Building an XGB PLC Rack - LS Electric XGB PLC from AutomationDirect

The XGB PLC system is modular. While it comes with plenty of functionality using the XEM CPU’s on-board digital I/O, there are many powerful expansion options that may be accessed by attaching modules to the PLC rack. The XGB series of PLCs from AutomationDirect can support up to 7 additional I/O modules. All of our XEM CPUs utilize slot 0 in the software for standard digital I/O capabilities. They also include on-board pulse motion capabilities and the motion control for those capabilities occupies slot 1 in the software. Slots 2 through 8 are the 7 slots available for additional modules. Some modules have specific requirements on where they are mounted in the rack. Please refer to the documentation or help file topic for your module to view any requirements it may have. Additional modules must be connected to the far right of the current PLC rack. If you only have a CPU, then you will connect the new module directly to the right of the CPU. If you have additional modules already installed, you will connect the new module to the far-right module in the existing rack. To do this, first remove the expansion port cover that comes attached to the CPU or module you are connecting to. This may be done with a small flat head screwdriver. Once you have the cover removed, ensure that the sliding locks on the top and the bottom of the CPU or module you are connecting to are pulled forwards towards the front face. Next, ensure the alignment pins on the new module are lined up with the receiving holes in the module or CPU you are connecting it to. You can then gently press the new module into the rack. It will go in very easily. If you are using any real force, stop, ensure that the sliding locks are towards the front face of the rack, and that the pins are all aligned. Once the new module has been seated, push the locking tabs on the top and bottom of the CPU or module you are attaching to backwards towards the back face to lock the new module into place. Do not remove the expansion cover from the new module unless you are adding additional modules. Taking the expansion cover off will leave the powered backplane connector on the far-right module vulnerable and may cause catastrophic failure of the PLC in certain circumstances.