Month: November 2025

Field Control Environmental Specifications

Vibration

Noise

Temperature

Humidity

Modules perform well where vibration is a factor. Modules are installed

on a panel-mounted DIN rail using the clamp supplied, and with the

panel-mounting feet secured. For information about vibration

standards, please see the Conformance to Standards document (GFK-1179).

Modules are resistant to noise levels found in most industrial applications

when installed according to accepted practices, including proper separation

of wiring by voltage and power level. Modules must be installed on a

conductive (unpainted) DIN rail. The DIN rail is an integral part of the

grounding system.

Modules are tested to the specifications listed in the Conformance to

Standards document (GFK-1179).

Modules operate reliably in ambient air temperatures from 0C (32F)

up to 55C (131F).

Storage temperatures are ±40C (±40F) to +85C (185F).

5% to 95%, non-condensing.

For detailed installation information, please see:

Chapter 2 of this manual. It describes installation and wiring for the Bus Interface

Unit module and terminal block.

Chapter 2 of the Field Control I/O Modules User’s Manual. It summarizes installation

instructions for modules and terminal blocks.  Detailed installation instructions are

also packed with individual Field Control modules.

The individual module datasheets included in the Field Control I/O Modules User’s

Manual, which provide specific module wiring information.

Locations for Field Control

The Profibus Bus Interface Unit and Field Control I/O modules can be located on

equipment, in junction boxes, inside panels, behind operator stations, and in other

locations where space is limited. The area should be clean, free of airborne contaminants,

and provide adequate cooling. Field Control modules can be installed in NEMA

enclosures. The enclosure can be as little as 4 inches (10.16 cm) deep. A 35mm x 7.5mm

DIN rail is required.

The Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block and up to four I/O Terminal Blocks are grouped

together  using the connection cables provided. All of the I/O Terminal Blocks in a group

must be connected either before or after the Bus Interface Unit. A Bus Interface Unit

may not be connected between I/O Terminal Blocks.This manual describes the installation

requirements for programmable control products used in industrial environments,

specifically, in situations where compliance to standards or directives from the

Federal Communications Commission, the Canadian Department of

Communications, or the European Union is necessary. The information in this

manual is applicable for GE Fanuc Series 90-70 and Series 90-30 programmable

controller products, Genius I/O products,  and Field Control Distributed I/O and Control products.

Profibus Bus Interface Unit

The Profibus Bus Interface Unit interfaces Field Control I/O modules to a Profibus I/O bus.

The intelligent processing capabilities of the Profibus Bus Interface Unit allow the

configuration of features such as fault reporting, selectable input and output defaults, analog

scaling and analog range selection for the modules in the station. In addition, the Profibus

Bus Interface Unit performs diagnostic checks on itself and its I/O modules, and relays

diagnostic information to the host (if configured for fault reporting) and to a Hand-held

Programmer.

The Bus Interface Unit mounts on a Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block. The Bus Interface

Unit can be removed and replaced if necessary without removing the wiring or

reconfiguring the I/O station.

Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block

The Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block provides connections for power wiring and single

or dual communications cables. The Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block stores the

configuration parameters selected for the station.

I/O Terminal Blocks and Auxiliary I/O Terminal Blocks

An I/O Terminal Block provides mounting, electrical, and field wiring connections.  Each half

of the I/O Terminal Block can be mechanically keyed to accept only an I/O module of a

specific type. Auxiliary I/O Terminal Blocks can be easily attached to an I/O Terminal Block.

They provide the extra connections needed for analog and high-density discrete modules.

For more information, please refer to:

Chapter 2: Installation, which explains wiring to the Bus Interface Unit, and explains

how to install the Bus Interface Unit module on the Field Terminal Block.

Chapter 5: Operation, which explains how the Profibus Bus Interface Unit services I/O.

The Field Control I/O Modules User’s Manual, which describes I/O modules and I/O

Terminal Blocks. This manual also explains module installation and field wiring.

Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block

The Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block provides connections for power wiring and single

or dual communications cables. The Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block stores the

configuration parameters selected for the station.

I/O Modules

Field Control I/O Modules are available in many types to suit a wide range of application

needs. Modules can be installed and removed without disturbing field wiring. One or

two I/O modules may be mounted on an I/O Terminal Block.

Field Control Features

Features and benefits of Field Control include:

wiring savings

more up time

easy installation and maintenance

spare parts savings

low cost

feature flexibility

open architecture / adaptable to a variety of networks

distributed I/O

small, compact I/O modules with generic terminal wiring bases

DIN rail mounted

Field Control Modules

There are three basic types of Field Control modules:

Bus Interface Unit. The illustration below shows a Profibus Bus Interface Unit.

I/O modules

Terminal Blocks:

Bus Interface Unit Terminal Block.

I/O Terminal Blocks, each of which accommodates two I/O modules.

Auxiliary Terminal Blocks. These optional terminal strips can be connected to the

side of an I/O Terminal Block if extra common terminals are needed.

Overview

Field Control is a family of highly-modular distributed I/O and control products. They

are suitable for use in a wide range of host architectures.

The heart of the Field Control system is the Bus Interface Unit. The Bus Interface Unit

provides intelligent processing, I/O scanning, and feature configuration for a group of up to

eight I/O modules. Together, the Bus Interface Unit and its modules make up a Field Control

station.

The Bus Interface Unit and I/O modules are enclosed in sturdy, compact aluminum

housings. Bus Interface Unit and I/O modules bolt securely to separate Terminal Blocks,

which provide all field wiring terminals. The I/O Terminal blocks are generic and allow

different I/O module types to be mounted on the same base.  I/O Terminal Blocks are

available with box-type terminals, barrier-type terminals, or wire-to-board connectors.

All Terminal Blocks must be mounted on a DIN rail. The DIN rail, which serves as an

integral part of the grounding system, can also be mounted on a panel.