Value-added functional integration in a 6-mm width

Within a 6-mm terminal, there can be integrated more than just connection functionality. Terminal blocks are a natural fit for combining traditional connection mechanisms with highly-efficient electronics.

Lower costs, material and time savings, more tightly integrated assemblies and improved clarity: these key goals can all be easily met by selecting the proper components for industrial automation applications. With years of experience in the field, Weidmüller has sufficient expertise to successfully integrate both a connection and a function into a terminal housing. This product truly deserves to be called the "functional connector".

Weidmüller's TERMOPTO is an opto module in a 6-mm terminal block format. It provides galvanic isolation between the sensor/actuator level and the I/O ports on the controller. Different voltages and currents can easily be adapted to, thanks to the wide variety of variants available. The two cross-connection channels make it easy to supply operating voltage and the labelling channel accommodates the device identification. The TERMOPTO housing material has flammability class V0 according to UL 94. Both housing sides are closed ensuring a high degree of stability. Screw or PUSH IN connections are available for connecting the wire. On the input side, the TERMOPTO can be operated with voltages

The integrated "functional connectors" in 6-mm width result in significantly reduced installation time, more free space in the electrical cabinet, and better functional clarity.

between 5 V DC and 230 V AC. On the output side, variants are available in the 5–48 V DC/100 mA, 500 mA, and 5–48 V AC/100 mA ranges.

Additional value-added functionality has been integrated into the 6-mm terminal block in the VARITECTOR SSC line of surge protection components for measurement and control applications. VARITECTOR SSC provides the same advantages as the TERMOPTO: a wide variety of functions, a stable housing and comprehensive labelling options. The VARITECTOR SSC family comprises over 100 variants and can thus offer a suitable solution for any kind of surge protection.

TERMOPTO opto module

The MICROOPTO Solenoid is a 6-mm wide opto module for controlling actuators with high currents. It features comprehensive protective circuitry on the input and output circuits and can thus be used just as a standard relay would. Opto modules typically have a much longer lifespan than standard relays, especially under inductive loads such as those from solenoid valves.

The MCZ R TRAK relay module with CO or NO contact was developed by Weidmüller for the railway industry. Railway requirements are particularly rigorous since the components are continually exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The MCZ R TRAK relay modules transmit all signals without introducing interference or feedback interaction. They can be used to construct specific interfaces for reliably isolating and coupling digital inputs and outputs on signal circuits. The relay modules can also be used for switching or as switching amplifiers.

Weidmüller's MICROINTERFACE digital is a remarkable product in 6-mm terminal format. It uses systematized cabling and it suitable for all-purpose usage with any PLC system. The pluggable interface module is optionally available with a ribbon cable or SUB-D connection. Individual MICROSERIES couplers are normally joined together in a block of eight and then snapped on a TS35 mounting rail. The interface module is then simply inserted into the corresponding cross-connection channels on the eight-piece

block. The user can then connect to the higher-level PLC system using a pre-assembled cable by simply inserting the PLC adapters onto the I/O cards. No tools are required. Up to four 8-piece groups can be connected with Plug & Play. The groups can then be directly controlled from the PLC.

Weidmüller offers a wide line of functional terminals in 6-mm width. The combination of established connection technology and efficient functional modules brings a clear value-added benefit for the user. These integrated "functional connectors" result in significantly reduced installation time, more free space in the electrical cabinet, and better functional clarity. The ease of managing these products helps to prevent installation errors which translates to significantly reduced machine and facility outages.