KEBA SI101 Interface Module (KeConnect I/O Series) I. Product Overview
KEBA SI101 Interface Module (KeConnect I/O Series) I. Product Overview
The KEBA SI101 is a serial communication / interface module under the Kemro K2 platform KeConnect I/O system of Austrian KEBA (Kemba). It belongs to the signal interface expansion board and is specifically designed for industrial equipment such as injection molding, die-casting, machine tools, and robots. The module is connected to the KEBA controller (such as C5, C1) through the K-bus backplane bus to achieve data interaction between third-party serial port devices, sensors, and instruments and the main control system. It is the core module for serial signal conversion and communication expansion in the KEBA control system.
II. Core Functions
Multi-protocol Serial Communication
Supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 three standard serial port protocols, which can flexibly adapt to different third-party devices (such as barcode scanners, serial port instruments, RFID readers, serial port servo / stepper drivers), enabling two-way data transmission.
High-speed Serial Data Processing
Serial communication baud rate supports 1200–115200 bps, compatible with standard industrial serial port rates; data frame format can be configured (data bits / check bits / stop bits), suitable for different device communication parameters, ensuring stable data transmission.
Electrical Isolation Anti-interference
Electrical isolation between the serial port side and the system side (isolation voltage ≥ 500V AC), effectively blocking industrial site power grid interference, motor start-stop noise, and inverter harmonics, protecting the main control system and serial port devices, and improving communication reliability in harsh environments.
Backplane Bus Integration, Plug-and-Play
Connects to the controller through the dedicated K-bus backplane bus of KEBA at high speed, automatically identifies, no configuration required; supports hot swapping, can directly replace the module during operation without stopping or power-off, shortening maintenance time.
Flexible Address Configuration
The module side is equipped with a 16-bit address switch, which can be manually set for K-bus communication address, allowing parallel expansion of multiple modules without conflicts, and suitable for scenarios where multiple serial port devices are connected simultaneously.
Industrial-grade Wide Temperature and Protection
Sturdy PCB, industrial-grade components, fully sealed dustproof design; wide temperature operation (+5℃ to +55℃), suitable for high-temperature, high-humidity, and dusty workshop environments, supporting 24-hour continuous operation.
LED Status Diagnosis
Equipped with power LED (green), communication LED (yellow), and fault LED (red): Green constantly on indicates normal power supply; yellow flashing indicates serial port data reception and transmission; red on indicates communication anomaly / short circuit / overload, quickly locating the problem.
III. Technical Parameters (Official Standard Specifications)
Model: SI101 (KeConnect Serial Port Interface Module)
Series: Kemro K2-200/K2-400 Platform (KeConnect I/O)
Serial Port Channels: 1 independent serial communication interface
Supported Protocols: RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 (software configuration switch)
Baud Rate: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps
Data Frame Format: 7/8 data bits, no / odd / even check bits, 1/2 stop bits (configurable)
Electrical Isolation: Serial port ↔ K-bus isolation, isolation voltage ≥ 500V AC
Power Supply: 24V DC / 5V DC (supplied by K-bus backplane bus)
Power Consumption: ≤ 2.0W
Protection Functions: Overvoltage, overload, short circuit, reverse polarity, communication anomaly protection
Address Configuration: 16-bit DIP switch on the side (K-bus address)
Status Indicators: Green (power), yellow (communication), red (fault)
Operating Temperature: +5℃ to +55℃ Storage temperature: -40℃ to +70℃
Humidity requirement: 10% to 95% (no condensation)
Protection level: IP20 (module front)
Dimensions (width × height × depth): 22.5mm × 120mm × 100mm (including K-bus plug 32.5mm wide)
Weight: Approximately 135g
Terminal: 5.08mm spacing open terminals (gold-plated contacts)
Certifications: CE (EMC/LVD), RoHS, UL 508, EN 61131-2
IV. Design Features
Compact standardized design
Adopting KeConnect I/O module with unified size (22.5×120×100mm), fully compatible with AI/AO/DI/DO modules, neat cabinet layout, saving installation space; lightweight (135g), suitable for high-density I/O expansion scenarios.
Multi-protocol compatibility, wide applicability
Single module supports RS-232/422/485 tri-combination, no need to replace the module to adapt to different serial port devices, reducing spare parts costs; software online configuration of protocols and parameters, no hardware jumpers required, convenient debugging.
High-reliability isolation design
Strengthened electrical isolation + shielded layer single-ended grounding design, effectively suppressing common-mode interference, suitable for strong electromagnetic interference sites such as injection molding machines, die-casting machines, machine tools, etc., with communication bit error rate ≤ 10⁻⁹.
Easy maintenance and high diagnostic capability
Three-color LED intuitive display of power / communication / fault status, no need for professional tools to quickly determine module working status; hot-swappable + address switch design, simple configuration for multi-module expansion, no need to stop for replacement.
Low power consumption and high performance
Power consumption ≤ 2.0W, low heat generation, low energy consumption, natural convection cooling (no fan), avoiding dust accumulation, improving long-term operational stability; serial port data transmission response time ≤ 1ms, meeting real-time communication requirements.
V. Typical Application Scenarios
Connection of serial port devices for injection molding machines
Connecting serial port temperature meters, pressure sensors, barcode scanners, RFID readers to achieve parameter collection during injection molding process and product traceability data upload.
Third-party communication for press machines
Connecting serial port servo drives, stepper drives through RS-485 to control injection, pressurization, mold opening, etc., suitable for non-standard drive equipment integration.
Serial port expansion for industrial machines
Connecting serial port tool sensors, spindle encoders, digital display instruments to achieve machine processing data collection and status monitoring, suitable for upgrading of old machines.
Data interaction in automated production lines
Connecting serial port barcode scanners, electronic scales, detection instruments to achieve product information collection, weight detection, quality data upload, suitable for packaging, electronics, automotive industries.
KEBA system serial port expansion
As the serial port expansion module for K2 series controllers, it compensates for the lack of built-in serial ports of the main controller, supports simultaneous access of multiple serial port devices, improving system scalability.
VI. Installation and Wiring Tips Installation steps
During power-off, align the SI101 module with the K2 series backplane slot and push it in smoothly, then lock it with the snap mechanism;
Set the K-bus communication address through the 16-bit address switch on the side (to avoid conflicts with other modules);
After powering on, the controller automatically recognizes the module, and configures the serial port protocol (RS-232/422/485), baud rate, and data frame format in the programming software;
Support hot swapping. During operation, you can directly replace the module, and the system will automatically re-identify it without the need for a restart.
Cable Wiring Specifications
RS-232 wiring: TXD (transmit), RXD (receive), GND (ground), cross-connect (module TXD connects to device RXD, module RXD connects to device TXD);
RS-422/485 wiring: A (+), B (-), GND (ground), RS-485 supports bus-type multi-node connection (up to 32 devices);
Cable selection: Serial port signals use shielded twisted pair (0.75–1.5mm²), single-ended grounding on the module side, to reduce interference;
Connection terminals: 5.08mm spacing open terminals. Tighten the screws when wiring to avoid loosening and resulting in communication failures.
VIII. Troubleshooting Guide
Green LED does not light up, module not recognized
Check if the K-bus backplane bus is securely plugged in and the 24V DC power supply is normal;
Confirm that the side address switch is set correctly and there is no address conflict;
Check if the slot is damaged, replace the slot for testing;
Check if the environmental temperature is too high (exceeding +55°C), power off for cooling and retry.
Red LED lights up, communication abnormal
Immediately power off, check if the serial port wiring is short-circuited, reversed, or loose;
Confirm that the serial port protocol (RS-232/422/485), baud rate, and data frame format configuration are consistent with the device;
Check if the serial port device is damaged, if the power supply is normal;
Check if the shield layer grounding is good, and there are no strong electromagnetic interference sources (such as frequency converters, motors).
Yellow LED does not flash, no data reception or transmission
Confirm that the serial port wiring is correct (TXD/RXD cross-connect, A/B wiring sequence is correct);
Check if the communication parameter configuration is fully matched with the slave station device;
Check if the slave station device is working normally, if there is data transmission;
Test if the module serial port interface is damaged, replace the module for verification.
IX. Comparison with Similar Modules (SM 510/SM 520)
SI101: KeConnect I/O series, 1-channel three-in-one serial port (RS-232/422/485), K-bus bus, compact size (22.5mm wide), compatible with K2-200/K2-400 systems;
SM 510/SM 520: KeDrive drive series, dedicated serial port / fieldbus interface, compatible with servo drive expansion, non-general I/O module.