Ethernet gateway for affordable power management

By Control Engineering Staff October 6, 2005

Schneider Electric says that its PowerLogic-EGX100 Ethernet gateway is an affordable, power monitoring-and-control unit. Whether extending Ethernet access within a single facility or throughout a multi-site enterprise, PowerLogic EGX100 is said to provide reliable Ethernet-to-serial line-connectivity between intelligent meters, sensors and other remote instruments. Ideal for energy management, power distribution, or factory automation, the gateway uses the Modbus TCP/IP protocol, for fast, reliable communications in even the most demanding applications. Whether used to help monitor, program or control multiple devices, EGX100 offers power and performance in a compact, affordable and easy-to-use package.

“Power over Ethernet”-enabled EGX100 eliminates the need for control power transformers, disconnects, and ac-dc power supplies, while reducing installation time and costs. Plus, the gateway hosts its own built-in Web pages so facility managers can configure the unit from any Web–enabled workstation, using a standard, Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser. Other highlights include a TCP/IP-filtering security feature that enables facility managers to specify the access level (read only, full access, or no access) of each Modbus master device to slave devices. Additionally, the gateway allows a Modbus RTU or ASCII serial master device, such as PLC, to access devices across a TCP/IP network.

— Richard Phelps, senior editor, Control Engineering
richard.phelps@reedbusiness.com