When there are a lot of machine variants, it can be difficult to come up with an installation concept. Fortunately, Cube67, part of the Cube system from Murrelektronik USA, seamlessly bridges field installations with control cabinet I/O, allowing quick reconfiguration for custom machinery using the same infrastructure.
This blog will highlight the Murrelektronik Cube modular fieldbus system, including how Cube20 and Cube67 work together to provide flexibility and functionality, making it easy to develop the right solution for any application, even those with machine variants.
What is the Murrelektronik Cube System?
Cube is a modular fieldbus system designed for decentralized installation concepts. It offers plug-in connections, a compact design, encapsulated modules, multi-functional digital channels and IP ratings from IP20 to IP69k.
The system permits decentralization and customized solutions for any application. In use, a system cable connects modules to the bus node and transfers both data and power to reduce installation efforts. The range of Cube I/O modules, including digital, analog and function, helps create flexible and efficient installations in the field. The bus node serves as the Cube system’s interface to the PLC and supplies the system and all connected sensors and actuators with power while monitoring currents using a smart load circuit control.
Cube 20 is an expandable modular fieldbus I/O system for control cabinets. It can be operated as a stand-alone unit or with a Cube67. Cube20 is specifically designed for the requirements of modern control cabinet wiring. Cube20 integrates I/O signals from sub-distribution boards and terminal boxes (IP20) into the Cube installation in an economical, distributed manner. This means the high costs due to handling many individual components can be minimized with Cube20.
With the addition of Cube 67, the Cube system promotes the use of one system from beginning to end and combines control cabinet installations (IP20) with field installations (IP67) in a simple manner.
Cube67 is a distributed and expandable modular fieldbus I/O system for IP67 applications. It enables customer-oriented installation concepts and is fully adaptable to the given application by being installed in immediate proximity to the process. A system line connects the modules to the bus node, transferring both data and power, allowing users to change the protocol without changing the system. This means the installation concept remains the same, irrespective of the PLC and protocol. Users can simply swap the bus node to the chosen protocol because Murrelektronik offers bus nodes for all common field bus systems.
Cube67 promotes expansion, as well, as each bus node can have two segments and each segment can have two branches. The system allows up to 32 modules per bus node and the modules can be placed next to the process. Additionally, a Cube20 station can be embedded into a Cube67 installation using a system cable, simplifying installation.
The advantages of using Cube20 and Cube67 modules include reduced space requirements in the control cabinet, fast and easy installation and increased productivity.
Easy Integration via IO-Link Interface
Before discussing how the addition of Cube67 with its IO Link modules is suitable for integration of smart IO-Link sensors, it’s important to first answer the question “What is IO Link?”.
Cube67 and its IO-Link modules permit up to 128 IO-Link devices to be connected to a single node, simplifying installation with a range of accessories for IO-Link integration in the form of IO-Link/analog converters, inductive couplers and hubs.
IO-Link serves as a communication link that enables the exchange of data between field devices and higher-level control systems, enhancing digitalization and transparency at the field level.
IO-Link is a standardized, point-to-point serial communication protocol used in industrial automation to connect sensors and actuators to a control system.
This provides easy integration and flexibility because users can easily implement any number of different I/O modules with the system.
Cube67 IO-Link Modules Enhance Flexibility
A Cube system, with its flexibility and compact size, is suited for applications with limited installation footprints like those in assembly or handling technology. The modules are placed next to the process. The multi-functional ports and the high channel density (up to 32 I/Os per module) fulfills industry requirements while the system cable reduces cabling efforts.
Not only does Cube connect various digital, analog and IO-Link sensors and actuators, it also economically and effectively integrates valve manifolds into the installation. Machine Option Management (MOM) minimizes restart times after tool changes or machine conversions.
And when every machine is different, the Cube67 system allows users to implement any number of different I/O modules with the system and allows several I/Os to be grouped in a small area. Because the modules are mounted next to the sensors and actuators, at the heart of the process, design engineers can connect sensors and actuators with short cables to reduce wiring effort and save costs.
The multi-functional ports allow engineers to decide whether they want to use each port as an input or output, turning standard modules into customized ones, making it possible to group both sensors and actuators close to a module. Due to this multifunctionality, the number of module versions and the total number of modules required can be reduced, making the solution cost, space and installation friendly.
Additionally, Cube67 modules are connected to the bus nodes using one-cable technology, where a single cordset transmits both data and energy and runs from one module to the next. This makes it easy to design the system as needed without running two separate cordsets to the modules, simplifying installation and maintenance.
And, existing systems can adopt new protocols by changing the bus module instead of the entire system. Cube67 makes it possible to replace bus modules, changing the protocol with it and equipping machines for higher-level systems. The structure after the bus module can remain unchanged – cables and all. This means it is not necessary to spend time on reprogramming, allowing quick reconfiguration for custom machinery using the same infrastructure.
To learn more about how the Murrelektronik Cube system, including Cube20 and Cube67 with IO-Link, can provide greater levels of flexibility and simplicity and reduce costs when connecting field installations with the control cabinet, reach out to the automation experts at HTE today.
