In the process of industrial automation evolving towards distributed, high real-time, and intelligent systems, I/O systems serve as a bridge connecting controllers and field devices. Their density, accuracy, response speed, and diagnostic capabilities directly determine the overall performance of machine equipment. As an innovative leader in the global industrial control field, KEBA's KeConnect I/O module series provides highly competitive I/O solutions for plastic machinery, packaging equipment, metal forming, and general automation fields with a unified K-bus backplane architecture, diverse module types, rigorous industrial grade design, and seamless integration capabilities with KEBA's full range of controllers. This article is based on the "KeConnect I/O Module Catalog" and provides a systematic technical analysis of the series from three dimensions: product matrix, technical features, and application scenarios.
KeConnect I/O System Architecture: Modular, Scalable, Fully Compatible
The KeConnect I/O system adopts a modular design with unified mechanical and electrical interfaces. All I/O modules have a standard front panel width of 22.5mm (including K-bus plug total width of 32.5mm), a height of 120mm, and a depth of 100mm, supporting toolless DIN rail installation. The module sets the K-bus address through a 16 bit rotary encoder switch on the side, and achieves electrical and data coupling with the CPU module or bus coupler through the back bus connector.
Core compatibility features:
Direct connection CPU: can be directly plugged into the right side of KEBA KeControl C2/C1 series CPU modules to form a compact centralized I/O station;
Remote expansion: Build distributed I/O islands through BL series bus couplers (CANopen or EtherCAT), with a maximum communication distance of 1000 meters (current loop) or 100 meters (EtherCAT);
Hybrid topology: supports the mixed use of I/O modules of different ages and functions on the same bus, fully protecting users' existing investments.
Digital I/O module: high-density, strong drive, fast shutdown
1. DI 240/B and DI 260/A digital input modules
Channel density: 8 channels (DI 240/B) or 16 channels (DI 260/A) Type 1 digital inputs, compliant with EN 61131-2 standard;
Electrical isolation: 707V DC optocoupler isolation, complete isolation between channel and bus;
Interruption capability: The first two inputs (DI0/DI1) support K-bus interrupts with a response time of 100 μ s (combined with 5kHz input filtering), suitable for high-speed event capture;
Adjustable filtering: The global debounce time can be configured as 1ms or 100ms, balancing anti-interference and fast response;
Power consumption: 24V bus power consumption is only 1W, 5V bus power consumption is 0.4W, extremely low heating.
2. DO 242/B and DO 272/A digital output modules
Channel and current: 8/14 semiconductor outputs, single channel rated current 2A, group synchronization rate 50%;
Quick shutdown: optimized for inductive loads (hydraulic valves, contactors), built-in freewheeling diode, maximum shutdown capability 1J@0.2Hz Inductive energy significantly reduces shutdown delay;
Protection and diagnosis: permanent short circuit protection, independent short circuit detection and reporting for each channel;
Power supply method: The load power supply is independently connected from the front end of the module and isolated from the bus power supply. The maximum power consumption of a single module is 2.1W (24V).
3. DM 27x/A digital hybrid module
Flexible wiring: DM 272/A provides 8 drain type inputs and 8 source type outputs; DM 276/A provides 6 source inputs and 8 drain outputs, perfectly adapting to different wiring habits in Asia/Europe;
Interrupt input: Two inputs can be configured as interrupt sources, with a response time of 50 μ s, which is twice as long as a pure input module;
Output characteristics: 2A/50% simultaneous rate, inter group electrical isolation (707V DC), supporting independent channel short-circuit shutdown;
Integration: Single module achieves 16 point hybrid I/O, saving control cabinet space by more than 30%.
Analog quantity I/O module: high-precision, low drift, multi-function
1. AI 240/A Analog Input Module
Channel and Resolution: 4-channel differential/single ended configurable voltage input, 14 bit resolution (1 LSB=1.3mV);
Signal range: ± 10V or 0-10V (ratio formula), supports external reference voltage (10V ± 2.5%, 20mA);
Accuracy index: Maximum error at 25 ° C ± 0.01% of full scale, temperature drift of only ± 5ppm/° C (typical), reaching laboratory level measurement level;
Diagnostic function: Sensor disconnection detection, reporting out of limit values when disconnected;
Input impedance: 10M Ω, no load effect on the sensor.
2. AO 240/A Analog Output Module
Channel and Resolution: 4-channel voltage output, 12 bit resolution (1 LSB=5.32mV);
Dynamic performance: Full range jump establishment time ≤ 50 μ s (resistive load), conversion period 1ms;
Driving capability: minimum load resistance of 1k Ω, maximum capacitive load of 10nF;
Accuracy: 25 ° C error ± 0.15% of full scale, temperature drift ± 20ppm/° C.