Digital input/output (I/O) modules

Robust and reliable semiconductor solutions for digital I/O modules

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Overview

Digital input and output modules (I/O modules) are key elements of any programmable logic controller (PLC) system. They are controlled by the PLC CPU unit and constitite the logic - power interface to and from the factory floor.

Benefits

  • Scalable number of inputs and outputs
  • Protect system from damage
  • Do isolate logic from power domain
  • Low power consumtpion
  • Small system design
  • Provide diagnostic info to PLC CPU

Block diagram

About

Introduction to digital input and output (I/O) modules

PLC CPUs systems as the essential "brain" of the control floor within an automation system communicate via IO modules to and and get signals from the factory floor. Digital Output  modules translate logic information into on/off power switching to a load or into specifc sensor communication protocols. Incoming sensor signals from the factory floor on the other hand via input modules provide system status data in logic format to the PLC CPU.  Modules face an increasing demand for scalability, flexibility and space constraints, while their robustness and reliability determine the downtime of automation systems.

Power consumption as well as safety and  system longevity aspects play on top an important role when going for a module design. Therefore, long-term experience is of fundamental importance, as it is essential for embedding modules into the entire logic control environment. Realising input output functionaliy may be ending up as well for cost reasons in combining CPU, inputs and outputs, power supply and communiation features in a all-in-one single housing approach.  

Straight talk about the right switches

The most important features of digital I/O modules are switching and isolating. For power switching high-side or low-side configurations are possible. We offer dedicated PROFET™ and HITFET™solutions for both of it for a  wide range of load currents and number of channels in different packages. Specific protection features and diagnostic characteristics come along. Infineon coreless transformer technology may be applied in IO modules as separate multi channel digital isolators or in an isolation embedded format with our high-side ISOFACE™ input and output eight channel devices. Any of  our switches are acknowldeged for their high level of robustness, reliability and space saving characteristics. For cost driven systems standalong OptiMOS™ 5 40 V and 60 V MOSFETs families do provide an option for simplest discrete approaches getting 24 V DC power to the factory floor. In case AC currents need to be switched, our combination of isolated gate drivers plus 600V CoolMOS™ S7 MOSFETs with intergated temperature sensors is best choice. The latter provide a future ready Solid State Relay approach replacing classic electromagnetic relays.

More about isolated industrial interface ICs
More about power switches and ICs
Find all the components for your designs from a trusted source

Beyond switches we do provide a one-stop-shop product portfolio where you can find all the components for your IO module design from a trusted source: Various options for microcontrollers, such as XMC4000™ family or Infineon’s AURIX™ family being best suited for demanding safety IO modules and memory ICs such as SRAM or NOR flash memories, e.g., for data logging contribute to data processing on an IO module. Power supply ICs keep losses and system heating at the lowest possible level, communication devices, wired as fieldbus or wireless  as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® or 5G  do enable  the module to communicate to the factory floor or to the PLC CPU. Protective devices do prevent ESD or overvoltage damage to components transmitted over wired communication lines. Infineon helps with corresponding evaluation boards and tools to simplify module design work. 

More about wireless communication
More about microcontrollers

Introduction to digital input and output (I/O) modules

PLC CPUs systems as the essential "brain" of the control floor within an automation system communicate via IO modules to and and get signals from the factory floor. Digital Output  modules translate logic information into on/off power switching to a load or into specifc sensor communication protocols. Incoming sensor signals from the factory floor on the other hand via input modules provide system status data in logic format to the PLC CPU.  Modules face an increasing demand for scalability, flexibility and space constraints, while their robustness and reliability determine the downtime of automation systems.

Power consumption as well as safety and  system longevity aspects play on top an important role when going for a module design. Therefore, long-term experience is of fundamental importance, as it is essential for embedding modules into the entire logic control environment. Realising input output functionaliy may be ending up as well for cost reasons in combining CPU, inputs and outputs, power supply and communiation features in a all-in-one single housing approach.  

Straight talk about the right switches

The most important features of digital I/O modules are switching and isolating. For power switching high-side or low-side configurations are possible. We offer dedicated PROFET™ and HITFET™solutions for both of it for a  wide range of load currents and number of channels in different packages. Specific protection features and diagnostic characteristics come along. Infineon coreless transformer technology may be applied in IO modules as separate multi channel digital isolators or in an isolation embedded format with our high-side ISOFACE™ input and output eight channel devices. Any of  our switches are acknowldeged for their high level of robustness, reliability and space saving characteristics. For cost driven systems standalong OptiMOS™ 5 40 V and 60 V MOSFETs families do provide an option for simplest discrete approaches getting 24 V DC power to the factory floor. In case AC currents need to be switched, our combination of isolated gate drivers plus 600V CoolMOS™ S7 MOSFETs with intergated temperature sensors is best choice. The latter provide a future ready Solid State Relay approach replacing classic electromagnetic relays.

More about isolated industrial interface ICs
More about power switches and ICs

Find all the components for your designs from a trusted source

Beyond switches we do provide a one-stop-shop product portfolio where you can find all the components for your IO module design from a trusted source: Various options for microcontrollers, such as XMC4000™ family or Infineon’s AURIX™ family being best suited for demanding safety IO modules and memory ICs such as SRAM or NOR flash memories, e.g., for data logging contribute to data processing on an IO module. Power supply ICs keep losses and system heating at the lowest possible level, communication devices, wired as fieldbus or wireless  as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® or 5G  do enable  the module to communicate to the factory floor or to the PLC CPU. Protective devices do prevent ESD or overvoltage damage to components transmitted over wired communication lines. Infineon helps with corresponding evaluation boards and tools to simplify module design work. 

More about wireless communication
More about microcontrollers

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