Opto 22 announced the release of the groov serial I/O module, GRV-CSERI-4. This module plugs into a groov EPIC chassis alongside Opto 22’s groov Edge Programmable Industrial Controller (EPIC) and discrete and analog I/O modules, to provide the mix of analog, discrete, and serial signals at any location.

This module provides four independent and isolated serial ports for this purpose, communicating with RS-232 or RS-485 serial devices. Up to 4 modules can be installed in one groov EPIC chassis, providing a total of 16 serial ports to support these communication requirements.

Each port is selectable for RS-232 or RS-485 mode, with programmable termination and bias as well as half- or full-duplex options in RS-485 mode. Baud rates of up to 1 Mbps are supported.

For serial devices communicating via standard protocols, the included PAC Control flowchart-based programming software offers communication handles to serial devices. Or use groov EPIC’s Ignition Edge from Inductive Automation, which provides support for hundreds of communication drivers. For serial devices requiring the development of custom drivers, groov EPIC supports secure shell access, SDKs and a cross-compiler for custom user-written applications.

Once communication is established with serial devices, multiple programming options are available with groov EPIC to link devices.

The module operates in temperatures from-20 to 70 °C (-40 to 85 °F) and relative humidity (non-condensing) of 5-95%. Agency approvals include UL/cUL (Class 1 Div. 2); CE, ATEX (Category 3, Zone 2), RoHS; DFARS; and CB Scheme.

A swinging, two-position cover protects wiring from inadvertent contact, as does the dead-front design. The two positions of the cover offer the option of more space to accommodate wire sizes from 28-14 AWG. The module cover provides a touch-sensitive pad; touch the pad and the groov EPIC processor displays information about the module, including specifications and wiring diagrams. The module cover also provides a large LED to indicate module health at a glance, plus a transmit and receive LED on each port.

The GRV-CSERI-4 I/O modules are hot swappable—which means they can be installed or removed without turning off the unit or stopping control—and self-identifying; as soon as you mount the module on the chassis, it communicates to the processor and identifies itself.

For more information, visit Opto 22 website.