ICP DAS has announced the newest models of analog output modules: ET-2224P, PET-2224P, ET-2228P and PET-2228P. The modules come with four or eight 16-bit analog output channels with programmable voltage and current ranges (0-5 V, ±5 V, 0-10 V, ±10 V, 0-20 mA and 4-20 mA), which significantly increases the measurement accuracy compared to 12-bit channels of similar ET-2224, PET-2224, ET-2228 and PET-2228 modules. All channels with 4-20mA current output support open circuit detection. Modules with names with the letter "P" at the end can be powered via PoE.
Key features of the new I/O modules:
- Built-in web server
- Support for Modbus TCP/UDP, MQTT and SNMP V2c protocols
- Two Ethernet ports with LAN Bypass function for organizing serial connection of devices
- Dual watchdog timer
- Backup function for the values of analog outputs at power-on and failure
- Electrical isolation of input/output channels 3000 V DC and protection against EMS interference (EFT/ESD/Surge)
These new modules are designed for industrial automation applications and provide increased reliability and protection when operating in challenging electromagnetic environments.
MQTT protocol support
The newest ET-2200 modules provide full support for MQTT, a popular lightweight messaging protocol for IIoT applications. Using the MQTT protocol in ET-2200 ensures low network load and high data transfer speed in real time.
- Periodic data publication: data received from analog channels can be published at a specified time interval specified by the user.
- Publication on state change: allows you to instantly send a message about changing values.
- Power-on status publication: current channel values are automatically sent to the MQTT broker when the module starts.
- Support for multiple subscriptions and publications: the user can set up individual and group themes for different channels.
SNMP protocol support
ET-2200 modules support SNMP v1/v2c protocol, which allows them to be used in environments where centralized monitoring and management via SNMP protocol is required.
- Transmitting information about the status of the module and I/O channels in real time.
- Configuring Agent Configuration Settings:
- System Info: contact person, location, description, device name.
- Community settings: public (read only), private (read and write), trap community.
- Trap IP: can specify up to two SNMP managers.
- Sending Trap messages:
- Cold Start and Warm Start — module reboot notifications.
- Specific Trap — messages about the change of state of any AI or AO channel.
LAN Bypass function
The ET-2200 series comes with the LAN Bypass function, which ensures the continuity of the network connection in the event of a module failure or power outage. Dual Ethernet ports allow modules to be connected in a chain, minimizing the use of Ethernet switch ports and the length of Ethernet cables.
How the LAN Bypass function works:
- In normal mode, the LAN1 and LAN2 ports operate as a switch.
- When the device is de-energized, the communication line between the LAN1 and LAN2 ports is automatically closed at the hardware level.
- This ensures continuous data exchange between network devices without packet loss, which is especially critical for industrial systems with high network availability requirements.
Dual Watchdog Timer
The modules come with a dual watchdog timer mechanism, which includes:
- CPU Watchdog (hardware watchdog timer):
- Monitors the correct execution of the module's built-in firmware.
- If failures are detected, it initiates an automatic restart of the device.
- Host Watchdog (software watchdog timer):
- Monitors the data exchange with the host system (PC, SCADA) via the Modbus TCP protocol.
- In the event of no activity for a specified timeout, the AI and AO outputs are set to a safe value defined by the user.
This feature prevents device breakage due to communication failures or software failures..
Setting the analog output values when power is turned on and the watchdog timer is triggered
The ET-2200 series modules allow you to set:
- Power-On Value — analog output value set automatically when module boots.
- Safe Value —value set at the output when the Host Watchdog timer goes off.
- Slew Rate — smooth change of analog signal to prevent sharp jumps.
Easy setup with the EtherDOT utility
To simplify the configuration and administration of the ET-2200 series modules, ICP DAS offers a specialized utility EtherDOT. This software is designed for quick and mass configuration, backup and restoration of Ethernet I/O module parameters.
Key features and advantages of using EtherDOT
- Mass configuration of network parameters
- EtherDOT allows you to simultaneously configure IP addresses, subnet mask, gateway, and device name for multiple modules, significantly speeding up module deployment and configuration. Automatic generation of sequential IP addresses and aliases for a group of devices is supported.
- Backup and Restore Function
- The user can save the current settings of any module to a file for subsequent quick configuration restoration.
- This is especially convenient when using a large number of similar devices.
- Mass configuration cloning feature
- Allows you to apply pre-prepared parameters of one "reference" module to all other modules of the same type.
- Significantly saves time during mass setup of new devices.
- Search and manage modules in the network
- The utility automatically detects all devices in the same subnet as the host computer.
- Provides a visual list of all found modules for easy selection and configuration.
- Saving time and minimizing the human factor
- EtherDOT eliminates the need to manually configure each module via a web interface.
