Burkert’s new FreeLINE 8645 is a completely decentralised process automation system offering IP65/IP67, protection and all the freedoms of distributed I/O systems without the cost and complexity of installation in control cabinets. FreeLINE allows pneumatic and electrical modules to be arranged in any sequence required. This flexible configuration means that, in addition to employing the valve unit as a central station, it is possible to use decentralised single modules and/or to combine one central station with decentralised units.
Importantly for ease of installation, FreeLlNE can be controlled as a multi-pin system or operated as a fieldbus system. All conventional fieldbus protocols can be used (Profibus, CANopen or DeviceNet, and Ethernet is currently also in preparation). This level of flexibility is achieved by a connection system containing a parallel loop-through of the lines for multi-pin systems and also serial feed--through for the bus systems. In addition to the existing 32 connections, 16 additional input lines and 16 additional output lines can also be made available by using inter-mediate supply modules.
In addition to its protection and integration features, FreeLINE 8645 also addresses what has been a traditional problem of identifying valve station error messages using blink codes. The system overcomes this problem by providing greater transparency for the user. Integrating the diagnostic interface into the fieldbus module enables diagnostic messages to be expressed in plain text, (on a laptop, for example). Moreover, the interface also allows software up-dates without having to exchange electrical components, as was often the case in the past.