Molex Corporation has announced that its Brad HarshIO PROFINET I/O module is now PNO certified

     Molex Corporation has announced that its Brad HarshIO PROFINET I/O module is now PNO (PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation) certified to the Industrial Ethernet (PROFINET) specification, meeting all requirements for conformance Class B. Molex's recently launched Brad HarshIO module with Fast Start-Up (FSU) technology provides a reliable solution for connecting industrial controllers to I/O devices for a variety of applications, including automation systems with a higher level of machine control and deterministic data cycles.

     Eric Gory, Global Product Manager at Molex, said: "The conformance Class B certification of the Brad HarshIO PROFINET I/O modules confirms that these modules meet the PROFINET standard and have trouble-free interoperability with other certified devices. "HarshIO modules with FSU technology bring exceptional speed and optimized flexibility to all industries using robots for high-precision repetitive work, as well as harsh environment applications."

     Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support extends the Brad HarshIO module's network diagnostics capabilities, such as port status information. The performance-adapted Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) improves data reliability. The FSU technology for PROFINET enables the Brad HarshIO module to be up and running in less than 500ms. When using PROFINET to control sensors/exciters on robotic tools such as automatic welding robotic hands, it is sometimes necessary to perform a quick change of tools. During successful certification, Brad HarshIO modules meet all requirements for conformance Class B, including easy, user-friendly module replacement without the need for engineering tools.

     In addition, the Brad HarshIO module supports a secure automation architecture that uses separate power supplies to power inputs (sensors) and outputs (actuators). The HarshIO Ethernet power connector includes a separate ground isolation between the input/logical ground and the output ground. This feature allows the use of two significantly different power supplies to power the module, a scheme commonly used for security applications.

     Gory explains, "System designers often perform periodic pulse tests using safety relays that are capable of detecting short circuits, ground errors, or ground faults. If an error is detected, safety features are triggered, thereby avoiding harmful and dangerous plant conditions."

     Brad HarshIO modules complement a wide range of Molex products, including power cords, sockets, fieldbus connectors, Ethernet switches, PC interfaces, gateways, diagnostic tools, and simulation software.