moduleX configurable: remote I/O on Modbus RTU over RS-485
moduleX is a remote I/O system from Industrial Shields. A master module talks Modbus RTU over RS-485 to your PLC, HMI or SCADA, and up to 16 I/O modules (8 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs, 4 analog inputs or 4 analog outputs) snap onto it over the internal Xbus with a 10 ms refresh. It places I/O next to the machine instead of wiring everything back to one cabinet. Here you choose the modules and the enclosure is sized to match.
Not sure this is the right model? Our engineers help you choose the controller and the options for your project.
Talk to an engineerTechnical specifications
| Configuration | Master RS-485 module plus up to 6 I/O modules chosen in the configurator; the enclosure is sized to your choice |
|---|---|
| Master module | RS-485, Modbus RTU slave, ID and baud rate (19200, 38400, 57600 or 115200 bps) set by DIP switch, 18 to 24 Vdc, 63 x 72 x 40 mm |
| MX-8DI | 8 digital inputs, galvanic isolation, 45 x 72 x 40 mm |
| MX-8DO | 8 digital outputs, coils or holding registers selectable, 45 x 72 x 40 mm |
| MX-4AI | 4 analog inputs, 15-bit ADC, galvanic isolation, 45 x 72 x 40 mm |
| MX-4AOV | 4 analog voltage outputs, 12-bit DAC, galvanic isolation, 45 x 72 x 40 mm |
| Internal bus | Xbus, up to 16 modules per master, 10 ms refresh |
| Diagnostics | RUN and RS-485 LEDs, error codes by LED blink sequence |
| Wiring | Pluggable push-in terminals with screw lock, 0.2 to 1.5 mm² |
| Mounting and protection | DIN rail, IP20 |
Modbus RTU projects to start from
Field-tested Modbus RTU examples with code from the PLC Solution Library, useful to read moduleX from a PLC.
See all projects in the PLC Solution LibraryBefore you choose the moduleX configurable
Which controllers can read moduleX?
Any Modbus RTU master on RS-485: Industrial Shields PLCs (ESP32 PLC, M-Duino, Raspberry PLC), GateBerry, third-party PLCs, HMIs or SCADA software.
How many I/O modules can I add?
Up to 16 I/O modules per master. The Modbus ID of the master is set with DIP switches, so several masters can share the same RS-485 line.
How are the I/O mapped in Modbus?
Inputs are read as input registers, digital outputs as coils or holding registers (selectable by DIP switch) and analog outputs as holding registers. The datasheets list every register.
Can I add modules later?
Yes. When you configure it you can reserve free slots in the enclosure for future I/O modules.