R. STAHL IS1+

Remote I/O System

IS1+ Remote I/O System

Remote I/O for modern process plants, hazardous areas and digital infrastructure.

The R. STAHL IS1+ Remote I/O System is a market-leading automation platform designed to safely bring field signals, diagnostics and process data from hazardous areas into the control layer. Suitable for installation in Zone 1 environments, IS1+ helps reduce complex hardwiring, simplify expansion projects and support smarter plant operation.

As industrial systems become more connected, traditional point-to-point wiring can become expensive, space-consuming and difficult to maintain. IS1+ offers a more efficient approach by placing intelligent remote I/O closer to the process, where signals from sensors, valves, switches and instruments can be gathered and transmitted digitally through robust intrinsically safe networks.

The result is a cleaner control architecture, easier commissioning, improved diagnostics and a system built for long-term industrial use.

What is the IS1+ Remote I/O System?

IS1+ is a modular Remote I/O platform developed for hazardous areas and harsh industrial environments. It allows process signals to be collected in the field and sent back to the automation system using a range of communication protocols.

Rather than running large volumes of individual cables from every device back to the control room, IS1+ enables decentralised signal handling closer to production assets. This can significantly reduce installation effort, cabinet requirements and future modification costs.

R. STAHL has continuously developed the IS1+ platform, making it one of the most widely recognised Remote I/O solutions for hazardous area automation worldwide.

How the System Works

Remote I/O Installed in the Field

IS1+ stations are positioned close to instruments and equipment in hazardous areas. Signals from field devices are terminated locally and processed through the system’s modular I/O hardware.

Digital Communication Back to Control Systems

Once signals are collected, they are transmitted back to PLC, DCS or SCADA systems using supported industrial communication protocols. This allows central monitoring and control while reducing traditional wiring infrastructure.

Modular Expansion

The system can be configured with a wide range of analog, digital and temperature I/O modules, making it suitable for both small installations and large process plants.

Built-In Diagnostics

Integrated system diagnostics help identify faults, communication issues and device conditions early, helping maintenance teams respond faster and minimise downtime.

Key Advantages

 

Reduce Wiring and Installation Costs

By placing I/O closer to the process, IS1+ can dramatically reduce the amount of multicore field wiring required between plant areas and control rooms.

Save Valuable Cabinet Space

Less marshalling and termination hardware is needed, helping reduce cabinet size and control room footprint.

Flexible for Mixed Plant Environments

The IS1+ platform supports multiple communication protocols, making it suitable for sites operating a mix of old and new control systems.

Faster Commissioning

Simplified architecture and modular design help speed up installation, testing and startup activities.

Improve Plant Availability

Advanced diagnostics provide early warning of faults and support predictive maintenance strategies.

Long Service Life

Designed for demanding industrial use, IS1+ is built to support long-term operation even in harsh environments.

Built for Digitalisation and Modern Automation

The latest IS1+ generation supports advanced communication technologies designed for modern plants. This includes intrinsically safe Ethernet using 100BASE-TX-IS, allowing high-speed data communication directly in hazardous areas.

The platform is also well suited to modern automation concepts such as modular process systems, packaged skids and future-facing plant digitalisation strategies.

For users modernising existing assets or building new facilities, IS1+ provides a scalable and future-ready route forward.

Supported Communication Protocols

PROFINET

EtherNet / IP

PROFIBUS DP

Modbus TCP + RTU

HART-IP

OPC UA

Built for Harsh Industrial Environments

 

IS1+ is engineered for demanding operating conditions and can be used in ambient temperatures from -40°C to +75°C.

This makes it suitable for exposed outdoor installations, offshore applications, marine environments and process areas where long-term reliability is essential.

The robust modular design also helps support maintenance and future expansion throughout the system lifecycle.

Flexible Modules and System Components

 

The IS1+ platform includes a broad range of modules and accessories to support different automation requirements.

Available options include:

  • Digital input modules
  • Digital output modules
  • Analog input modules
  • Analog output modules
  • Temperature input modules
  • Power supply modules
  • Communication modules
  • Fibre optic options
  • Field enclosures
  • Device management tools

This modular approach allows each system to be tailored to the needs of the application.

 

Need Advice on Remote I/O for Hazardous Areas?

 

Speak with Exloc about the R. STAHL IS1+ system for upgrades, expansions or new hazardous area projects.

 

Communications modules for Zone 1 and Zone 2 or Division 1 and 2

Protocols Installation Max. no. of I/O modules Power supply Type series
PROFIBUS DP or Modbus RTU Zone 1 / Div. 1 8 24 V DC* / 120/230 V AC 9440/22
Modbus TCP or EtherNet/IP or PROFINET Zone 1* / Div. 1 8 24 V DC 9441/12
PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP Zone 2 / Div. 2 16 24 V DC 9442/35
PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP Zone 1 16 24 V DC 9442/32

* not for new projects

Zone 2 and Division 2 I/O modules, Ex i signals

Function Channels Application Type series
Analogue Universal Module HART 8 Analogue inputs/outputs: 0/4 … 20 mA with HART 9468/33-08-10
Temperature Input Module 8 Resistance thermometers (2-, 3-, 4-wire), THCs, potentiometers, joysticks 9482/33-08-10
Digital Input Output Module 16 Digital inputs/outputs: Contacts, proximity switches, low-power solenoid valves 9470/33-16-10
Digital Output Module 8 Solenoid valves 12.6 V / 30 mA 9475/33-08-50
Digital Output Module 8 Solenoid valves 17.5 V / 30 mA 9475/33-08-60

Zone 2 and Division 2 I/O modules, non-Ex i signals

Function Channels Application Type series
Universal Module HART 8 Analogue and digital Ex ec inputs/outputs: 0/4 … 20 mA with HART, pnp contacts, digital output 24 V / 0.5 A; SIL2 output shutdown 9469/35-08-12
Digital Input Output Module NAMUR 16 Digital Ex ec inputs/outputs: Contacts, (pnp) proximity switches, low-power solenoid valves 9471/35-16-11
Digital Output Module 24 V 16 Digital Ex ec inputs/outputs: Contacts, (pnp) proximity switches, 24 V / 0.5 A solenoid valves; SIL2 output shutdown 9472/35-16-12
Digital Output Module Relais 8 Integrated NO relay contacts Ex ec for loads up to 250 V AC / 2 A 9477/15-08-12

Zone 1 and Division 1 I/O modules, Ex i signals

Function Channels Application Type series
Analogue Universal Module HART 8 Analogue inputs/outputs: 0/4 … 20 mA with HART 9468/32-08-10
Temperature Input Module 8 Resistance thermometers (2-, 3-, 4-wire), THCs, potentiometers, joysticks 9482/32-08-11
Digital Input Output Module 16 Digital inputs/outputs: Contacts, proximity switches, low-power solenoid valves 9470/32-16-10
Digital Output Module 4 Solenoid valves 11.3 V / 40 mA; SIL2 output shutdown 9475/32-04-12
Digital Output Module 4 Solenoid valves 12.3 V / 75 mA; SIL2 output shutdown 9475/32-04-22
Digital Output Module 4 Hydraulic valves 12.3 V / 75 mA; SIL2 output shutdown 9475/32-04-72
Digital Output Module 8 Solenoid valves 12.6 V / 30 mA; SIL2 output shutdown 9475/32-08-52
Digital Output Module 8 Solenoid valves 17.5 V / 20 mA; SIL2 output shutdown 9475/32-08-62

Zone 1 and Division 1 I/O modules, non-Ex i / pneumatic signals

Function Channels Application Type series
Digital Output Module Valve 8 Pneumatic control of valves via 3/2-way solenoid valves with 2.5 … 7 bar; SIL2 output shutdown 9478/22-08-51
Digital Output Module Relais 6 Integrated relay contacts for loads up to 250 V AC / 2 A 9477/12-06-12
Digital Output Module Relais 8 Integrated relay contacts for loads up to 60 V AC / 2 A 9477/12-08-12

Zone 1 signal converter modules for non-Ex i signals

Function Channels Application Type series
mA-Isolating Repeater 1 For 4-wire transmitters, Ex i or Ex e connection to 9468 modules, incl. HART 9164/13
Electronic Relay 1 Switching of Ex e load, max. 253 V AC, 5 A with 9475 modules 9174
Relay Module 1 Switching of Ex e or Ex i load, max. 253 V AC, 125 V DC / 2 A with 9475 modules 9177

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