I/O For All Systems
Expand your system's capabilities with the advantages of an exceptional I/O system. Regardless of local or remote system architecture, the X20 System offers a complete solution. IP67 protection is also available in the X67 range. This I/O can be easily integrated with existing systems and still used to its full extent.
Remote backplane

The remote backplane offers a quantum leap in system flexibility. Any distance can be bridged between the modules, at any location and as often as necessary. Next to each other on the mounting rail, in the same switching cabinet, with over 100m between modules or in combination with IP67 components.
50% less space required
Open up new savings potential through the ultra-compact 12-channel modules. 12 terminal points per module also means no more compromises on four-channel modules with three-line wiring. Conclusion: 50% more I/O with the same space requirements and no extra terminals - which results in lower hardware costs and less space needed in the switching cabinet.
The choice is yours - IP20 or IP67
The X67 System is the I/O module for use outside the switching cabinet. The same base technology means seamless uniformity based on the remote backplane. An extremely robust housing and 4 to 32 channel modules guarantee economical solutions for even the roughest conditions. Combined with the X20, this is the best approach for your machine.
Integrated valve manifold connection
It looks like a normal D connector, but is actually a complete digital output module, integrated in the remote backplane. Any valve manifold manufacturer can be selected without needing to make changes in the software because it is connected directly to the standardised multi-pin connector on the valve manifold. Available for all standard products.
The best address for options
Slice systems are based on automatic bus addressing. This is an ideal solution when there is no need to manage different machine designs. When this is a requirement, manual address assignment is needed in order to avoid having to use different software. The X20 System offers optional node number bus modules for simple handling of machine options. Only the first module of an optional I/O expansion has to be addressed, and all subsequent addresses are simply incremented from there. This makes it possible to integrate options in any order necessary, while the software always stays the same.
Integrated Safety

Today, safety on machines is still limited to E-stop buttons that are wired directly to safety relays in the switching cabinet. The only possible safety response is to switch off the machine. The future looks different: Fixed wiring is replaced by safe data transfer via the existing machine bus system. Flexibly configured or programmed safety behaviour adapts optimally to various E-stop situations. Complete diagnostics of safety components via the machine bus system provide detailed data about the status of the machine.
Open for all systems
Both the IP20 and IP67 I/O system designs are ideally suited for expanding existing control systems using standard fieldbus technology. The use of exchangeable bus controllers makes it possible to design the system in a uniform manner for the different fieldbus systems and to change over, for example, from PROFIBUS to DeviceNet within just a few minutes. All bus controllers are certified by external testing companies.
Switching in the µs range
Exact detection of input edges and precise switching of outputs - these are tasks that more and more frequently demand precision of less than one microsecond. If you have these requirements, then digital signal process modules are your answer. Independent of the system cycle time, fast input edges are detected and assigned a time stamp or outputs are switched at an exact pre-specified time: Absolutely precise and deterministic with resolutions down to 125 nanoseconds.
Easy removal - The benefits of three-part modularity
Pre-wiring is only possible with removable terminals. Pre-wiring enables the switching cabinet to be assembled elsewhere, which considerably reduces commissioning times. This also prevents wiring errors from occurring during service work. It is even possible to replace modules without shutting down the system thanks to hot-pluggable electronic modules. This is an invaluable advantage, particularly in regard to machine downtime.
Installation Made Easy
ideal in regard to granularity but rarely offer perfect handling during installation. Rack systems usually offer ideal handling but are not flexible in regard to granularity. X20 combines the installation advantages of slice systems and rack systems. Fully-assembled outside of the switching cabinet and simply connected to the mounting rail - perfect like a rack system! Removing it again is just as simple. This is not only ideal for series production machines.Comprehensive Product Portfolio
This is reflected in the different IP classes as well as the granularity provided (from the 2 channel digital input module up to the 32 channel IP67 I/O block). Of course sink and source wiring are also supported in addition to various wiring standards such as 1, 2 and 3 line wiring. Communication takes place via the different bus connections for fieldbus systems. Customers can choose from a wide assortment of CPUs to meet their respective performance demands.
Integrated technology functions - You won't find them anywhere else
In addition to the standard I/O signals, a wide range of technology functions is also available. Here are a few examples:
- IP20 and IP67 stepper modules: Direct stepper motor controllers are available ranging from IP20 modules with 1 A and 24 V to IP67 modules with 3 A and 40 V. The modules feature a very high controller frequency of 38.5 kHz.
- Strain gauge full bridge modules: Strain gauge modules can be connected directly to the I/O system (IP20 as well as IP67), although the IP67 is the better choice especially for these sorts of sensitive signals due to EMC and signal stability. The module features up to 24-bit converter resolution.
- Power measurement module: Power measurement for 120 VAC to 480 VAC - ideal for determining power consumption and regulating your application as well as synchronising two AC networks.
- Remote print mark control: This eliminates the need for wiring conventional systems with print mark signal encoders for motion control, while also providing sufficient precision for the most challenging applications.
- Integrated hydraulic control: Customers can choose from high performance modules for recording the position/pressure signals and for directly adjusting valves. The product palette ranges from 2 channel modules with IP67 design and 3 A rated current up to 4 channels with IP20 design and 6 A, all of which feature current controller frequencies of up to 50 kHz.
- Remote path-synchronous I/O: Mechatronic units such as tool changers and chip conveyors can be integrated quickly and easily, whether locally or remotely, with IP20 or IP67 protection.
Optimised Diagnostics
Only outstanding diagnostic options make it possible to localise errors quickly. This requires multiple levels of diagnostics:
- Directly on the module using visual LED displays: Bus status, I/O status and channel states are displayed in direct relationship to the channels or the function.
- Via software in the cyclic data image: Status data does not create an additional communication load that could negatively affect the bus speed.
- Expanded diagnostic data in non-cyclic data traffic without loss in performance: If a problem occurs, detailed diagnostic data can be requested from the application by the respective module using the asynchronous channel. There is no additional communication load whatsoever, and cycle times remain unchanged.
Low System Costs
Enormous cost pressure demands a holistic approach to investments, and the cost per digital channel is pushed into the background. As a result, B&R takes the following points into consideration during design.
- I/O signals can be processed by IP20 as well as IP67 modules. The machine determines the design of the I/O system and not vice-versa.
- Pre-wiring of the switching cabinet using removable terminals on the X20.
- Quick assembly of different machine parts through the use of IP67 modules.
- Local as well as remote I/O systems are available and can be combined.
- The 3-part modularity of the X20 modules allows the customer to determine when to add electronic modules. This lowers the costs of managing replacement parts.
Characteristics
- Open for connection to standardised fieldbuses
- Flexible handling of I/O directly in the machine room
- Increased performance through high transfer rates and built-in technology functions
- Robust and resistant to disturbances
- Simple wiring, no cable trees
Like to know more?
Call us on 1300 DAANET (1300 322 638), or send an enquiry below.
Please note that Daanet only supplies to Australian & NZ customers.








