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imo xbl-c21a xgb plc communication module
IMO XBL-C21A is a single-channel RS-232C communication expansion module for XGB PLC systems supporting Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, XGT dedicated and user-defined serial communications at speeds up to 115,200 bps.
£195.36
Why Choose the IMO XBL-C21A RS-232C Communication Module?
The IMO XBL-C21A is a dedicated single-channel RS-232C communication expansion module for compatible IMO XGB programmable logic controller systems. It provides an additional serial communications interface for connecting PLC systems to HMIs, computers, intelligent instruments, other controllers and compatible industrial devices.
The XBL-C21A supports Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII and XGT dedicated communication protocols, together with user-defined serial communication. It can operate in client/master or server/slave applications, providing flexibility when integrating an XGB PLC with both IMO automation equipment and third-party serial devices.
Communication speeds from 1,200–115,200 bps are supported with configurable data length, stop bits and parity. The module also supports connection to an external modem for remote communication, while onboard RUN, interface, transmit, receive and error indicators simplify commissioning and communication diagnostics.
Key Advantages
- Adds a dedicated RS-232C communication channel to compatible XGB PLC systems.
- Supports Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII for integration with widely used industrial devices.
- Supports the XGT dedicated protocol for compatible PLC and automation communications.
- Client/master and server/slave functionality provides flexible network integration.
- Supports user-defined communication for devices using proprietary serial protocols.
- Selectable communication speeds up to 115,200 bps.
- External modem support enables remote serial communication applications.
- Integrated communication-status LEDs and software diagnostics simplify troubleshooting.
Key Features
- IMO XGB serial communication expansion module.
- 1 RS-232C communication channel.
- RS-232C connection via 9-pin D-sub connector.
- Supports Modbus RTU / Modbus ASCII.
- Supports XGT dedicated protocol.
- Supports user-defined communication.
- P2P client/master communication capability.
- Server/slave communication capability.
- 7-bit or 8-bit data configuration.
- 1 or 2 stop bits.
- Even, odd or no parity selection.
- Asynchronous serial communication.
- Selectable communication speeds from 1,200–115,200 bps.
- Maximum direct RS-232C communication distance of 15 m.
- Remote communication through a compatible external modem.
- RUN, I/F, TX, RX and ERR status indication.
Flexible RS-232C Communication for Industrial Automation
Serial communication modules allow a PLC to exchange commands, process values and status information with intelligent external equipment. The IMO XBL-C21A provides a dedicated RS-232C interface supporting standard Modbus and XGT communications as well as user-defined protocols, making it suitable for integrating a broad range of serial devices into an XGB automation system.
Configurable baud rate, data length, stop-bit and parity settings allow the communication interface to be matched to the connected equipment. Client/master and server/slave operation provides further flexibility, while modem support enables applications where serial communication must be extended beyond the normal 15 m RS-232C transmission distance.
Typical Applications
- PLC-to-HMI serial communication.
- Modbus RTU device integration.
- Modbus ASCII communication.
- PLC-to-PLC data exchange.
- Computer and supervisory-system communication.
- Barcode reader and identification-system integration.
- Industrial instrument and controller communication.
- Serial data acquisition systems.
- User-defined serial protocol applications.
- External modem and remote communication systems.
- Industrial machine and control-panel communications.
Technical Specifications
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| Current | 21 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | IMO | |
| Series | XGB | |
| Model | XBL-C21A | |
| Product type | Serial communication expansion module | |
| Communication interface | RS-232C | |
| Number of communication channels | 1 | |
| Connector | 9-pin D-sub RS-232C | |
| Supported protocols | XGT dedicated / Modbus RTU / Modbus ASCII / user-defined communication | |
| Client/master operation | XGT dedicated protocol / Modbus ASCII/RTU / user-defined communication | |
| Server/slave operation | XGT dedicated protocol / Modbus ASCII/RTU | |
| Communication type | Asynchronous | |
| Start bits | 1 | |
| Data bits | 7 or 8 | |
| Stop bits | 1 or 2 | |
| Parity | Even / odd / none | |
| Supported baud rates | 1,200 / 2,400 / 4,800 / 9,600 / 19,200 / 38,400 / 57,600 / 115,200 bps | |
| Station number setting range | 0–255 | |
| Maximum available stations | 32 | |
| Maximum direct transmission distance | 15 m | |
| Modem function | External modem connection supported | |
| Network configuration | 1:1 direct RS-232C communication | |
| Maximum expansion | 2 modules | |
| Diagnostic functions | LED indication and engineering software diagnostics | |
| Status indicators | RUN / I/F / TX / RX / ERR | |
| Internal current consumption | 120 mA | |
| Weight | approx. 56 g | |
| HS Code | 8537109199 | |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMO XBL-C21A used for?
The XBL-C21A is used to add a dedicated RS-232C serial communication channel to compatible IMO XGB PLC systems, allowing communication with HMIs, computers, instruments, controllers and other compatible serial devices.
Which communication protocols does the XBL-C21A support?
The XBL-C21A supports Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII and XGT dedicated protocols, together with user-defined serial communication for compatible third-party equipment.
What communication speeds does the XBL-C21A support?
The module supports selectable speeds of 1,200, 2,400, 4,800, 9,600, 19,200, 38,400, 57,600 and 115,200 bps.
What is the maximum RS-232C communication distance of the XBL-C21A?
The maximum direct RS-232C transmission distance is 15 m. The module also supports an external modem connection where remote communication is required.
Can the XBL-C21A operate as a Modbus master or slave?
Yes. The XBL-C21A supports Modbus ASCII and Modbus RTU client/master operation as well as server/slave operation, allowing the PLC to communicate with a wide range of compatible Modbus serial devices.
Designed for Industrial PLC Communication
IMO XGB communication modules provide flexible industrial connectivity for PLC applications, helping machine builders and automation engineers integrate HMIs, computers, instrumentation and other serial devices through established RS-232C and Modbus communication methods.
