AB Fair 2004: ProSoft introduces wireless gateways

Orlando, FL—To connect field devices using different networks and share data between them “over the air,” ProSoft Technology is introducing its ProLinx 6000 series of wireless gateways at Allen-Bradley Automation Fair 2004, Sept. 27-28, at the Orange County Convention Center.

By Control Engineering Staff October 26, 2004

Orlando, FL— To connect field devices using different networks and share data between them “over the air,” ProSoft Technology is introducing its ProLinx 6000 series of wireless gateways at Allen-Bradley Automation Fair 2004 , Sept. 27-28, at the Orange County Convention Center.

ProSoft says these wireless gateways give users more flexibility in wireless solutions because they connect various field devices using different networks or protocols, and share data between these devices “over the air.” This is accomplished by selecting the appropriate protocol/network that provides a connection to the hardwire device, and then converting the protocol into a common radio packet. Conversion can be made from ProSoft Wireless Protocol (PWP) or standard industry protocols, such as EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP/IP, to other wireless gateways in the system. These gateways use two conversion methodologies:

  • Conversion method #1, using standard industry protocol
    The radio gateways can convert to and from hardwire devices on DF1, Modbus, Modbus TCP/IP, ASCII, Profibus networks to wireless EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP/IP. The wireless messages can then be transmitted to any 802.11b radio connected to a EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP/IP.

  • Conversion method #2, using ProSoft Wireless Protocol
    A user has a Modbus device at one location, a HART device at another location and a Profibus device at a third location. All that is required for these devices to communicate is to select the appropriate gateway that connects to the field device and the conversion is done using PWP which allows one or more of these devices to communicate to another via an industrial hotspot, provided by ProSoft’s RLX-IH.

As with all ProSoft products, ProLinx 6000 series gateways come with a one-year warranty and unlimited technical support.

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