Only with outstanding diagnostic options can errors be quickly found. The X20 System offers several levels of diagnostics:

• Direct on the module using visual LED displays. Bus status, I/O status and channel states are displayed in direct assignment to the channels or the function. The different states are displayed in different ways, e.g. green for OK, red for error.
• In the cyclical data image for the software. With the X20 System, status data means no additional communication expense. This is because a considerable difference results between theoretically possible bus speeds and the necessities in practical operation. All necessary status data is always transferred cyclically, with no exceptions.
• Expanded diagnostic data in non-cyclic data traffic without loss in performance. If a problem occurs, detailed diagnostic data can be requested from the application by the respective module using an asynchronous channel. There is no resulting additional communication load whatsoever, and cycle times remain unchanged.

Information such as module type, serial number, functionality and version number is contained in the embedded parameter chip of the X20 module. This information is automatically evaluated by the programming environment, Automation Studio™, and by the application program. This allows errors to be avoided, both with commissioning and with service. Additionally, the system configuration can be automated and makes flexible versions possible.

Worldwide defined serial numbers of modules are today gaining increasing significance in validated systems, as demanded for example by the FDA.

Each individual electronic module has electrical isolation to the electronics in the bus module. This helps to avoid possible negative influences from system-dependent I/O. Stable and robust electronics originate from a well thoughtout basic design.