Product Description:

The X20BM36 bus module is produced by B&R Automation and belongs to the X20 Fieldbus Input Output Modules series. It forms the physical backbone of a modular remote I/O station by carrying internal bus signals and power lines between terminal slices. Within an automation cell, this component provides the mechanical and electrical base that links field devices to the controller over the X2X real-time network. It is inserted at the leftmost position of a node and accepts additional electronic or safe I/O modules. The base also maintains alignment between adjoining modules so the station remains electrically continuous across the backplane.

The module is identified by the module type Bus Module, indicating that it carries no user I/O electronics but supports the communication layers for attached slices. Internally, it operates as an Active Bus Station, so the internal X2X lines are regenerated rather than simply passed through, which helps preserve signal integrity on longer assemblies. Three backplane contact rails deliver Bus, Data, I/O Supply to neighboring modules, eliminating external jumpers. Mechanical wear is limited to 50 mating cycles, which indicates how often the component can be removed and reinserted while maintaining the specified contact resistance. The I/O supply path is Connected Through, meaning the 24 V auxiliary feed enters on the base and continues to each succeeding module without additional wiring.

For functional expansion, the base accepts standard and safe slices and is compatible with X20 SafeIO Modules, allowing mixed safety and standard chains on the same station. Address assignment is handled locally. A Node Number Switch on the housing sets the logical position, and the X2X master reads the selected address during power-up, so no software parameter is required. This arrangement simplifies setup in control cabinets that use multiple remote stations.