detailed Explanation of I/O Card Technical Specifications
DeltaV ™ The S series provides a wide range of I/O cards, covering various signal types such as analog and discrete, to meet diverse process control requirements. All cards support wide temperature operation and have high precision and isolation characteristics.