What is local I/O?

Local I/O refers to input and output devices that share a direct connection to the main controller within a short distance, usually within the same control cabinet or very close to it.

Characteristics:

• Proximity: Devices are located near the main controller, limiting installation flexibility.
• Wiring: Direct wiring to the controller can result in cluttered and complex wiring schemes, especially as systems grow.
• Latency: Typically, lower latency due to the short distance and direct connections, but modern networks mitigate this for remote I/O.
• Reliability: High reliability with minimal signal degradation over short distances.
• Maintenance: Easier to maintain in smaller systems since all devices are in a centralized area, but this can become cumbersome as systems scale.
• Cost: Lower initial cost for smaller systems. These savings diminish as system size increases and wiring requirements become more complex.

For more information, see our article What is Remote IO?

Content created by Diane Callahan