Banner Engineering RSio Remote Safe I/O Block

The RSio Remote Safe I/O Block by Banner Engineering is a machine-mountable safety I/O module designed for integration into CIP Safety architectures. It incorporates In-Series Diagnostics (ISD) technology and six independently configurable hybrid I/O ports that support both safety-rated and standard devices. Each of the six inputs can connect up to 32 ISD-enabled safety devices, enabling device-level diagnostics and supporting safety applications up to Category 4 PLe/SIL3. The module includes two configurable outputs suitable for final switching devices, safety components, or standard control loads.

The configuration is performed directly within Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000® environment using an Add-On Profile (AOP) EDS file, eliminating the need for additional software. User-selectable port presets simplify integration of common devices such as emergency stops, safety switches, and light curtains. The RSio is available in Mini power (10A pass-through) or M12 L-Code power (16A pass-through) variants, with IP67-rated housing for decentralized, reduced-wiring installations.

RSio Remote Safe I/O Block Features  

The RSio Remote Safe I/O Block provides distributed safety I/O with hybrid port configuration, ISD support, and CIP Safety integration for machine-level applications. Let’s go through its features in detail:

CIP Safety Integration With Studio 5000 Configuration

RSio is designed as a remote safe I/O block for CIP Safety™ architectures and is configured directly in Rockwell Automation Studio 5000® using the included Add-On Profile (AOP) / EDS package, avoiding additional configuration software. 

Hybrid I/O Architecture With Independently Configurable Ports

The module implements six independently configurable hybrid I/O ports intended to accept either safety-rated or standard signals per port. Inputs support dry contacts, solid-state safety devices, ISD, and standard control signals; outputs support both safety and non-safety loads with ON/OFF readback.

In-Series Diagnostics With Device-Level Visibility

RSio brings In-Series Diagnostics (ISD) into the safety I/O layer. Each input can monitor a single safety device or an ISD chain up to 32 devices, enabling identification of which device in the chain initiated a stop and providing continuous status over the same wiring used for OSSD signals.

Scalable Input Capacity and Safety Coverage

RSio supports up to 192 ISD-enabled devices per block (6 × 32), across six inputs.  The architecture is positioned for expanded safety coverage up to Category 4 / PLe / SIL3, supporting broader safety zoning without distributing multiple safety modules.

Simplified Safety Device Integration With Port Presets

The included AOP/EDS content provides user-selectable port presets for common safety devices (e-stops, safety switches, light curtains), reducing manual mapping and standardizing device integration into the CIP Safety project structure.

Installation, Power Variants, and Test-Pulse Control

RSio is IP67-rated for machine-mount deployments to reduce wiring and cabinet footprint. It is offered with Mini power (up to 10 A pass-through) or M12 L-Code power (up to 16 A pass-through) variants while maintaining M12 A-Code I/O connectivity and core functionality. Inputs/outputs support independent test-pulse enable/disable to match connected device requirements.

Applications

The RSio Remote Safe I/O Block is suited for industrial automation environments requiring distributed safety integration within CIP Safety architectures. In machine safety applications, it connects emergency stops, safety switches, and light curtains while providing device-level diagnostics.

For conveyor systems, the module supports segmented safety zones and series-connected devices using ISD, reducing wiring complexity. In palletizers, it enables decentralized safety I/O near robotic cells or transfer points, supporting high-performance safety levels up to Cat 4 PLe/SIL3 while minimizing cabinet space and simplifying system expansion.