Parker EVM32-II Modular Expansion Base Plate

Analog output board (8 channels, ± 10V): referred to as the "Analog (+/-10V) output SIM board" in the document, it provides 8 analog output voltages with a range of ± 10V. This board is used to output control signals to frequency converters, proportional valves, servo drives, or other analog controlled devices. Through the motion program of the 6K controller or PLC logic, the output voltage can be changed in real time to achieve continuous adjustment. Similarly, this board requires support for 6K OS rev 5.1 or higher.

Connecting cables and system expansion

The connection between the EVM32 substrate and the 6K controller or other EVM32 units is achieved through dedicated cables. The 2-foot (0.61-meter) cable included in the standard supply is suitable for short distance single machine connections or adjacent module cascading. For scenarios where I/O expansion units need to be placed in distant locations (such as on the other side of a large cabinet or a remote console), users can order a 100 foot (30.48 meter) cable separately. This cable can be used to connect the 6K controller to the first EVM32 unit, as well as for cascading between two EVM32 units to form a distributed I/O network. It should be noted that the total length of the cable is limited by the quality of the communication signal. It is recommended to refer to the maximum distance limit in the 6K controller manual during system design.

The cascading method is as follows: the 6K controller is connected to the input port of the EVM32 substrate through its dedicated expansion interface, and the output port of the first EVM32 substrate is then connected to the input port of the second EVM32 substrate through another cable, and so on. Each EVM32 substrate can accommodate up to a certain number of SIM boards (usually 8 slots, please refer to the 6K Addendum document for details). Through this daisy chain topology, a single 6K controller can manage hundreds of I/O points, making it ideal for complex automation devices that require a large amount of switch or analog monitoring.

Installation, labeling, and ESD protection

The EVM32 substrate is designed for installation inside the cabinet, and its detachable ventilation cover provides physical protection while allowing air circulation to dissipate the heat generated by the internal SIM board. Each EVM32 order comes with adhesive labels. After completing the SIM board configuration, users can label the I/O type and address corresponding to each slot on the label, and then paste the label on the surface of the cover plate. This detailed design greatly simplifies subsequent maintenance and troubleshooting work, allowing on-site engineers to quickly identify the function of each channel without consulting drawings.

Anti static warning: The document clearly indicates the "CAUTION" prompt: EVM32 SIM board is sensitive to static electricity, and appropriate ESD handling precautions must be followed during operation. This means that before touching the SIM board, a grounded wristband should be worn and operated on an anti-static workbench. In addition, before installing or removing the SIM board, the power supply to the EVM32 substrate must be cut off. This requirement is not only to prevent electric shock, but more importantly, to avoid transient current damage to sensitive electronic components on the board when inserting or removing the board while it is live.

Technical references and firmware requirements

For detailed specifications, installation steps, wiring diagrams, and programming information about EVM32, please refer to the 6K Controller Supplemental Manual (document number 88-017657-01). This supplementary manual provides register mapping for each SIM board, address allocation for input-output buffers, and example code on how to access these extended I/Os in the 6K motion program. Users should note that some SIM boards (such as SSR, HCR, and analog output boards) require the operating system version of the 6K controller to be no less than 5.1. Before ordering these boards, it is recommended to check the firmware version of the existing 6K controller and upgrade it if necessary to ensure compatibility.

Typical application scenarios

6.1 Automated assembly line

On a multi station assembly line, it is necessary to monitor dozens of proximity switches and buttons, while controlling cylinders, indicator lights, and buzzers. The I/O of a single 6K controller is often insufficient. By adding one or more EVM32 substrates and configuring SIM8-IN-EVM32 and SIM8-OUT-NPN (or PNP), it is easy to expand to dozens of input and output points, and each substrate can be installed near the workstation through a 2-foot cable, reducing long-distance wiring.

6.2 Process Control and Analog Adjustment

For equipment that requires adjustment of motor speed, valve opening, or heating power, SIM8-AN-IN can be used to collect ± 10V signals from sensors (such as pressure transmitters, thermocouple transmitters), and then send 0-10V control signals to frequency converters or proportional control valves through analog output boards. Due to the digital communication transmission between the EVM32 substrate and the 6K controller, the signal is not easily affected by interference like long-distance analog transmission, thereby improving the system's noise resistance.