Opto 22 announces the release of the groov serial I/O module, GRV-CSERI-4. This module plugs into a groov EPIC® chassis alongside Opto 22’s new groov Edge Programmable Industrial Controller (EPIC) and discrete and analog I/O modules, to provide the mix of analog, discrete, and serial signals you need at any location.

Many industrial automation applications require communication between the controller and multiple serial devices. This new module provides four independent and isolated serial ports for this purpose, communicating with RS-232 or RS-485 serial devices. Up to 4 modules can be installed in one groov EPIC chassis, providing atotal of 16 serial ports to support these communication requirements.

Each port is selectable for RS-232 or RS-485 mode, with programmable termination and bias as well as half- or full-duplex options in RS-485 mode. Baud rates of upto 1 Mbps are supported.

For serial devices communicating via standard protocols, the included PAC Control flowchart-based programming software offers communication handles to serial devices. Or use groov EPIC’s Ignition Edge® from Inductive Automation®, which provides support for hundreds of communication drivers. For serial devicesrequiring the development of custom drivers, groov EPIC supports secure shell access, SDKs and a cross-compiler for custom user-written applications.

Once communication is established with serial devices, multiple programming options are available with groov EPIC to link devices. PAC Control provides English-language commands, and the included Node-RED, a flow-based development environment and runtime for edge data processing, handling, and communications, offers serial nodes you can download.

The rugged module operates in temperatures from-20 to 70 °C (-40 to 85 °F) and relative humidity(non-condensing) of 5-95%. Agency approvals include UL/cUL (Class 1 Div. 2); CE, ATEX (Category 3, Zone 2), RoHS; DFARS; and CB Scheme.

The GRV-CSERI-4 plugs into a groov EPIC I/O chassis. The module pivots into a slot on the chassis and is held securely in place by a captive retention screw. Wiringis simplified with a top-mounted connector and spring-clamp terminals for easy connection to all types of RS-232 and RS-485 devices. The connector is held in place by a single, captive retention screw—but can be removed with field wiring intact for wiring in advance or easier module field replacement.

A swinging, two-position cover protects wiring from inadvertent contact, as does the dead-front design. The two positions of the cover offer the option of morespace to accommodate wire sizes from 28-14 AWG. The module cover provides a touch-sensitive pad; simply touch the pad and the groov EPIC processor displays information about the module, including specifications and wiring diagrams. The module cover also provides a large LED to indicate module health ata glance, plus a transmit and receive LED on each port.

The GRV-CSERI-4 I/O modules are hot swappable—which means they can be installed or removed without turning off the unit or stopping control—and self-identifying; as soon as you mount the module on the chassis, it communicates to the processor and identifies itself.

Each module is factory tested twice before shipment and is guaranteed for 30 months. For more information on the groov GRV-CSERI-4 I/O module, please go to https://www.opto22.com/products/product-container/grv-cseri-4.