R2 Controls adds Modbus software to Gazelle microcontrollers

-- Control Engineering, 7/1/2003

Roseville, CA—R2 Controls reports that it has added Modbus communications software to its existing line of C-programmable, industrial microcontrollers.

R2's R101 Gazelle microcontroller was introduced in June 2002, and is now operating in applications in the U.S. and Canada. Gazelle is used processing applications requiring direct keypad access and text display capabilities, including manufacturing, automation control, fluid control systems and data logging. Based on the Cygnal 8051 system-on-chip processor, Gazelle provides a complete solution for programmable control with its integrated keypad, display, and industrial I/O interfaces.

'The R101 Gazelle's compact design enables ease of use and versatile integration into any in-house or OEM application,' says Tim Hinchey, R2's president and CEO. 'The complete integration of common industrial control and user interfaces as an integrated, low-cost solution allows process and system control engineers to meet today's reduced project budgets without eliminating features.

'The addition of recently added Modbus communications software capability makes the Gazelle an ideal solution in applications where integration of intelligent I/O is desired. This new enhancement is also available on R2 Controls' other standard embedded controller products, including the Gazelle-CP, the Impala and the Bongo Microcontrollers.'

R101 Gazelle includes a combination of industrial I/O interfaces including 30 digital I/O lines with high-current sinking/sourcing capability and input protection, eight 12-bit high-speed analog inputs, two 12-bit analog outputs, four 16-bit timer/counters, two comparators, and four PWM/edge detectors. It also also includes two RS-232 serial ports (one may be configured for RS-485), real-time clock, watchdog timer, and expansion port capability using standard protocols such as SPI, SMBus and I2C.

R2 adds that its R401 Development Kit is available to assist rapid end-user adaptation of Gazelle. The firm also provides telephone technical support to aid customers during project development and deployment.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com