Important Information

NOTICE

Read these instructions carefully, and look at the equipment to become familiar with 

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consequences arising out of the use of this material.

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and operation of electrical equipment and its installation, and has received safety 

training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.

About the Book

At a Glance

Document Scope

This manual is a reference guide for the hardware of the Quantum automation 

system.

Validity Note

The data and illustrations found in this book are not binding. We reserve the right to 

modify our products in line with our policy of continuous product development. The 

information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be 

construed as a commitment by Schneider Electric.

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with documented system data, only the manufacturer should perform repairs to 

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please follow the relevant instructions.

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damage

Modicon Quantum Automation 

System Overview

Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of the Modicon Quantum Automation System, 

which includes Modicon Quantum software support.

What Is in This Chapter?

This chapter contains the following topics:

Quantum Power Supplies

Overview

Quantum power supplies are used to supply system power to all modules inserted 

into the backplane, including:

 Quantum CPU modules

 Quantum Interface modules

 Quantum I/O modules

Depending upon the system configuration, the option exists of using the power 

supply in three different modes.

Power Supply Modes

The following table shows the power supply modes.

Power Supply Type Usage

Standalone For 3 A, 8 A or 11 A configurations that do not require fault 

tolerant or redundant capabilities. 

Standalone Summable For configurations consuming more than the rated current of one 

supply, two summing power supplies can be installed in the 

same backplane.

Redundant For configurations requiring power for uninterrupted system 

operation. Two redundant power supplies are required for 

redundancy

CAUTION

System Safety

Exercise caution when considering a combination of power supplies in a 

backplane. Use only like power supplies with the exceptions noted in System 

Design Considerations for Quantum Power Supplies, page 797.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury or equipment damage

Quantum CPU Modules

Overview

The Quantum CPU is a module residing on the Quantum local I/O backplane. The 

CPU is a digitally operating electronic system, which uses a programmable memory 

for the internal storage of user instructions. These instructions are used to 

implement specific functions such as:

 Logic

 Process sequencing

 Timing

 Coupling

 Arithmetic

These instructions allow control through digital and analog outputs, for various types 

of machines and processes.

The Quantum CPU serves as a bus master controlling the local, remote, and 

distributed I/O of the Quantum system. 

Quantum I/O Modules

Overview

Quantum I/O modules are electrical signal converters that convert signals to and 

from field devices to a signal level and format, which can be processed by the CPU, 

such as:

 Limit switches

 Proximity switches

 Temperature sensors

 Solenoids

 Valve actuators

All I/O modules are optically isolated to the bus, ensuring safe and trouble-free 

operation. All I/O modules are also software configurable.

Quantum Communication Interface Modules

Overview

Nine types of communication interface modules are available and presented in the 

table below, and are described in the following text.

Network Interface Modules

The following table shows the communication interface modules.

RIO Modules (CRP/CRA/NRP) 

Quantum RIO head and drop modules use a S908-based networking I/O 

configuration. Communication is done via single or dual coaxial cabling up to 15,000 

feet away. This configuration supports a mix of the following product lines:

 SY/MAX

 200 Series

 500 Series

 800 Series

 Quantum I/O

When Quantum RIO is required, the Quantum controller may support up to 31 RIO 

drops. In an RIO configuration, an RIO head module is connected with coaxial cable 

to RIO drop modules at each remote drop.

Quantum NRP modules provide extended communication capabilities and noise 

immunity for the Quantum RIO network with fiber optic media.

DIO Module (CRA) 

Quantum DIO is implemented over a Modbus Plus network. The CPU or NOMs 

module may be the network head via their Modbus Plus ports. 

Quantum DIO Modbus Plus drop adaptors are specifically designed to link Quantum 

I/O modules to the head via twisted pair shielded cable (Modbus Plus). The DIO 

drop modules also provide the I/O with power (maximum 3A) from a 24 Vdc or a 

115/230 Vac source. Each DIO network supports up to 63 distributed drops using 

repeaters.

Network Option Module (NOM)

Quantum NOM modules provide extended communication capabilities for the 

Quantum system within a Modbus Plus configuration. 

Modbus Plus on Fiber Module (NOM) 

Quantum Modbus Plus on Fiber modules provides connectivity to Modbus Plus 

nodes by fiber cable without fiber optic repeaters, and allows the creation of a pure 

fiber optic network or a mixed fiber optic/twisted-pair network (with the use of a 

490NRP254 Fiber Optic Repeater).

Ethernet TCP/IP (NOE) Modules 

Quantum Ethernet TCP/IP modules make it possible for a Quantum controller to 

communicate with devices on an Ethernet network using TCP/IP – the de facto 

standard protocol. An Ethernet module may be inserted into an existing Quantum 

system and connected to existing Ethernet networks via fiber optic or twisted pair 

cabling

SY/MAX Ethernet Modules (NOE)

Quantum-SY/MAX-Ethernet modules are Quantum CPU network option modules 

that can be placed in a Quantum backplane to connect Quantum controllers to 

SY/MAX devices and applications. 

MMS-Ethernet Modules (NOE)

Quantum-MMS-Ethernet modules are Quantum CPU network option modules that 

can be placed in a Quantum backplane to connect Quantum controllers to MMS 

devices and applications.

InterBus Interface Module (NOA) 

The Quantum InterBus is the interface module to the InterBus bus. The InterBus bus 

is a fieldbus network designed for I/O blocks and intelligent devices used in 

manufacturing. It offers a master/slave topology that permits deterministic I/O 

servicing over it’s 13 km twisted pair network.

LonWorks Modules (NOL)

Quantum NOL modules provide connectivity between a Quantum controller and a 

LonWorks network, based on Echelon’s LonWorks technology. The NOL module is 

offered in three models for different transceiver types, and supports three twistedpair media types with different network topologies or data transfer speeds.

Profibus Interface Module (CRP)

Quantum Profibus module is the interface module to Profibus-DP networks. The 

interface modules use Type A, shielded twisted pair to join inline connectors, with or 

without service ports and bus terminators.

AS-i Interface Module

Quantum AS-i modules provide connectivity between a Quantum controller and ASi networks. AS-i bus cable is an unshielded flat two-wire link on which 

communication and power are transmitted to connected devices. The media 

insulation is self-healing to accommodate junction block removal.