ODVA Global Networks 2002: DeviceNet solutions highlighted

Staff -- Control Engineering, 11/1/2002

Deerfield Beach, FL -Nine members of the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA, Boca Raton, FL) released new DeviceNet-related products and described solutions on Oct. 1 at ODVA's 8th annual Global Networks 2002 conference and annual general meeting.

• Omron Electronics LLC (Schaumburg, IL) introduced its DRT2 smart DeviceNet slave, which is able to monitor status of I/O devices and network communications. DRT2 allows users to remotely monitor and diagnose common problems, such as low network voltage, communications errors, and short circuits for connected devices, providing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting capabilities.
  
• Siemon Co. (Watertown, CT) featured its Industrial Max products that provide reliable connections in harsh environments. For example, Industrial Max plug and outlet are rated IP67and have a patent-pending, bayonet-type mating interface that prevents over tightening.
  
• Besides presenting its existing machine controllers, drives, device-level electronics, pneumatic devices solutions, Bosch Rexroth Corp. (Hoffman Estates, IL) described its new PPC Ethernet/IP slave card. PPC slave features 40 words in each direction on a cyclic channel; complete read/write access to all PPC parameters; runs visual motion and Synax software; and has the same interface as DeviceNet and ControlNet interfaces, which enables PLC programming consistency and rapid commissioning.
  
• Eaton Corp. and its Cutler-Hammer electric power distribution and business (Pittsburgh, PA) introduced their latest development in predictive relay technology, InsulGard, which consists of three components. Eaton's Cutler-Hammer business unit also released InsulGard G2, an online, noninvasive, continuous testing tool that monitors insulation integrity in large power transformer bushings.
  
• Woodhead Connectivity (Northbrook, IL; Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) featured the release of its Brad Harrison Slice I/O product line for DeviceNet. Brad Harrison Slice I/O combines the advantages of DIN-mounted I/O devices with the benefits of machine-mounted I/O by offering a family of I/O products with programmable inputs and outputs. Woodhead also introduced its NetAlert! NetDecoder, which provides a unique view inside industrial network traffic.
  
• InterlinkBT (Plymouth, MN) launched its new nine-port, fully 'connectorized' industrial Ethernet switch, which joins the company's five-port switch, to assist users seeking enterprise-wide information from the plant floor.
  
• Wind River Systems Inc. (Hudson, OH) demonstrated its Tornado for Industrial Automation-DeviceNet, which provides an embedded software platform for developing fully compliant DeviceNet client and server devices based on VxWorks real-time operating system.
  
• Beckhoff USA (Minneapolis, MN) debuted its CX1000 embedded PC, a modular, DIN-rail-mounted, small format industrial computer, which the firm expects to revolutionize mid-range PLC and motion control solutions.
  
• To help users avoid development expenses while networking automation devices into Ethernet/IP, Rockwell Automation (Milwaukee, WI) highlighted Beck IPC GmbH's IPC@Chip with a communications stack from Ethernet/IP. IPC@Chip allows intelligent devices to be easily upgraded to an I/O server or to a message server for Ethernet/IP.