Sixnet releases open-source RTU
-- Control Engineering, 10/1/2002
Clifton, NY - Sixnet recently released the VersaTRAK IPm Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) on an embedded Linux platform. Designed for datalogging, supervisory control, and data acquisition (SCADA), VersaTRAK IPm is said to provide users power and flexibility of open-source software and the reliability of industrial grade hardware.
User programs may be created using industry standard ISaGRAF IEC 6113-3 programming tools or a free Linux compiler. A Linux web server runs web pages created using any standard HTML development tools. Communication options include a 10/100 auto-detecting Ethernet port and four serial ports. Modbus and Sixnet protocols are included and Sixnet expects third party developers will make other Linux-based drivers available. Telephone, radio communications, and RS485 party-line media are all supported.
A RISC co-processor handles communications enabling the four serial ports to run at high speed with no loss of performance. Included Linux firmware provides a suite of Ethernet and Internet protocols and capabilities. The VersaTRAK IPm runs on a 32-bit PowerPC with 16+ Megabytes of fast dynamic memory.
Depending on the model chosen, between 4 and 136 Megabytes of Flash memory are available. The VersaTRAK IPm is designed to poll up to 50,000 I/O points using a combination of Six-TRAK local, EtherTRAK (Ethernet), and Modbus I/O channels. I/O tag definitions can be shared with popular Microsoft Window's applications using a shared resource database.
A suite of devel-opment and maintenance tools is supplied by Sixnet to assist in system-wide design, integration, and deployment. VersaTRAK IPm is certified for operation from -40 to +70°C (-40 to 158°F); is UL, CSA, CE, and DNV certified; and is rated for Zone 2 hazardous locations.
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