ABB expands input/output controllers

ABB is expanding its XIO series of remote input/output controllers designed to meet the digital connectivity challenges of today’s oil and gas industry.

The extended XIO series uses a new Ethernet-to-Serial passthrough application to provide real-time monitoring and control, improve data accessibility, and enhance data integrity, the company said. The new XIO series extends site automation abilities, helping to increase the efficiency of oil and gas operations.

ABB launches new I/O series to meet digital demands of oil and gas fields. (Image: ABB)

The ABB XIO-08, ABB XIO-04 and ABB XIO-00 each operate as an extension to the ABB Remote Module Controller (RMC) family, providing enhanced I/O capacity and increasing overall wellhead operational efficiency, according to ABB.

This XIO extension means that site configuration requirements can be met whatever the size of the oil or gas field, ABB said. As well as extending ABB’s RMC capabilities, the XIO is compatible with a wide range of controllers across the market. Equipment can be added without significant infrastructure modifications, allowing easy expansion of I/O points and connection of serial devices. Up to 22 hot pluggable I/O modules can be added or replaced without power interruption, the company said.

The XIO series offers several connectivity options, new networking features (up to four independent networks are supported), and the possibility to use the XIO’s Wi-Fi as a network or bridge with one of the Ethernet ports.

As a specific integration feature, ABB’s RMC discovers a XIO device on the network, learns its configuration, becoming a consumer of the XIO’s application data without the need to maintain a list of connected devices.