RIO Remote I/O System User Guide
About the RIO system
Page 21
Chapter 1 Introduction
About the RIO system
RIO is a high throughput serial connectivity system which p rovides up to 128 serial devices
via a single server slot. You can expand a RIO system up to 512 ports per server. RIO allows
you to add ports using 8 and 16 port modules which can be supplied with a wide range of
serial interfaces. The RIO system has fault tolerant capabili ties, and allows long distance
connection without signal degradation or performance loss .
A typical RIO system is shown in the next picture. For details of the m ain RIO system
components, see RIO system components on page 22.
You use RIO when you need a system which supports fault tolerant cabling. The RIO sy stem
allows you to add and remove port modules while the system is “live”, which means you can
reconfigure without interrupting operations. The relocat ed units retain their original port
names and settings. This capability is especially use ful in the case of cable disruption, and
also for situations where complete data security is required. In addition, RIO supports the
connection of a stand-by host in case of server crashes.
You also use RIO because you require a system that allows long distance connection without
signal degradation or performance loss. RIO allows you to install port modules up to 75
metres from the host card using twisted pair cabling. Furtherm ore you can extend the range
by daisy chaining devices. In addition, you can con nect port modules up to 1Km from the
host via copper wire or fibre optic, or longer distances via leased li ne, using RIO connectivity
modules.
You use RIO where you need a system that you can reconfigure live without interruptin g
system operation. This capability is typically used in envir onments such as manufacturing
plants, test suites and hospitals.
RIO ISA or Universal 3.3V/5V PCI
Host card Peripheral, for
example printer
RIO link cable
RIO Remote Terminal Adaptor (RTA)