Wireless I/O modules replicate hard-wired analog, discrete or Modbus signals

Acromag (Wixom, MI) has broadened its Vertu line of instrumentation with the release of the VWB2000 signal wire replacement system in a rugged NEMA 4X/IP68 industrial housing. This point-to-point wireless signal bridge takes analog, discrete or Modbus signals at one location and reproduces them at a second location.

The remote system consists of two pre-paired transmitter/receiver units that have a range of 1 mile outside or 500 feet indoors in industrial environments. This range can be extended using wireless repeater units or high-gain directional antennae. An LCD display provides signal strength and other diagnostic information.

The VWB2000 wireless I/O bridge is easy to set up and install, says Acromag. Each unit has one analog I/O channel, four discrete I/O and Modbus communications that are field-configurable in minutes using the system's push-button controls.

Free Windows software simplifies configuration on a PC via USB and enables advanced features such as encryption and analog signal calibration.

The units' weather-tight enclosure is cast aluminum with a glass window and a corrosion-resistant powder coating for field mounting. Units can mount directly to a supporting conduit or securely to pipes and walls.

“This wireless I/O bridge provides a very effective solution to interface signals from Point A to Point B where it is not practical to run long wires or conduit,” asserts Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s business development manager.

Each VWB2000 unit has both inputs and outputs for bi-directional communication. Analog inputs accept 4-20mA, 0-5V, 0-10V, or 1-5V signals. Analog output is 4-20mA. Digital I/O channels support 0-5V TTL logic levels. Modbus RTU serial communication is EIA-485 compatible.

Acromag, a mid-sized international corporation, has been developing and manufacturing measurement and control products for more than 60 years. The company offers a complete line of industrial I/O products including process instruments, signal conditioning equipment, data acquisition boards, distributed I/O systems, and communication devices.

For more information about Acromag products, call the company's inside sales department at (248) 295-0880 or marketing Ccmmunications at (248) 295-0866. Or visit www.acromag.com.