SmartStack Plastic I/O

Unlike conventional PLC I/O, SmartStack I/O is not a rack-mount design. SmartStackI/O modules snap onto the Operator Control Station (OCS) or an off-mount base. Then they stack onto each other. They utilize a very small amount of panel space for the number of I/O available. These SmartStack modules have plastic housings. The housing meets stringent noise, vibration, and shock standards. The SmartStack is a legacy device that has been discontinued by the manufacturer, Horner Automation. It has been replaced by newer I/O technology such as the OCS-I/O.

SmartStack I/O from Horner Automation

A maximum of 4 modules can stack directly onto many OCS. Additionally, another 20 modules can connect by using the fiber optic FOX I/O System. Several OCS models can have 20 or more SmartStack modules using the FOX I/O System. There are over 50 SmartStack I/O modules available. They include a variety of mix I/O modules, offering a combination of inputs and outputs, digital and analog, and specialty modules: High-Speed Counter (1 MHz), Stepper Indexer, ASCII BASIC, and AC Power Monitoring modules.

You can select from a full complement of temperature input modules (Thermocouple, RTD, Thermistor), and SmartStack communication options include Ethernet TCP/IP, DeviceNet Commander and Responder (Master and Slave), PROFIBUS Commander and Responder and CANopen Commander.

You have several ways to expand the number of SmartStack modules. Connecting a miniRCS via the CsCANTM port adds one more SmartStack module. Networking an RCS (Remote Control Station) controller allows you to add up to 4 more SmartStack modules. If you use a FOX100 I/O Fiber Optic Expansion Module and the FOX I/O System, you can have up to 23 SmartStack modules. This would contain 3 modules and the FOX100 on the OCS, plus 20 modules with the FOX I/O System. When using NX and Color-Touchscreen OCS models, you may connect 5 bases and up to 20 SmartStack modules.