Signal conditioning and signal marshalling for universal I/O systems

Compact. Flexible. Highly functional: Reduce the number of control cabinets needed and shorten your project timelines with the VIP I/O-Marshalling plug-and-play modular system.
VIP I/O-Marshalling plug-and-play modular system

Plug-and-play signal conditioning and signal marshalling for universal I/O systems

VIP I/O-Marshalling combines signal conditioning and signal marshalling in a compact, highly functional plug-and-play modular system. Save on marshalling cabinets, design type-independent signal paths, and benefit from a wide signal and function spectrum.

Please refer to the note regarding product selection.

VIP I/O-Marshalling

Your advantages in detail


Topology comparison of classic and universal I/O wiring
A comparative overview of process automation projects
VIP I/O-Marshalling OVP-Base Ex i with Ex i and SIL logos
VIP I/O-Marshalling with surge protection plug
Topology comparison of classic and universal I/O wiring

Universal I/O systems offer signal flexibility through software-based channel configuration. However, they do not completely break down the rigid structure of the levels.

VIP I/O-Marshalling combines the interface level and marshalling level in a modular system that can be configured flexibly. The streamlined architecture eliminates the need for large marshalling cabinets and signal-specific I/O cards. This makes it possible to use smaller cabinets even when there are many signals.

Please refer to the note regarding product selection.

A comparative overview of process automation projects

Planning, installation, and testing – regardless of the signal type – enable projects to be handled in parallel. To start the project, all you need to know is the number of I/O signals. The signal type remains flexible and can be defined at any time using appropriate I/O plug-in modules. This significantly speeds up implementation.

Please refer to the note regarding product selection.

VIP I/O-Marshalling OVP-Base Ex i with Ex i and SIL logos

The VIP I/O marshalling plug-in modules support all common signal types. In addition, the Ex i versions have many international Ex approvals for use in all Ex zones and for all substance groups.
Many types of plug-in modules offer functional safety in accordance with SIL IEC/EN 61508, even in standard applications. The products have a safety integrity level ranging from SIL 2 SC 3 to SIL 3. SIL coupling relays are used for safe emergency shutdown in safety applications.

Please refer to the note regarding product selection.

More about explosion protection
VIP I/O-Marshalling with surge protection plug

Studies (Jensen et al., 2023; Romps et al., 2014; NASA) predict an increase of about 12% in lightning activity for every degree of global warming. As a result, the need for reliable surge protection for MCR technology is increasing, particularly for critical infrastructure such as offshore platforms, LNG terminals, and pipelines.

With the overvoltage protection (OVP) termination board and the corresponding TTC modules, you can effectively protect every signal circuit while saving space – integrated directly onto the board, with plug-and-play. This is how you can protect your system against climate-related risks in the long term and ensure maximum availability of your MCR systems.

To the surge protection product list
VIP I/O-Marshalling plug-and-play configuration

Plug-and-play configuration, customizable at any time Fast, safe, tool-free

  • Plug-and-play channel configuration: Using the appropriate plug-in modules (IOA modules), you can easily configure each channel based on the required signal type, safety requirements, and surge protection (TTC modules).
  • Plug-and-play field connection and power supply: Push-in Technology enables tool-free, reliable wiring.
  • Plug-and-play controller connection: The connection to the UIO controller is established quickly and securely via a standardized D-SUB system cable.
  • Plug-and-play signal type changes: IOA plug-in modules can be easily replaced as needed, without interfering with the existing wiring.

Please refer to the note regarding product selection.

Configure your VIP I/O-Marshalling system to your exact specifications and apply the configuration directly in clipx ENGINEER.

Products


Application examples


Ex i/non-Ex i signal conditioning and marshalling for Siemens process automation

VIP I/O-Marshalling fits seamlessly into the Siemens SIMATIC I/O ecosystem and enables simple, consistent connection to the SIMATIC ET 200SP HA with CIO, as well as SIMATIC CFU CIO HART.

Ex i/non-Ex i signal conditioning and marshalling for SIEMENS process automation

For information on the approvals and certifications available for Ex i applications, please refer to the product overviews and technical data for the respective items.

Flexible signal path planning, design scalability, and secure protection

With VIP I/O-Marshalling, you can remain flexible for every requirement: The streamlined, modular architecture grows with your system. The system integrates Ex i and non-Ex i signals as well as surge protection without additional hardware levels. Ideal for centralized applications with high signal density and limited space, as well as for decentralized solutions that require short cable runs and easy expansion.

Interactive image map: Topology of universal I/O signal marshalling in a process plant
Decentralized installation
Decentralized installation of VIP I/O-Marshalling in a remote control box reduces wiring effort, shortens field cable runs, and reduces the load on central control cabinets. Signals are acquired close to the process, conditioned, and transmitted in a structured format to the control level. Depending on the system design, the universal I/O system is installed either decentrally in a remote control box or centrally in the supervisory control system cabinet.
Centralized installation
In centralized signal processing, all field signals are consolidated and processed in a central control room. This allows maintenance and service work to be carried out efficiently in one location. Depending on the system design, VIP I/O-Marshalling and universal I/O systems are either integrated together in a single control cabinet or installed in separate control cabinets.

Signal conditioning and marshalling for universal I/O systems in Ex areas

In the chemical and petrochemical industries, as well as in mills, silos, and food production facilities, gases, vapors, mists, or dusts can create explosive atmospheres. Therefore, electrical devices in Ex areas are subject to special directives, which include the ATEX, IECEx, NEC/CEC, and UL certifications and directives.

The figure shows selected installation options for the VIP I/O-Marshalling signal marshalling system, including signal conditioning based on the zone concept. The field devices are always located in the Ex area: zone 0, 1, or 2.

Get an overview of explosion protection here and download the free brochure entitled “Explosion protection: Theory and practice”.

Interactive image map: Topology of universal I/O signal marshalling in Ex zones
Installation outside of Ex zones
The VIP I/O-Marshalling solution is installed in an IP20 control cabinet in the safe area. Intrinsically safe field devices from zones 0, 1, and 2 can be connected directly.
Installation in zone 2
Installation in zone 2 using the Ex e-certified VIP I/O-Marshalling solution, in compliance with additional requirements, such as installation in a control cabinet with at least IP54. Intrinsically safe field devices from zones 0, 1, and 2 can be connected directly.
Installation in zone 1
Installation of the VIP I/O-Marshalling solution in zone 1 with additional Ex d type of protection. This requires housings that act as “flameproof enclosures”. Intrinsically safe field devices from zones 0, 1, and 2 can be connected directly.

Note regarding product selection

The compatibility of I/O plug-in modules and termination boards depends on the specific model. As a result, technical data and the scope of functions may vary depending on the combination. Check the details in the product documentation or use the configurator to select the right combination.

Configure your VIP I/O-Marshalling system to your exact specifications and apply the configuration directly in clipx ENGINEER.

Expertise
Explosion protection

Get a concise overview of explosion protection on the website and download the brochure.

To expertise in explosion protection
Explosion protection logo in front of a photo of a process industry plant

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