ADI Launches Two Software Configurable I/O Products
Can replace old fixed-function I/O modules


Traditional building and factory control systems consist of complex configurations using individual wired inputs and outputs for communication between various equipment and sensors, and the configuration process was performed manually, resulting in high costs and effort.

With the rise of Industry 4.0, manufacturing companies are now facing a situation where they must build flexible systems capable of easily and quickly adapting to changes in consumer behavior and demand.

Accordingly, Analog Devices (ADI) announced on the 29th the release of the AD74412R and AD74413R, which belong to a family of software-configurable I/O products for building control and process automation. These two products enable remote design using reconfigurable module channels without the need for rewiring.

By leveraging ADI's software-configurable I/O, manufacturing companies can drive new projects more efficiently and implement more flexible automated control, thereby reducing design and installation costs as well as minimizing commission delays.

Using software configurable I/O allows manufacturing companies to replace outdated fixed-function I/O modules. It is also possible to develop a platform applicable across multiple user applications where I/O configurations vary depending on the installation.

For systems that traditionally use control panels requiring multiple I/O modules and dedicated wiring for each channel type, hardware requirements are gradually decreasing. This is because end users can now install only a single programmable modular product in the control room.

These changes also help reduce logistics, manufacturing, and support costs. Software configurable I/O also serves as a bridge for transitioning to Ethernet-based control networks, as it can be utilized for the installation of equipment required to upgrade to 10BASE-T1L industrial Ethernet systems.

This enables the development of standardized configurable field I/O devices for conversion between installed HART-enabled 4-20mA sensors, actuators, and 10BASE-T1L or 100M fiber backhaul.