New network products: Easier legacy integration, wireless Ethernet

By Control Engineering Staff January 4, 2007
FieldServer Technologies can preprogram the ProtoCessor to provide industrial or building automation interoperability from legacy to modern networks.

Two new network products: Connection to newer networks from legacy communications is easier using daughter plug-in cards from FieldServer Technologies , and a module from InduCom enables wireless Ethernet connections.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can quickly connect legacy devices to modern protocol networks without extensive board redesign using a series of daughter cards. The ProtoCessor family of Industrial Protocol Coprocessors from FieldServer Technologies are said to provide comprehensive protocol translation capability. With access to the extensive FieldServer Technologies driver library, ProtoCessor can be embedded on the device to enable the manufacturer to meet interoperability needs. Protocols available include EtherNet/IP, BACnet IP, BACnet MSTP, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, Metasys N2, DNP3, LonWorks, and a variety of legacy and proprietary protocols. It has either an RS-232 or RS-485 port on the host side (OEM’s product) and a ProtoCessor TTL socket on the board that can accept any ProtoCessor chosen to meet the end-user’s need. FieldServer Technologies is a division of Sierra Monitor Corp.

Variable speed forced air cooling helps maintain AcQ InduCom M-module and internal circuitry temperature. Internal temperature can be monitored to ensure safe operating levels.

AcQ InduCom added the wireless version of the i5500 Ethernet M-module carrier to its product line. It’s said to provide Ethernet connectivity to other M-modules. The i5500 supports two single-wide or one double-wide M-module. The unit is available with a steel and aluminum enclosure suitable for desktop or rack installation or without the enclosure for application-specific mounting. A simple Ethernet command protocol eases software integration and allows M-module reset, identification, and module control and configuration. The carrier provides access to the M-module I/O space. A flexible block-access command speeds sequential data access. MA-module triggers are fully supported allowing inter-module triggering and external input or output triggers through the 9-pin DSUB connector. It needs a 12 V dc power supply connected through a standard 2.5mm power jack or 9-pin DSUB connector. All other voltage levels required by the internal logic and installed M-modules are generated internally. The i5500 is available with or without an enclosure.

—Edited by Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering editor in chief