Remote I/O – TB20
The TB20 distributed IO system, made by Helmholz, is a high quality, low cost IO system that can fit onto a wide variety of buses (PROFIBUS, PROFINET, CAN-bus, Modbus TCP, Ethernet IP, EtherCAT) and comes in a very small footprint.
German Quality – North American ease of use!
TB20, distributed I/O system
The TB20 offers the following features:
Three-component module design
TB20 I/O modules have three components: a separate front connector, an electronic module, and a base module. A locking mechanism ensures that all modules can be quickly mounted and securely attached on DIN rails while guaranteeing a reliable electrical connection. Likewise, all modules can be easily and quickly removed for maintenance and/or system expansion. Modules are delivered as complete assembled units (i.e., as a single assembly) and can be installed immediately.
Hot-plug capability
Individual modules can be easily and quickly replaced while the remaining system continues to run. This electronic module hot-plug functionality helps keep downtimes to a minimum.
Bus couplers
All bus couplers feature an integrated power module. However, power modules are also available separately for users interested in segmenting the power supply for the I/O modules in their system. Bus couplers for PROFINET, PROFIBUS, CAN bus, DeviceNet, Modbus/TCP, EtherNet/IP, and EtherCAT are currently available. Our portfolio is designed as an open and vendor-neutral fieldbus system and will gradually be expanded and added to.
Module design
The TB20 system has modules with two, four, eight, and 16 channels available to ensure that systems can be designed with utmost flexibility and maximum effectiveness. Digital mixed I/O modules complete the range of products. Moreover, 16-channel modules make it possible to implement up to 1,024 inputs/outputs or up to 512 analog measured readings.
A small number of models – a lot of functionality
The TB20 I/O system ensures that you will truly be able to take full advantage of its modules by packing every single one of them with unmatched functionality while keeping the number of different model versions small. This makes it easier to design systems, select modules, and manage inventory levels.
Freely definable auxiliary contact (auxiliary terminal)
This additional terminal can be used flexibly and from end to end, e.g., in order to provide an additional voltage as a reference ground or implement shielding as necessary. This flexibility makes wiring faster and frees up additional distributor terminals.
Ideal handling, achieved with a compact design
The system’s ergonomic design makes it easy to handle. Moreover, the space-saving compact dimensions behind it do not take away from the system components’ heavy-duty ruggedness and reliable electrical contacts for industrial applications, which are further complemented by an IP20 protection rating.
Front connector wiring
The system’s front connectors feature spring-type terminals throughout, and can be either snapped into place or wired without an electronic module.
The front connector’s spring-type terminals are designed for a cross-sectional cable area of up to 1.5 mm^2 (16–22 AWG) with or without ferrules. It is also possible, for example, to connect two 0.75 mm^2 wires to a single spring-type terminal, provided the maximum cross-sectional cable area of 1.5 mm^2 per terminal is not exceeded. In addition, the terminals are also designed to work with test probes.
Total Solution Concept
An ideal variety of modules ensures that users will be able to easily select the products they need and conveniently order them.
In addition, no additional accessories or add-on parts are required for any unit, and each individual I/O module is characterized by unparalleled quality and numerous functionalities that come standard. Moreover, using modules with up to 16 digital or 8 analog channels and digital mixed I/O modules makes it possible to implement a powerful system with a compact configuration.
Final bus cover
The final bus cover protects the bus contacts on the last module.
It is a passive element, i.e., TB20 I/O systems can work without one if necessary. The final bus cover is included as standard with every bus coupler.
Coded system
The integrated rotary coding system prevents users from accidentally plugging incorrect modules into each other, ensuring that modules can be replaced in a foolproof manner.
This not only helps prevent damage to the system, but also system malfunctions.
A single order number for all three components
Every single I/O module has a single order number, i.e., it comes with its front connector, electronic module, and base module (as a single assembly). This ensures that you will be able to install any I/O module immediately.
Smart planning and configuration
TB20 ToolBox makes it easy to methodically design TB20 systems. From selecting and positioning components and configuring their parameters to printing label strips and documentation for projects, every single step is combined into one single intuitive software package. Integrated terminal mapping, system width calculations, and current-carrying capacity monitoring all make it possible to quickly design systems without making any mistakes.
Existing TB20 I/O system configurations can be imported directly as a project in order to further configure their parameters or print label strips. In addition, TB20 ToolBox can be used to configure all the parameters in a TB20 system and store them in the coupler’s non-volatile memory when working with bus systems that require the coupler to be configured directly. In fact, the software’s configuration and diagnostic functionalities will work hand in hand during the entire process.
What we offer: real-time diagnosis
TB20 ToolBox is a practical setup and servicing tool used to import configurations, display a system’s current status, and analyze parameter configuration and setup errors. An I/O map, the current parameter configuration, and diagnostic messages can all be displayed in real-time. In addition, the tool shows the electronic nameplate for each module, ensuring that every single module can be reliably identified and serviced.
A firmware update function makes it possible to keep all devices up to date and add new functions to them.
TB20 ToolBox uses the USB service port that is integrated into all couplers, in order to communicate.
Importing/exporting symbols
TB20 ToolBox can be used to define the following for each channel in the configuration: labeling of the strip label, a symbol description, and a PLC address. This information can be imported or exported in a variety of formats, making it possible to efficiently use TB20 ToolBox as a configuration tool together with electrical engineering software (e.g., EPLAN and WSCAD) on one hand and with PLC programming software on the other.
Simulation (I/O check)
The option of setting up TB20 I/O systems without a higher-level controller by directly reading and writing to inputs and outputs and configuring parameters for functionality testing purposes makes it easier to check the system’s wiring and entire design.
This way, you can rest assured knowing that your TB20 I/O system is ideally configured and ready for use before your machine is delivered.
Free product macros for electrical engineering software
Reliability, speed, and efficiency are the key criteria for successfully completing a project. And they need to be met during the planning stage, as the circuit diagrams, documentation, and design data for panel building that are prepared during this step all play a decisive role in how a project will turn out.
Product macros for electrical engineering software have proven to be invaluable tools within this context, the reason? By containing the most important circuit diagram data, as well as layout and item data for bills of materials, they ensure that systems can be designed as quickly as possible.
This is why we have free product macros available for all the components in the TB20 I/O system, ensuring that you will be able to quickly and efficiently integrate your TB20 distributed I/O system into your designs.
I/O modules powered directly, no power module required
The load voltage for the outputs can be supplied directly from the bus coupler, rendering the use of a power module unnecessary.
Power and isolation module for a new power supply section (segment)
If you want to segment the power supply, you can use a power and isolation module. A power and isolation module will segment the 24 V load voltage on the left and power the modules that follow it.
Separate power supply segments for the coupler and the I/O components
If you want the loads to be completely powered by a different power supply or connected later, a power and isolation module needs to be added right after the coupler.
For more information on the TB20, please go to the Helmholz website. For local support and to get a quote Contact JCOM Today!
We offer training courses!
JCOM Automation Inc. offers high-quality, hands-on training. Our courses have a lot of labs, and we have all the latest equipment, including state of the art diagnostic equipment. We offer training on; PROFIBUS, PROFINET, Ethernet IP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, and HART. For a quote on a course, please contact us directly.
We are a certified training center for PROFIBUS PROFINET International for both PROFIBUS and PROFINET, which guarantees high-quality training.
Ready to get started?
Check out our class schedule, or get in touch
