Remote I/O
Kinco RP20 remote I/O
Slim remote/expansion I/O system (24 mm coupler, 12 mm modules) with digital, analogue, RTD and thermocouple modules on a 100 Mbps LVDS backplane.
Key specifications
| Io max | 256 |
|---|---|
| Modules max | 16 |
| Comms | EtherCAT (RPC-ECT), CANopen (not yet released), Profinet (not yet released) |
| Bus | 100 Mbps LVDS + FPGA |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Options
- RP-DT
- RP-DTP
- RP-DTN
- RP-DR
- RP-TC
- RP-RD
- RP-IV
- RP-PW
Typical applications
What a remote I/O is
Remote I/O places input and output modules near sensors and actuators on the machine, connected to the main controller over a fieldbus or industrial Ethernet network. A coupler or bus head handles communication, and plug-in modules provide digital, analogue, temperature or special-function channels. This replaces long multi-core cables back to the cabinet with a single network cable. Remote I/O comes in cabinet-mounted DIN-rail formats and sealed IP67 blocks that mount directly on the machine frame.
When engineers choose a remote I/O
Choose remote I/O for large or modular machines, distributed systems and retrofits, where wiring every signal back to the cabinet would be costly. It reduces cable runs and installation time. The trade-offs are network dependency and diagnostics planning: a network fault can affect many signals, and protocols must match the controller. For small compact machines, local I/O on the PLC may be simpler.
How to specify the Kinco RP20
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right RP20 variant:
- Network protocol and coupler
- I/O count and types
- Signal levels and isolation
- Mounting: DIN rail or IP67
- Expansion module limits
- Diagnostics and status
- Supply voltage
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a coupler that does not support the controller's network
- Ignoring maximum module count per coupler
- Placing IP20 modules in machine areas
- Leaving out network diagnostics
Kinco RP20: frequently asked questions
What is the Kinco RP20?
Slim remote/expansion I/O system (24 mm coupler, 12 mm modules) with digital, analogue, RTD and thermocouple modules on a 100 Mbps LVDS backplane. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the Kinco RP20?
The Kinco RP20 is made by Kinco (Kinco Automation) available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What are the benefits of remote I/O?
Remote I/O reduces wiring by placing modules near sensors and actuators and connecting them over one network cable. It speeds installation, simplifies modular machines and improves diagnostics. It does depend on network reliability, so plan topology, redundancy where needed and diagnostics carefully.
What is the difference between IP20 and IP67 remote I/O?
IP20 remote I/O is designed for mounting inside an enclosure on DIN rail. IP67 remote I/O is sealed for direct mounting on the machine, with M8 or M12 connectors, so it can sit close to devices without a cabinet. Choose by mounting location and environment.
Further reading: How to select an hmi and remote io · Controllers and PLCs
Often compared with
Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
Other remote i/o series
Spec builder
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