How to Save Money Using i2o Over Cellular Networks – 8400921

Minimizing Costs When Transmitting Data Over Cellular Networks

How to Save Money Using i2o Over Cellular Networks:

Acromag has a peer-to-peer technology called i2o. It allows two or more modules to talk to each other; without a network master or special software. Additionally, i2o operates over any standard Ethernet media; Cat 5 or 6 copper, fiber optics, radios or via cellular. When operating over a cellular network, it’s important to minimize the connection time and amount of data; since cellular service providers charge by the amount of data being transmitted.

System Requirements to Save Money Using i2o:

The application below shows an Acromag XT1211-000 module with eight differential current inputs. It’s sampling a 4-20mA signal from a field transmitter; then sending the data using i2o to an XT1531, with four current outputs. The cellular modems at each end are transparent to the Acromag I/O, and transmit the data over the network.

Implementing the Solution:

On the i2o mapping page, the XT1211 input module is configured for each input channel. A target IP address and a Modbus Register (output channel) is selected.

These three important features in the XTs allow i2o to be utilized over cellular networks to save money:

  1. Update Time
    1. It can be any setting from 5 to 65535 seconds.
    2. This is a periodic transmission to update the output status based on the input-to-output scaling.
  2. The XTs Keep Target Sockets Open
    1. If they aren’t kept open, then during the i2o messaging; a socket is opened, data is exchanged, and the socket closes.
  3. Percentage Change
    1. This is the difference in input span; between the present input measurement and its last measurement, when an i2o message was sent.
    2. If the input changes by the percentage change threshold or greater, an i2o message will be sent immediately.

How to Save Money Using i2o Over Cellular Networks

Featured Products to Save Money Using i2o:

XT1211-000: 8-channel differential analog current input module
XT1531-000: 4-channel analog current output, 4-channel digital I/O module, Modbus/TCP and i2o protocol

Click on the link below to download the complete How to Save Money Using i2o Over Cellular Networks application note.